What’s the best system for snow traction on narrow skid steer tracks?

[jaustinco]

I have a Kubota SVL75 with the narrow tracks. I currently use grip rite tungsten studs but they don’t offer enough traction. Looking for advice. I have a lot of uneven terrain here.

 

[Topper1]

My opinion only.
It's a common issue with all solid rail track systems. aggravated even more with luggy "dirt" tracks that most CTL units come with. Those big block tracks should be abolished. LOL. Great in gravel & dirt, but not much else.
I've tried a few CTL's, some with studs, and never again. The tracks and solid rail tubs were never designed for winter ice & snow operations. Adding studs tore up the shop floor and the track itself over time. Spending some $$ for all weather tracks definitely helps but doesn't solve the issue completely..
IMHO, best options for snow removal.
-ASV tracked units - ( ASV supplied track systems to Terex & CAT for a few years) Full floating track rail suspension and a true all weather track design.
- Any wheeled machine with narrow dedicated ice & snow grips.

 

[Landenh18]

My opinion only.
It's a common issue with all solid rail track systems. aggravated even more with luggy "dirt" tracks that most CTL units come with. Those big block tracks should be abolished. LOL. Great in gravel & dirt, but not much else.
I've tried a few CTL's, some with studs, and never again. The tracks and solid rail tubs were never designed for winter ice & snow operations. Adding studs tore up the shop floor and the track itself over time. Spending some $$ for all weather tracks definitely helps but doesn't solve the issue completely..
IMHO, best options for snow removal.
-ASV tracked units - ( ASV supplied track systems to Terex & CAT for a few years) Full floating track rail suspension and a true all weather track design.
- Any wheeled machine with narrow dedicated ice & snow grips.

You should check out Chains for Tracks if you are looking for more traction without beating up your tracks or without having to drill into your tracks. You don't have to spend the extra money to buy expensive winter tracks. The block tracks with chains for tracks actually do better.

 

[MarkCO]

You should check out Chains for Tracks if you are looking for more traction without beating up your tracks or without having to drill into your tracks. You don't have to spend the extra money to buy expensive winter tracks. The block tracks with chains for tracks actually do better.

I bought chains for tracks (over $1000) and wish I would have just spent the extra money on winter tracks. Sure, they have amazing grip even on solid ice; but they constantly need to be tightened, and the thing rides like a tank, even on packed snow. You feel every chain go under each roller.

 

[mrbb]

I bought chains for tracks (over $1000) and wish I would have just spent the extra money on winter tracks. Sure, they have amazing grip even on solid ice; but they constantly need to be tightened, and the thing rides like a tank, even on packed snow. You feel every chain go under each roller.

well that's the nature of the beast with chains, after all there is no suspension or give in the tracks to compensate for the added heights of the chains, there going to be like speed bumps,


if you wanted to try something less bumpy ,
adding screw in carbide studs, then you will have traction without the bumps

but they will also be hard on the surfaces you run them on, as can damage.scratch or worse, concrete/pavement!

but hey do work well in most cases! and without the hump the chains make!

 

[MarkCO]

well that's the nature of the beast with chains, after all there is no suspension or give in the tracks to compensate for the added heights of the chains, there going to be like speed bumps,


if you wanted to try something less bumpy ,
adding screw in carbide studs, then you will have traction without the bumps

but they will also be hard on the surfaces you run them on, as can damage.scratch or worse, concrete/pavement!

but hey do work well in most cases! and without the hump the chains make!

It was somewhat of an uneducated purchase on my part. When I bought them they were a newer product with limited reviews, and the manufacture conveniently forgot to mention how rough the ride is. They definitely have their place, I could probably pull my truck up a 10% grade solid ice with them on.

I’m not really worried about damaging surfaces- 95% gravel roads and driveways where I live and work. my concern with studs is damaging the tracks installing and uninstalling studs over multiple winters.

I run dedicated snow tires on my truck, with studs. By that logic I should be running dedicated tracks on my machine. But usually our snow is cold and grippy so I can get away with just my standard tracks 90% of the time, especially since I do limited snow removal. I just wanted to share my experience for anyone else looking to purchase the product so they can weigh the options.