Snow: Ags and tri-ribs --> turfs and chains
 

I've been off the forum for a few years while stationed overseas. However we're moving to Maine and it's time to plan for how to clear the driveway.

I restored a 149 a few years ago and put ags, wheel weights, tri-ribs and chains on her. When we had a foot of snow she was having some traction issues. I couldn't control the steering in the front and the rears spun and scratched up the driveways.

I'm thinking about going to turfs, as wide as will fit. My wheels are pristine with a new paint job. Should I find a new set of wheels (where would I buy them?), or just take off the awesome looking tires I have, but are pretty useless since I don't go into a garden with it?

For turfs, what sizes do I need?

Usually narrow front wheels(like you have) with the 3 rib tires are the best people say for snow removal. As much as turf tires don’t look as cool they give you the most ground contact and chains really enhance their abilities. If you are looking for different front rims I would check out ******** Marketplace and or Craigslist and or eBay.

The ****** are where I typed in f. A. C. E b. Oo. K. Weird. The website didn’t like that I guess.

I had to dig through my photos (my tractor is in storage), and it looks like I have the narrow 12x7 wheels. I'm running Carlisle Tru-Power 23x8.50-12 ags. I'd like to hunt down a pair of 12x8.5 wheels so I can run 23x10.50-12 turfs.

I think the model humber is 734-3013-0499. Any know for sure?

If Tri-ribs are better in snow than turfs, I'll just keep what I have up front. They worked pretty good until I got into some really deep stuff on a steep driveway.

Update- I just scored a set of 8.5JA wide wheels on eBay. Now to hunt down some turfs. Then to find out if my chains will fit (they're a little loose on the 8.50 ags) or if I'll need wider ones.

I use Carlisle All-Trail II tires on my 169, size 23/10.5/12. I wanted something with deeper lugs than the more common and less expensive turf tires since I do garden with the machine. I've been very happy with them and like the look as well. I live on a very steep hill and without chains it does better than I thought it would when we built the home and moved in. I do generally run two-link chains in winter so I can back uphill with the blower raised. The chains have to be tight so they don't rub on the inside by the battery box. I have loaded the tires with RV antifreeze, put on a set of IH wheel weights, and have added probably a hundred pounds hanging off the back. That is a bit overkill, and it does ok without the extra hanging weight, but I really hate the scratches on my new pavement and this pretty much stopped that.

In my experience, wider rear tires are counter productive on snow and ice. Great for flotation on soft ground, but narrower tires work better in the snow.

If you already have chains with crosschains at every other link and still need more traction, you need more weight on the drive wheels. I've had Turf tires on the rear, and I've had Ag tires on the rear, I found that it didn't make much difference when you have chains on.

I added a carrier on the rear of my 125 to carry a sprayer tank, but in the winter I put about 200 lbs of iron on it for plowing. It has worked very well.
2 years ago, I added more cross chains so it now has a cross chain every other link. The increase in traction with the extra cross chains was significant.

Following this tangent, how do I put a weight rack on a 149?

This is how I mounted a rack on my 125, I realize that 149's are different and this won't translate directly to a 149, but maybe it can give you some ideas.



*** I had intended to post a pic of the setup on my 125, but for reasons I don't understand, It will not post my picture. Weird, because it worked fine before.

Sorry, but I don't know how else to help you without a picture.

Snow Tires
 

I have these tires on front and rear of my 149 with snow blower. I have Rim Guard in rear tires. No tubes in rear tires and each rear wheel weighs right at 100#. Add 50# weights on each wheel and it will not need chains unless on ice. I have a steep driveway and have no problems unless it has ice. Rear tires are 23/8/12. I believe I bought them from Miller Tire but not sure. Thank you for serving and have a great day.
Bob