WildmanC120 613 #1 Posted November 17, 2018 Today was the 1st snow fall for me here in upstate NY. It was also the maiden voyage for my C-161 and the 22hp predator swap. We got about 6" of heavy, wet stuff and the 42" single stage went through it like nothing. Of course this was after I managed to get unstuck and back in a clear spot. I bought some new AG's and weights but it was too late to swap tires, so all I had was turfs and rear weights. This setup proved to be a fail haha. I managed to suffer through and when I was done ran to TSC and picked up a set of chains. WOW...What a difference. Night and day I couldn't believe it. Now I just need to find a set of wheel spacers so I can make a little clearance so I can install the inner set of weights. My mufflers changed color from silver/grey to a nice golden color. The predator runs much much better now to now that it was able to get nice and warm and run for awhile. It did not like to idle without a little choke and now once warmed up will idle nice. I'm sure as it continues to break in it will just get better. Plus i'm sure there was some residual crap gas in the tank that is working its way through the system. 6 9 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Razorback 1,032 #2 Posted November 17, 2018 Very nice! Turfs and chains work good, huh? That is my favorite combination, for snow clearing and ploughing the garden. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WildmanC120 613 #3 Posted November 17, 2018 9 minutes ago, Razorback said: Very nice! Turfs and chains work good, huh? That is my favorite combination, for snow clearing and ploughing the garden. I was surprised. I couldn't go anywhere with just the turf's. Adding the chains made a huge difference. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 4,984 #4 Posted November 17, 2018 Years ago I was blowing snow with the Ford LGT165 and a 2 stage blower with loaded ags, wheel weights, and chains then iit suddenly stopped. I thought something broke in the driveline but it turns out one set of chains came off. Limped it back to the shop and put the chain back on and all was good again (for that day, something broke on that machine every time I used it). 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 63,138 #5 Posted November 17, 2018 9 hours ago, WildmanC120 said: I was surprised. I couldn't go anywhere with just the turf's. Adding the chains made a huge difference. I plowed yesterday for the first time with a tractor. I have 4 fluid filled tires and steel weights. My B80 weighs about 925 pounds. With AGS only I could barely get out of the shop. (Hilly terrain). I put chains on and like you said... Night and Day difference!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PeacemakerJack 10,671 #6 Posted November 17, 2018 on snow and especially ice, there is no substitute for chains. Since I have a gravel drive, I picked up a set of 2 link v-bars and I’m constantly amazed at the traction they provide. thanks @WildmanC120 for the update on that Predator motor. Sounds like you have a winning combo—vintage wheel horse toughness with a modern fresh “heart” transplant. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steelman 250 #7 Posted November 17, 2018 Chains are definitely a difference maker. I just moved to a new home with a concrete driveway and am concerned that my chains wi. damage the cement. I will likely pick up some rubber chains if I can get a source. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 63,138 #8 Posted November 17, 2018 11 minutes ago, steelman said: I will likely pick up some rubber chains if I can get a source. Can anyone point me in the right direction? @Ed Kennell How about you... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,067 #9 Posted November 17, 2018 Wildman, good going on that predator swap, like you said ,it will probably settle down with more time on it. question, looking at the pto to muffler / belt area, are you planning a heat shield to separate hot to cool ? with the hot air, blowing off that side ,it might not take much of a flat angle to deflect and enhance that heat/cooling. you are probably already planning , " enhancements " to this neat swap. now that you are running, you will only make it better, pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 6,777 #10 Posted November 17, 2018 Just Google rubber tire chains for a variety of suppliers. The manufacturer has this website: Rubber Tire Chains 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KC9KAS 4,741 #11 Posted November 17, 2018 @WildmanC120 Is the front muffler close enough to the belt to cause damage, or is it an optical confusion? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WildmanC120 613 #12 Posted November 17, 2018 5 hours ago, KC9KAS said: @WildmanC120 Is the front muffler close enough to the belt to cause damage, or is it an optical confusion? Might just be the angle of the picture. I would hope that this is enough room. 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eric C 109 #13 Posted November 18, 2018 14 hours ago, steelman said: Chains are definitely a difference maker. I just moved to a new home with a concrete driveway and am concerned that my chains wi. damage the cement. I will likely pick up some rubber chains if I can get a source. Can anyone point me in the right direction? I got mine from here: https://www.tirechain.com/Garden-Tractor-Rubber-Tire-Chains.htm 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites