L3301 Kubota with 4WD

[John Reichert]

I have a 2 year old L3301 tractor and recently used a grading blade to plow about 6" of snow with an 1" layer of ice on top for the first time. Prior to getting the Kubota, I used a Ford 1710 for over 30 years, which I used frequently to plow snow. I have some experience. The Ford 1710 was 2 wheel drive, with turf tires, rear chains, and 150 lbs. on the front weight bracket.

The recent ice/snow mix, was the first appreciable snow fall in almost 10 years. The rear tires on the L3301 were both filled with fluid from the dealer. So rear traction is decent to great with the AG tires. But the front tires seem to "float" a bit on the snow covered surface, resulting in some side movement even when making slight turns. This can get a bit dicey when traveling along the side of a hill. I was thinking, some front weight may correct some of the issue and may help when mowing wet grass in the spring.

I am looking for some comments and suggestions. Should I install suit case weights on a new front bracket or go with front wheel weights and if so, how much weight?

Thanks,
John

 

[jimh406]

My neighbor with an L uses chains on his front wheels.

 

[mcmxi]

My neighbor with an L uses chains on his front wheels.

Chains aren't going to help much if there isn't sufficient weight on the front axle. I ran front chains on the MX6000HST over one winter but I had the Land Pride STB1596 snow blade on the front of the loader so plenty of weight up front. I can't say that I really needed the front chains on the open station MX since I don't use chains on the MX6000HSTC and don't have any issues. I have more overall weight on this tractor though with the addition of three sets of rear wheel weights, along with Rim Guard in the rear tires (MX6000HST had Rim Guard too).

@John Reichert, I run suitcase weights on my M6060 when the loader is removed and they work really well pulling the big RC1237 folding cutter around my hilly property. They definitely help with the balance and ride of the tractor. I would estimate that you want somewhere around 30% to 40% of the weight of the loader in suitcase weights as a starting point.

 

[ayak]

I had siped (grooved) my R4 tires since I’m reluctant to go with chains. I do keep snow in the FEL itself when it starts to get a bit funky.
Just came back in from the same situation you had. Started as snow, then we had melting, then freezing rain, and then more snow. I just did my ice breaker routine with the piranha bar across the FEL and pushed it away, easily.

 

[jimh406]

Chains aren't going to help much if there isn't sufficient weight on the front axle.

How much weight do you need on the front to keep the front tracking? My neighbor only runs front chains on his L3400 with R1s. I have chains for my front and rear. I started with fronts and neighbor did because they are a lot easier to put on and probably around 1/4 the weight.

If I didn't have "enough" weight, my front chains wouldn't do anything, but I've added no additional weight to the front. The front end tracks better with chains with my R4s. The same is true for my neighbor with R1s. That's why we put them on.

That's two Ls that front chains that work on without additional weight. As always, YMMV.