traction problem

[P.S.]

I got a TEA 2085 wich I use for snow with my 5ft snowblower. I used to use chains but last summer I got my laneway paved. Anybody has any idea how to get more traction?

 

[Richard L]

Have you put fluid in the tires? NOT water. Also there are weights that can be bolted onto the wheels or axles.

 

[phil(va)]

As Richard says, put fluid in the tires. My tire man uses methanol these days, not attractive to animals and doesn't rust the rims. Also, make sure the tire pressure isn't too high. Twelve pounds should be enough, especially in your circumstances. Other than that, you might put more weight on the hitch, but that's all I can think of.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Depends on how good of a job was done on your driveway. If you've got chains without the V bars or studs on the links, you should be OK. Dave

 

[Bob (Aust)]

I don't profess any experience with snow - and don't want any either - but would you not improve traction by reducing rear tire pressure from 12 psi to 6 - 8 psi?

 

[Geoff(NS)]

Don't just drop the blower onto the pavement, keep a little lift on it, try to fly it 1/2 inch above the pavement. You probably can't actually do that, but in trying to do it, the hydraulic lift will transfer most of the weight of the blower onto the rear end and improve your traction a lot.

The same trick works with a rear blade, by the way.

Keep the tire pressure a little low, to make maximum contact with the ground, as others recommended.

I use simple cross chains plowing my neighbour's paved driveway, and they don't chew the pavement up at all.

 

[buick8]

Fluid in the tires is definitely called for. If you fill them half, it also has the added benefit of lowering the center of gravity, making it less tipsy.
Imagine that: gallons of methanol making one less tipsy...
Don't know why you could not use reject engine coolant (antifreeze) as well, since it would not freeze and might even be free. It would nust be a matter of getting it in there. Here in the South we use water, never had a problem with freezing but winter is our off season anyway.

 

[John (UK)]

6psi is too low Bob, it will crack the walls if the tires are a bit old. You can use them so low pressure if you got stuck and just to get it out,with care, but not otherwise. Plus when you drop pressures so low there is always the chance that the tires will creep around the rim when they grip and then they will rip off the inflator.I wouldn't normally consider going lower than 8psi and only then very slow moving and NOT pulling anything....John