I find it amazing how these machines make you say, yay I have work to do. Ive been meaning to collect some firewood for a few months now. Got 'er done today, and really quick and easy too!
I know what you are saying. JD makes a bracket that attaches to the back of the tractor. It mounts between the fender deck and the hitch plate. Then you can hang 2-42 pound weights on the bracket. My dealer recommended the whole set up when buying my 46" plow for the old L108. It makes quite a difference in traction.The reason your La135 is making marks on your driveway using your snowblower is not enough wait on the back of your tractor. Put some weight on the back of the tractor .My neighbor has a level driveway , when he had his snowblower on the front of his 12hp Craftsman , he couldn't even turn his tractor around with out spinning with chains on his tires. We added a little carrier on the back of his tractor added 3 concrete blocks no more spinning.
I think some people say they don't need chains simply because they have never used them. I could probably get by without chains but what a PITA that would be. Heck, I could even get by without the tractor.
I almost put my front chains on the other day, I was just sick and tired of the front end sliding all over the place, pushing snow or not. Chains don't really care much if they are on soft ground, frozen ground or ice.
That and they all must be flat paved driveways - those always bragging about not using chains.I think some people say they don't need chains simply because they have never used them. I could probably get by without chains but what a PITA that would be. Heck, I could even get by without the tractor.
I almost put my front chains on the other day, I was just sick and tired of the front end sliding all over the place, pushing snow or not. Chains don't really care much if they are on soft ground, frozen ground or ice.
Next time we get enough snow to push out of the way you can come to our place and practice on my hills. I'll pick up the pieces and call 911 for you. :munch:Forgot to say mostly side hill, up and down. I like the challenge. And of course 4WD. YEE HAW!
Buzz off. It is what I say it is. :lolol:I think Gene's post above is very good. The whole chain vs. no chain thing boils down to a couple factors. The first factor is technique. I watch a neighbor who just put a front mounted blower on his machine. He is on and off his machine several times fiddling with the chute because of clogs, etc. (The only time I get off of my machines is to rotate the rear blade). He has chains, but spins his tires as he mashes the pedals, etc. To me, his technique needs refined. He will learn over time (maybe).
The other factor is what your individual requirements are. The bottom line is that each one of us needs to do what is right for the varying aspects of our driveway surfaces, topography of our land, and the type and amount of snow we get. And if you are doing what works for you, then that is all that matters. Chains, no chains, front or rear blower, front or rear blade, even tire grooves or not, who cares as long as our snow gets moved and we have fun and stay safe.
Now that doesn't mean we can't have some good natured ribbing:thumbup1gif:
I know, from experience :banghead:, I tried clearing my driveway several years ago, which is sloped and paved, without chains once and will never do it again. After sliding the tractor down the driveway with no way of stopping it, you learn quickly. Yes, if your driveway is relatively level, you can get away without chains. If you have a sloped driveway, risking losing control of the tractor just isn't worth it. IMHO, put the chains on!!!!:good2:I think some people say they don't need chains simply because they have never used them. I could probably get by without chains but what a PITA that would be. Heck, I could even get by without the tractor.
I almost put my front chains on the other day, I was just sick and tired of the front end sliding all over the place, pushing snow or not. Chains don't really care much if they are on soft ground, frozen ground or ice.
Buzz off. It is what I say it is. :lolol:
I know. Didn't mean to come off as a bad thing for not using chains. The first time I moved snow here I did it without. Came close to not making it back up my drive and going over the edge a few times. That would not have ended well. Since Tonton gave me a set of chains I'm a believer in using them at my place. To many hills and drop offs with the bottom being to far down for it to end well. I know the no chains thing is all in good fun, didn't mean anything bad about it. Caution should always be used and these R-4 tires are the worse when it comes to snow for me. I hear turfs are better but my next set will be HDAP.I think Gene's post above is very good. The whole chain vs. no chain thing boils down to a couple factors. The first factor is technique. I watch a neighbor who just put a front mounted blower on his machine. He is on and off his machine several times fiddling with the chute because of clogs, etc. (The only time I get off of my machines is to rotate the rear blade). He has chains, but spins his tires as he mashes the pedals, etc. To me, his technique needs refined. He will learn over time (maybe).
The other factor is what your individual requirements are. The bottom line is that each one of us needs to do what is right for the varying aspects of our driveway surfaces, topography of our land, and the type and amount of snow we get. And if you are doing what works for you, then that is all that matters. Chains, no chains, front or rear blower, front or rear blade, even tire grooves or not, who cares as long as our snow gets moved and we have fun and stay safe.
Now that doesn't mean we can't have some good natured ribbing:thumbup1gif:
And I did not post that in response to any one person. I just wanted us all to keep having fun and posting. And apparently it's a good thing I did post because I gave Keith the chance to remind us that his way is the best way.:nunu::lol: After seeing all your pics, and Timmarks youtube series, you have no excuses to make. Your topography is extreme, in my opinion. The turfs I have had have been good in the snow. I do really like the R4s though for how they shed mud and grass. I still cannot believe how much of a difference the grooving made for winter use. :good2:I know. Didn't mean to come off as a bad thing for not using chains. The first time I moved snow here I did it without. Came close to not making it back up my drive and going over the edge a few times. That would not have ended well. Since Tonton gave me a set of chains I'm a believer in using them at my place. To many hills and drop offs with the bottom being to far down for it to end well. I know the no chains thing is all in good fun, didn't mean anything bad about it. Caution should always be used and these R-4 tires are the worse when it comes to snow for me. I hear turfs are better but my next set will be HDAP.
Woops, meant to reply to House Mouse. I did blowing in 2 wheel drive with chains on. If I get stuck I have chains up front and 4x4 to get me out. Unfortunately I no longer have an F Series diesel to rescue me. A wise man (and a Boy Scout) once said "Always be prepaired!!!!"Maybe you misread my post, or I am misreading yours, but I was saying that I DON'T have chains, and that I had no trouble at all, both on icy/snowy grass surface, and icy/slushy driveway. No slippage at all.
Yup, that is the same set up I have. Not sure how I could add more, as there are only 2 slots for the weights.:laugh:
I know what you are saying. JD makes a bracket that attaches to the back of the tractor. It mounts between the fender deck and the hitch plate. Then you can hang 2-42 pound weights on the bracket. My dealer recommended the whole set up when buying my 46" plow for the old L108. It makes quite a difference in traction.
The bracket got sold with the tractor but I kept my weights.
I thought about this myself. Maybe stack something heavy on top of them. The reason I didn't end up doing this is the transmission. That K46 is not exactly heavy duty. Figured it might be too much for it to handle. Didn't want to end up braking an axle or something.Yup, that is the same set up I have. Not sure how I could add more, as there are only 2 slots for the weights.
I know. But you did one other thing, you got Gizmo to post a pic and in it he had chains on his front tires too. I hadn't seen it that way before. As for what I said I just wanted some to know that not all hills should be taken lightly. For me these R-4's are worthless in snow. Better then turfs in the summer but I don't know about turfs in snow. I haven't done snow removal with turfs. I do enjoy seeing what others are doing in snow while I'm enjoying no snow. Once or twice a year is enough for me. Just need to get through February. :munch:And I did not post that in response to any one person. I just wanted us all to keep having fun and posting. And apparently it's a good thing I did post because I gave Keith the chance to remind us that his way is the best way.:nunu::lol: After seeing all your pics, and Timmarks youtube series, you have no excuses to make. Your topography is extreme, in my opinion. The turfs I have had have been good in the snow. I do really like the R4s though for how they shed mud and grass. I still cannot believe how much of a difference the grooving made for winter use. :good2: