[nixon47]

Getting ready to mount my plow in preparation for winter. In previous years I have cleared several up to about 10inches at a time with my riding mower/plow with no chains. This year will be a bit more fun on my Kodiak. Should I add chains to the mix for my tires? Was thinking that I won't need them since I was able to clear with a rider and no chains and given that my stock tires have a lot more tread.

Also, will probably be looking to have a bit of fun with the kids and pulling them on a tube in the snow. Can I expect to rut out my yard doing so? Think chains would be better in this scenario even with diff lock? Haven't really enjoyed an ATV in the snow before and I am looking forward to some good snow this year. Seeking advice from you snow vets!

Thanks!

 

[Den]

The only time I have ever spun a tire on my Kodiak while snow plowing was when I tried to plow through a long drift that was about 36" deep, and I don't have diff lock on my Kodiak. I really don't think you will need chains. The stock tires on my machine are like claws, and they really grab the ground. I use 4Low while plowing and keep the speed at about 4-5 mph, if I try to go faster the blade will start riding on top.

 

[nixon47]

Perfect, that is exactly what I was thinking. I figured that the only time I may lose traction is if I am providing too much acceleration but we really don't get those crazy snows here in central Ohio. Thanks for the response Den!

 

[KevynBlueStar]

I wondered the same thing, and have used mine 3 separate times pushing snow taller than the blade, and when I pushed it to the ditch area, I was facing down hill, at about a 30 degree angle, and had no problem backing up, with no spinning... So I think you'd be fine... It's a lot more FUN pushing snow with this, than it was with my snowblower... !!

 

[Wayne Alton]

I use chains every winter. I never used them until i got stuck several times in a snow drift. Caution! When you get stuck with chains on YOUR STUCK.... I live on Manitoulin Island in North Ontario so we get snow from time to time

 

[FarNorthID]

I've been plowing for years with my 05 kodiak with no chains in Northern Idaho and have had no issues. I've had to put them on once to help pull out neighbors tractor out of a snow burm he slid into but that's it. This new unit seems even more solid and I won't be using them In it either. If I need to work it that hard where chains are required I'll get the tractor, which I haven't had to do either. This new unit in low range can move some snow without slipping a tire.

 

[Nomad]

I live in the Maritimes in Canada. We get heavy and wet snow. I have 27" zillas on my Kodiak. No chains and no problems.

 

[bigkims1995]

I have no idea of it.