I have chains coming tomorrow but question

[ShawnAgne]

Ok I have the chains coming tomorrow for the 100, so for the big and heavy snows I'll use the chains.

But my question is how much snow could I expect to plow without chains just having a set of weights on and my turf tires?

I know on the cub (bar tires) I could do 2-3 inches (maybe more) with weights and no chains but if there is ice its no bueno. Could I expect the same with my 100 setup and no chains?

[Bill Hudson]

I put the chains on in the fall and leave them until spring(turf tires on a Cub). I plow three sloped concrete driveways and the chains are essential no matter the snow depth.

Bill

[ricky racer]

It really depends on the type of snow you get and the temperature outside. Snow is the slipperiest when the temps are near freezing and the traction is best when it's closer to zero degrees out. I put chains on when the snow comes and leave them on until I figure the majority of snow is done for the year. I plow both concrete and gravel driveways.

[tst]

yup, put em on and leave them there till spring

[Winfield Dave]

My snowplowing Cub wears his chains year round. He is dedicated to just plowing snow.

[v w]

I no longer use the cub for plowing but when I did I did the sane as others are saying. Put them on and leave them on. My cub has wheel weights. I also put chains on and leave them on the cadet with a snow blower. It has a weight box also. My drive is quite steep and asphalt. The cadet is faster and I no longer like playing in the snow. Happy plowing! Vern

[Urbish]

In just-below-freezing temps turf tires will spin and create an ice patch in just about any depth of snow. Ag tires will do the same in light snow, but in my experience tend to do better in the deep stuff (more to pack and grab onto). I wouldn't even attempt to plow in any conditions with turf tires WITHOUT chains on. I am with the others. Put them on and leave them on, at least for the season.

I was hesitant to put chains on my ag-tired Cub for the first couple of seasons that I plowed with it. I spent a lot of time getting stuck (in a low spot, front tire slipped off the edge of the pavement, etc.) and really beat on it doing so. After putting chains on several years ago, I haven't had a single issue with traction.

[SamsFarm]

Those diamond pattern turf baloney skins can get stuck on a patch of ice with a minimal load!

You'll need chains for them!

They are useless in my opinion.

[ShawnAgne]

Thanks I'll go ahead and put the chains on them. Was just thinking about using it no chains on the road with a couple inches, but since I have them and need them, on they'll go.

[inairam]

I put my chains on last fall and did not take them off a few of my tractors this year. I run mostly tuff tires. The chains do less damage to the grass than ag but give a great deal more traction than just the turf. I left it on my 130 with double wheel weights and an IH 1000 and one of my 140s I is used mostly to tow.

Having plowed snow most of my life without chains - chains almost feels like cheating. The traction difference is amazing - a lot more confidence going into snow piles that you will be able to get out. The 60 blade on the A-140 if a lot heavier than the 54 blade and even with wheel weights makes the back a little light. The chains make all of the difference.

I went into a snow pile that was down the hill. I thought I was going to be stuck because the weight was all off the back when I lifted the blade. I backed right out.

[Stanton]

Thanks I'll go ahead and put the chains on them. Was just thinking about using it no chains on the road with a couple inches, but since I have them and need them, on they'll go.

Looks like you have a consensus of "put 'em on and leave 'em on 'til Spring". I'll add to the chorus. First couple winters, I used a Farmall Cub with one set of wheel weights on ag tires. Got stuck a lot on my inclined, gravel driveway. Once I put on chains, everything changed; rarely get stuck. Trying to push any decent amount of snow (3"+) with turf tires and no chains, in my opinion, would be a source of frustration.

Now, if you have ALL the time in the world--absolutely NOTHING to do--and wish to install and remove a set of chains, you can do that. Then, next Spring, report back to us how your winter went. In all seriousness, most of us find it a task to install the buggers and if we don't have to deal with them 'til next Spring, all the better. My vote would be to leave 'em on during winter.

Regardless of what you end up doing, I hope you have a safe and rewarding time pushing snow this winter. With the right combo, it can be quite fun. Let us know how you fare.

[inairam]

Plus it is not a job you want to do in the wet and cold.

[ShawnAgne]

Again thanks everybody. I will put the chains on when they are calling for snow for the next 10 days there is nothing in the forecast. I will agree the Cub with chains was completely different than without.

[Saucymynx]

Last year I plowed a little with my 140 with R1 tires and wheel weights but no chains. I was pretty much done once we started to get more than three or 4 inches of snow. This year I have chains and had the tires loaded with rim guard. The difference is nothing short of amazing. I can’t believe what a beast that tractor is in the snow now. I use it to keep my barnyard clear and for lighter snow plow the drive into a windrow for my 7 foot blower. When the snowfall is less than 5 inches the blower actually makes more of a mess than the plow does but I still need to get it out-of-the-way so I don’t build up banks. I’m anxious to see how the extra weight works with my two bottom plow in the spring. I never lacked For power but would lose traction in heavy spots

[inairam]

Last year with chains and 1 set of wheel weights I wanted to snowplow the fields with my 140 I had so much traction. I use a cub to do the close work and then used the 140 to move the piles.

I plow a 600 foot exposed drive. I was able to run down the drive and well on the grass while moving piles without having to herringbone my way down like I have to with the cub.