Did not mention it but I do have a timer for the block heater, just a little plug in model I picked up at Menards. Also have wood pallets to rest implements on since I have the SSQA, easy switch from FEL to snow blade, figure I may need one or the other quickly, may have to dig out drifts of "Redi-Whip" if too tall and wide for the blade.
Tell me a bit about that 911 red additive. Is it worth having some on hand? I have the gray and white.
Also in an earlier post about chains someone said putting chains on the front was not a good idea. Anybody know why that is?
People run into problems in cold weather when they don't use fuel regularly bought at big truck stops. They buy a couple of 25 liter containers of diesel in warm weather in early Sept. Fill their machine and then wait for cold weather. The warm weather diesel is the problem as it gels in cold weather.
I buy my diesel in bulk in mid December. I pay a premium for what my supplier calls -40 fuel. It is good to -40 F without gelling. I never use nor need an additive.
Trucks stops selling large quantities of fuel, adjust what they buy based upon the time of year temp. Because they go through large quantities, their stock is always current whereas a gas station selling gas and diesel is likely not selling much diesel and their stock be be the wrong stuff for the current season.
Re chains on front axles.
On my model, Kubota says no way. M7040.
I would not anyway as I know what front axle parts cost. Your rear axle with no steering and big wheels and tires is much tougher than a front axle having steering capability. Treat your front axle like your best friend under the most difficult conditions. Some tractors have simple U joints in the drive shaft at each front wheel to allow the wheel to steer. Some tractors use "portal" axles where the drive shaft does not reach the front wheels rather spur bevel gears turn the twisting force 90 degrees and then down lower, another 90 degree turn and out to the center of the wheel. All these gears and bearings are expensive. The front chains will give more traction to be certain but even the best TRYGG studded chains impose a pulsing force in the drive train. Spend a bit on time on Messicks.com looking at what your front axle and its parts cost then make a decision. To me the choice is obvious.
TRYGG studded chains on the rear, tires loaded and heavy snow blower on the 3 pt. That is a prescription that will last. If your situation is so tough you need 4WD most of the time, then buy screw in tire studs for the front tires. They are used around the world on road clearing equipment. The load they impose on the front drive line is much more uniform and yet they provide ice traction as good as many types of chains.
Dave M7040
