How to Improve Traction on Smaller Tractors
Small tractors can pack a whole lot of power, but many farmers find that they just don't get the same traction as their larger counterparts. So to get the best use out of all the power that small tractors use, you should first focus on getting the most traction possible out of your tractor.
Here’s everything you need to know about traction on your small tractors:
The Drawbacks of Small Tractors
You might have noticed when pulling an empty wagon with your tractor that it has a hard time carrying the load up slopes due to a lack of traction. This can be worsened by poor weather conditions such as ice and snow – however, this doesn't mean that small tractors can't get the job done! By adding more weight to your tractor, you can give it the stability it needs to provide great traction and get the job done.
Adding Weight
One great way to add traction to your small tractor is by adding weight to the front of the axle. This could be by packing hay bales in an attached red wagon for convenience. This will act to push down the drive wheel and increase their traction. You could even install wheel weights on the drive wheels of your tractor to do the trick too!
As well as adding weight to your small tractor, there are a few other adjustments you can make to improve its traction:
Adding a Differential Lock
Without a differential lock on your small tractor, you might find that your wheels are working inconsistently: one could be digging into your lawn, and the other spinning like there's no tomorrow. With a differential lock, you can ensure your tractor gets the grip it needs to tow heavy loads.
Change the Tires
Small tractors generally come with R3 turf tires, which are good for the lawn, but they don't do the trick in generating traction. By swapping out your factory tires with R1 agricultural tires or R4 industrial tires, you can greatly improve your traction. However, these tires may not be the best for taking care of your lawn!
Limit Your Expectations
The most important thing to comprehend when trying to improve your traction is to know the limits of your vehicle. Of course, you don't want to push your engine beyond its means, so make sure you aren't trying to do the job of a big vehicle with your small tractor! But, on the other hand, if you know what your tractor is capable of, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see how well small tractors can get the job done.
Conclusion
If you're disappointed at the traction on your small tractor, don't fret. By applying weight and implementing the changes in these articles, you'll find that your tractor packs a punch much harder than you may have expected. Just make sure not to overexert your tractor by knowing its limits, and you'll find it can come in handy for plenty of your farming needs.