Riding mower snow tires. Everything You Need to Know About Buying Lawn Tractor Tires

Everything You Need to Know About Buying Lawn Tractor Tires

A great lawn is something to be proud of. It can do wonders to boost your home’s curb appeal – and regular maintenance of your yard’s grass can help it grow better. But a lawn is only as good as the landscaping equipment you use to maintain it. Having a quality lawn mower or tractor is obviously an important piece of the puzzle – but you may not even think about the quality of the lawn tractor tires on these types of vehicles.

You will need to replace your lawn mower tires and other equipment from time-to-time – especially if they get damaged. Worn-out tires can compromise your precious lawn and cause your mower to spin out or create deeper grooves in soft soil.

Further, if you use your equipment for more than just mowing, you might need more versatile lawn tractor tires than what a typical model delivers for improved grip or extra strength when towing heavy loads.

Today, we are going to break down everything you need to know about lawn tractor tires to help you find the ones that fit your needs best.

Tread Pattern Types

First, you need to understand the difference between tractor tire tread types – and what each pattern equates to.

Smooth Tread

This tire has no tread pattern grooves whatsoever and is used on zero-turn mowers – of which have two control levers instead of a steering wheel. This allows mowers to make tighter turns, but it does not provide much traction.

The smooth tread pattern is primarily used for golf and ground maintenance equipment.

Straight Rib Tread

This tire pattern features straight, shallow ribs and are designed for riding lawn mowers and lawn trailers. These tires work well on wet, slippery surfaces like recently watered lawns or slightly muddy terrain after a rainfall. The straight grooves help to dispel water for better grip and minimal turf damage.

This pattern is ideal for both residential and commercial equipment – and can be used on lawn trailers, tractor attachments, transport vehicles, and farm implements.

Chevron Turf Tread

This is one of the most common tractor tire tread patterns – as it provides adequate traction for mowing typical front lawns or other grassy areas. This pattern helps to provide grip on wet or dry grass without damaging the turf beneath.

The Chevron turf tread is used on commercial and residential mowing equipment – like garden tractors, walk-behind mowers, turf maintenance vehicles, golf carts, snow blowers, and utility vehicles.

Commercial Turf Tread

As the name implies, this tread pattern is used on commercial mowing equipment that is larger than a typical lawn tractor. This tread pattern provides superior traction and long-lasting tread that resists punctures.

Round Shoulder R/S Turf Tread

This is another common tread pattern for lawn mowers and garden tractors because it enables tires to be highly maneuverable and can make tight turns. Tires with this pattern are intended for those looking for superior traction with the least amount of damage.

The round shoulder R/S turf tread, generally used for residential mowers and garden tractors, is widely considered to be the most popular and is highly praised for its ability to work on any terrain without causing much impact.

Lug Traction Tread

This pattern is a top choice for lawn equipment – such as trenchers, ditching machines, and larger garden tractors since the deep lugs offer extremely powerful traction, especially in soft dirt. Tires with the lug traction tread are ideal for serious landscaping – and would more than likely damage a typical lawn.

Modified or Wide Footprint Chevron Turf Tread

This wider chevron pattern provides better weight distribution for larger mowing equipment – of which may also be towing heavy loads. This pattern is ideal for commercial mowing equipment and applications – commonly used for golf course fairway mowers.

Understanding Lawn Mower/ Lawn Tractor Tire Size

One of the most confusing parts of finding new lawn and garden tires is determining which size you need for your specific piece of equipment.

Thankfully, lawn and garden tractor tires have numbers on the tires which indicate the size.

Now, some tires use a two-digit number here while others use three. An example of a two-digit number would appear as 9.50 – 8 while a three-digit number would be 18x 9.50- 8.

So, here is what those numbers mean.

The first number in a three-digit system (in this case 18) refers to the diameter or height of the tire. Note: this is the height of a tire that is inflated – but not bearing any load.

The second number in a three-digit and the first in a two-digit (in this case 9.50) is the width of the tire in inches.

The third number in a three-digit and the second in a two-digit system (8) is the rim diameter size, which is the smaller hole in the middle of the tire. On lawn mowers and tractors, this number will typically be smaller than the width of the tire, since these types of tires are generally wider than the rim.

Now, you may be wondering just what does NHS mean on a tire.

If you see these letters after the sizing numbers, you will know that your tires are “Non-Highway service. This simply means that they are not rated for highway speeds, which is pretty common for lawn tractor tires since the equipment isn’t designed to go very fast.

You will tend to see more information on the side of a lawn tractor tire – which refers to the ply rating or load index. Higher numbers will mean that the tire is stronger and able to withstand heavier loads since they are made with more ply layers.

The load range system uses letters to indicate how many plies the tire is. Here is a useful chart to help you:

• Load Range A (LRA) = 2 ply
• Load Range B (LRB) = 4 ply
• Load Range C (LRC) = 6 ply
• Load Range D (LRD) = 8 ply
• Load Range E (LRE) = 10 ply
• Load Range F (LRF) = 12 ply

So, a tire that has the measurements 15 x 6.50 – 6 NHS LRA would be 15 inches tall with a 6-and-a-half-inch width for a 6-inch mount. It is 2-ply and not highway rated.

Best Lawn Tractor Tires

There are lots of lawn tractor tires on the market that fit into all budgets. However, some brands offer better quality tires that are longer-lasting or provide a more comfortable riding experience.

Here are some of the best tractor tires to consider, depending on the type of lawn tractor vehicle you own and how you will be using this equipment.

Riding Lawn Mowers and Lawn Trailers

Greenball Soft Turf Lawn and Garden

This tire has a square shoulder design for superior traction and even weight distribution for minimal turf damage and a smooth, comfortable ride.

• Available in a range of dimensions from 11” to 24” with a tread depth of 4 millimeters.
• Chevron tread design
• 2 and 4-ply
• 12 PSI
• Applicable for both front and/or rear

D. Available Sizes

Deestone D265 Turf

This lawn mower tire also uses square shoulders along with a broad tread pattern for great traction on grass and minimal tearing and turf damage. A popular choice for commercial and residential mowers, the D265 is an all-purpose tire that comes in a wide range of sizes. Suitable for garden tractors, walk-behinds, and turf maintenance vehicles. Classic chevron turf tread pattern provides excellent traction and stability.

• Diameter ranging from from 10.4 – 20 inches with a tread depth of 2.8 – 8.4 millimeters, depending on tire size
• Chevron tread design
• Available in 4 and 6-ply
• Strong nylon construction ensures durability an long wear
• Wide tread for optimized ground contact and damage reduction
• 28 PSI
• Designed for both front and rear applications
• The Chevron pattern provides exceptional grip on both wet and dry turf surfaces.
• Excels at reducing turf damage

D. Available sizes

Deestone D837-Turf

This lawn and garden tire is not just for lawn tractors and mowers – it can also be used on wheelbarrows, small construction vehicles, and trailers. The rib pattern makes it extremely stable and durable without damaging the soft turf beneath it. B. Features

• Ranging from 13 to 18-inch diameter with available tread depth of 2.2, 2.5, 2.8, 3.0, 3.2, 3.7, and 4.3 millimeters.
• Straight rib tread design
• 4 and 6-ply
• 48 PSI
• Available for both front and rear applications
• Superior performance on dry, wet and snowy surfaces thanks to the excellent traction provided by the straight rib tread design.

D. Available sizes

Tires for Wheelbarrows and Garden Equipment

Deestone D601-Rib

This straight rib tractor tire is designed for smooth steering, easy roll resistance, and durability with even weight distribution so that the soft soil beneath is not damaged. This tire is typically used for wheelbarrows, but it can be used on lawn mowers, tractors, and lawn equipment. B. Features

• Available in 12 to 16-inch diameters with a tread depth of 4 millimeters
• Straight rib tread design
• Comes in 2 and 4-ply
• 50 PSI

D. Available sizes

Deestone D407-Utility

This tire is made for garden tractors to provide great traction and performance on wet and dry surfaces.

• Diameter ranging from 13-16 inches with a tread depth of 9.7 – 12 millimeters, depending on tire size
• 4 ply
• Strong nylon construction ensures durability and long wear
• Large ground contact enhances handling stability

D. Available sizes

Greenball Wheelbarrow

This tire is recommended for use on gardening equipment like wheelbarrows or small trailers. It comes in a tubeless tire design, so it can easily roll over hard surfaces, loose dirt, or grass.

• 16-ince diameter with 3.175 Millimeter tread
• Straight rib tread design
• Available in 2 and 4-ply
• 50 PSI
• This tire is designed for great traction on both wet and try surfaces – and multiple types of terrain.

D. Available sizes

Tires for Hand Trucks and Hand Dollies

Greenball Stud Lawn Garden Stud Tread

This tubeless tire is best for handcarts, small garden trailers, and other type of lawn equipment. B. Features

• Available in 8 to 16-inch diameters with a tread depth of 5 Millimeters Dimensions
• Stud tread design
• 4-ply
• 24 PSI

D. Available sizes

Greenball Rib Lawn Garden

This straight rib tread design is optimal for heavy loads on gardening equipment like trailers, hand trucks, and equipment like pressure washers as well as lawn mowers and tractors. B. Features

• 11 to 18 inch diameters with tread depth of 5 Millimeters
• Straight rib tread design
• 4-ply
• 12 PSI

D. Available sizes

Tires for Hand Trucks, Hand Dollies, Handcarts, and Small Utility Trailers

These types of tires use commercial/diamond head tread or Sawtooth tread patterns – and are designed for driving on harder surfaces like concrete, asphalt, pavement, as well as turf. These types of tires are best for residential gardening equipment or industrial product usage as they can withstand heavy loads.

Greenball Sawtooth Lawn Garden

This lawn and garden tire has a Sawtooth tread pattern for easy rolling over multiple types of turf. These tires are extremely sturdy and able to withstand up to 440 pounds. B. Features

• This tire is available in 8 to 12-inch diameter with a 4 Millimeter tread
• Sawtooth tread design
• 4-ply
• 50 PSI
• The non-directional Sawtooth tread pattern provides excellent traction on both wet and dry surfaces.

D. Available sizes

Trac Gard N775 Sawtooth

This bias tire is designed for utility golf carts and is also suitable for lawn and garden equipment like small tractors, lawn mowers, and wheelbarrows. It features a zig-zag Sawtooth tread for a stronger biting edge that provides extra traction. B. Features

• 8 to 16-inche diameters with a tread depth of 9.5 Millimeters
• Sawtooth tread design
• 4-ply
• 38 PSI
• The zig-zag tread Sawtooth pattern allows for even weight distribution and superior traction on wet and dry surfaces.

D. Available sizes

Trac Gard N766 Turf

This tire is designed for a wide range of use on numerous lawn and garden equipment – and can handle both off-road and on-road surfaces. The unique tread pattern design helps to support heavy loads while resisting punctures, making it a great choice for heavy duty gardening tasks. B. Features

• 11 to 24-inch diameters with a tread depth of 7.1 Millimeters
• All-purpose tread design for versatile use with minimal turf damage
• 4-ply
• 30 PSI
• This tire’s all-purpose tread pattern provides superior traction on multiple types of terrain, including wet and dry surfaces.

D. Available sizes

Conclusion

No matter what type of lawn or garden tractor vehicle you are in the market for – or what types of applications you will be using it for – you can find a top-quality tire to fit your needs (and your wallet).

The quality of your lawn tractor tires can improve the appearance of your yard or garden and make any task much easier.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our tire experts at Giga Tires if you have any questions. We’re happy to point you in the right direction and help find the lawn tractor tire that is just for your needs!

Getting into the Weeds: Lawn Mower Tire Solutions Add Opportunity For Profit

F or landscaping companies and homeowners alike, creating that perfectly landscaped lawn begins with the purchase of the right equipment – the lawn mower.

But just as a lawn needs upkeep, so do the machines that keep it looking pristine. And that’s where you – the tire dealer – come in to be the solution for your community’s lawn mower tire woes.

“Lawn care professionals can’t afford downtime, so having a solution for them on your shelf simplifies the buying process,” says Brian Preheim, market segment manager for outdoor power equipment and agricultural tires at The Carlstar Group, which manufactures Carlisle-brand lawn tires. “Taking the time to learn more about the product and understanding its intended use can help assure customers are maximizing their investment.”

As a tire dealer, building your expertise on lawnmower tires can be an add-on to the services you already offer. And if your shop is equipped with the right products, it can become the go-to place for your community’s tire needs – both residential and commercial.

To integrate this segment into your business – and better understand the specifics of lawn mower tires – we’ve talked to the experts about what you need to know to make sure your customers keep their mowers performing at their best.

Taking on the Terrain

The power lawn and garden equipment industry is projected to grow 2.5% per year through 2021, according to research from The Freedonia Group.

That means this segment offers a revenue opportunity for tire shops across the country. But in order to offer an effective lawn mower tire program, partnering with a good distributor or tire manufacturer is key, says the team at Kenda Tires, manufacturers of tire and wheel assemblies for lawn mowers.

“The good quality tires make customers come back, and great variety will turn your store into a one-stop shop,” the Kenda team says.

To make your store that one-stop shop, Kenda recommends educating your salesforce in specialty tires.

“It is a good customer service and generates additional business,” the team at Kenda explains. “Customers may come in for a car tire but conveniently have their lawn mower tire replaced, too.”

Marketing this service – for example, placing posters around the store to make customers aware of the lawn and garden tires your carry – allows your customers know that you’re knowledgeable about turf tire solutions, Kenda says.

In addition, Preheim recommends stocking the original equipment brand, size and tread pattern to simplify the tire-buying process for customers.

Dial Down to Application

Once a shop creates a lawn mower tire program, employees need to know how to match customers with the right product. Justin MacLanders, business development manager for Michelin Tweel Technologies at Michelin North America, which manufactures the airless X Tweel Turf, recommends determining the type of mower and how customers are using it.

“Is the mower being used for commercial purposes? Or if the consumer does not want to worry about flats or pressure maintenance, is it being used under conditions where it may be experiencing flats due to debris, field conditions, high usage, etc.?” McLanders asks. “Is it difficult to change flats where the equipment is being used? Are flats causing the owner-operator or crew downtime?”

Preheim also recommends shop employees start by asking customers about their overall satisfaction with the tires they have. Then, make a recommendation from there, he says.

To make the right one, technicians and service advisors need to be sure the replacement tire is of comparable or the same size to the OE tire.

“There is some variation from manufacturer to manufacturer for a given nominal size in bias ply manufacturing, so it’s important to make sure a replacement tire doesn’t create an interference or a deck-height issue,” says David Dahl, research and development manager for OPE, HST and AG SP tires at The Carlstar Group.

Another consideration is the traction requirement that comes from the tread design that certain applications require.

“Tires with deeper tread depth like the Carlisle branded Turf Master, Multi Trac C/S and Turf Smart tires are preferred by those who provide lawn care services for a living,” Dahl says. “The deeper tread depth provides the durability and traction needed for extended use required by professionals. Typically those heavier machines use 4-ply-rated constructions to handle the load requirements. The popular Turf Saver tire, with its classic chevron pattern, is designed for the needs of homeowners who have front-engine riders and smaller zero-turn mowers.”

Dave Paulk, field technical manager for BKT Tires, says a large percentage of mowers come with a turf-type tread design as an OE fitment. This type of tread offers less ground compaction, soil disturbance and grass disturbance. Unless the soil is wet, turf-type treads leave virtually no tracks or ruts, and traction is not a priority.

Alternatively, a tire that has a bar-type tread design is used to deliver traction even in loose soil, making it a good choice for garden or lawn tractors, especially those that need to maintain sideways stability on hillsides.

Dahl says more biting edges or distance between the tread elements will provide better traction, but that comes with a trade-off in protecting the lawn. A customer’s experience with the OE tire can help determine if that traction and lawn protection balance is where they need it to be, he says.

Another factor tire dealers and shops need to consider is that lawn tires are made in several different ply ratings, Paulk says.

“Most mowers come from the factory with a 2-ply rated or a 4-ply rated tire. Some sizes are made in a 6-ply rated and 8-ply rated tire,” Paulk says. “The heavier ply ratings give the tire more weight carrying capacity. They also have slightly thicker casings that can help with puncture resistance from thorns and sticks.”

Upkeep and Storage

When landscaping companies perform their end-of-year or end-of-season checkup on lawn equipment, their inspection should include the tires, The Carlstar Group’s Preheim says.

During colder months or when inactive, mowers should be stored inside, Paulk says.

“Not only will you protect your mower from the elements, you will also protect your tires,” Paulk says. “Sunshine and ozone are the enemy of rubber products. These will cause tires to weather crack, sidewall crack and dry rot prematurely.”

Recommend that your customers store lawn mowing equipment in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight is important to make sure that tires do not go completely flat while in storage for winter. The wheel will damage the sidewall plies if it sits on them for a long duration, Paulk says.

Before taking lawn mowers back out again for use, Paulk recommends tire dealers teach their customers to check their lawn tires’ air pressure since most lawn tires have lower ply ratings, which means they’ll lose air in their inner liners if the tubes aren’t used.

The Kenda team recommends that customers consult manufacturers’ recommendations for proper inflation and that they monitor their tire pressure closely. Overinflation, Kenda says, may not get the traction that a certain tire is designed to have. Under-inflation may cause the cutting deck of a mower to sit unevenly, resulting in an uneven cut.

Tech Talk: Replacing Lawn Mower Tires

Replacement tires should be selected based on application, the Kenda team says.

When lawn mower tires need to be replaced, the wheels first need to be inspected to ensure they aren’t bent and that the tire will properly seat on them, says Dave Paulk, field technical manager for BKT Tires.

A wire brush may be needed to clean the wheel to ensure a good bead seal. If the tires are tubeless, Paulk recommends replacing the valve stem, which is made of rubber and affected by the same elements as tires. If tubes are used, Paulk advises to put a new tube in a new tire to save problems down the road.

When mounting, some type of lubricant should be used on the bead of the tire to allow it to easily slide over the edge of the wheels. This will minimize mounting damage to the rubber that covers the bead and helps to seal the tire to the wheel. The bead can also be kinked or bent if mounted dry.

If replacing the complete wheel assembly, Kenda advises to consider the wheel placement (drive wheel or idler wheel), proper rim size (diameter and width), style and size of bearings, proper hub length and offset.

Going Airless with Michelin X Tweel Turf

New technology has flooded the tire industry, and that’s no exception when it comes to the turf tire segment.

Last summer, Michelin North America put its airless Tweel tire technology to work in launching the X Tweel Turf tire for zero turn radius mowers.

The Michelin X Tweel Turf is designed to perform like a pneumatic tire, but without the risk and costly downtime associated with flat tires and unseated beads, says Justin MacLanders, business development manager for Michelin Tweel Technologies at Michelin North America.

“High performance compounds and an efficient contact patch are designed to provide a long wear life that is two to three times that of a pneumatic tire at equal tread depth,” he says. “Once they are bolted on, there is no air pressure to maintain, and the common problems of unseated beads and flat tires are completely eliminated.

The tire also has consistent hub height, which helps the mower deck produce an even cut. They can be used on John Deere, eXmark, Scag, Gravely, Ariens, Hustler, Kubota and many other commercial mowers.

How to Put Chains on Tractor Tires This Winter

As we transition out of fall, winter weather is something that farmers and other landowners must prepare for sooner rather than later. Slippery conditions can be problematic for tractors, even those that are designed for durability. And while some tires may be exempt from this condition, others may need a little help in the form of chains. In this post, we’ll cover how to put chains on tractor tires to give you the extra traction you need, whether you’re dealing with a minor cold snap or a true deep freeze.

How to Put Chains on Tractor Tires

Installing tire chains is not only easy, but it can also provide superior traction during slippery conditions. Below is a brief tutorial on how to put chains on your tractor tires before Old Man Winter arrives.

Drape the chain over the tire.

Make sure that the open size of the hooks for the cross-links is facing away from the tire. As you lay the chain, try to make sure that it is centered over the tread as much as possible.

Attach the regular hook on the inside to a link on the other side of the chain.

As you do so, try to use the tightest link possible without moving the chain from its centered position. On the outside of the tire, hook the lever fastener through an open link on the free end of the rim chain.

Fold the lever fastener back 180 degrees

Remember that the chains should be snugly fit – if the lever won’t fold back completely, try one link longer. If it won’t fold easily, try one link shorter.

Hook the end through a link on the rim chain.

Verify that the chains are tightly fit onto the tires and will not fall off once they start moving. If the tension is adequate, it will be difficult to fit a finger between the tire and any of the links.

Should Tire Chains Be Tight or Loose?

When putting chains on your tractor tires, be careful to make them tight enough to be used correctly. If your chains fall off easily as you drive, this may be a sign that they are too loose. Deflating your tires may make installation a bit easier, but it is not necessary to get the chains on correctly. Tire chains are typically only recommended for rear traction tires, and they will not improve traction on front tires if you have two-wheel drive.

We hope this post helped shed some light on how to install tire chains on John Deere equipment. so owners can get the most out of their machines 365 days a year.

If you have any questions about installing tire chains onto your equipment, you can contact your local John Deere dealer.

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Snow Removal Attachments for John Deere Lawn Mowers

The winter months always seem to sneak up on us. We’ve barely put away our lawn furniture and grills, when out of nowhere, it’s time to trade in your lawn mower for a snow blower.

A big advantage of owning a John Deere lawn tractor is it can transform into a powerful and effective snowplow. Lawn tractor owners can add a John Deere snow blower or front blade to their mower to make quick work of removing snow. And there are plenty of attachments — including weather enclosures, seat covers, tire-chain attachments, wheel weights, and more — that add comfort and safety to your winter wonderland experience while enhancing your tractor’s snow removal performance.

A Quick and Easy Run-Down of the Advantages of Owning a Lawn Mower/Snow Blower Combo:

With a traditional walk-behind snow blower, removing snow from your driveway can be taxing, especially when the temperature plummets. Using a snow blower attachment on your lawn mower allows you to spend less time in the cold — enabling you to simply sit down and steer the machine instead of pushing a snow blower up and down the driveway.

Lawn mower/snow blower combos also remove more snow than standard snow blowers. By using the tractor’s more powerful motor, the snow blower won’t bog down as easily, allowing it to handle heavier and deeper snow. Some models can even handle more than 20 inches of snow at a time. And, they’re considered by most, to be easier to use than traditional snow blowers.

John Deere Attachments

Whether you’re operating a 100 Series or an X700 Series there are attachments suited for your mower. Matching the right size blade and blower to your model is important for performance. Attachment size is related to the horsepower, weight, and frame size of your tractor. A few examples are:

John Deere 44-inch, 2-Stage Snow Blower for 100 Series Tractor

John Deere’s 44-inch snow blower for the 100 Series lawn tractor works well in all snow conditions, but it’s ideal for homeowners in heavy-snow regions. This model is more effective than single-stage snow throwers when operating in wet, heavy snow. It provides consistent snow placement in all snow conditions because of the tractor’s high speed. The low-speed auger picks up snow and moves it toward the center of the machine, where the high-speed rotor blows it up to 50 feet out of the chute.

Faster rotor speed provides a maximum throwing distance up to 50 feet, plus the high-speed rotor provides consistent snow placement even in variable snow conditions. John Deere has streamlined the installation and removal process for reduced initial set-up time. There are both single-stage vs dual-stage blowers, with both belt-driven and shaft-driven power.

John Deere 54-inch Front Blade for X700 Series Tractor

John Deere also offers a 54-in. front blade for the X700 Series lawn tractor. This front blade is excellent for pushing away light snow or other loose material and is constructed for good performance and long life. The blade surface is curved to roll the material, rather than push, which requires less power and increases blade capacity. A bolt-on, replaceable cutting edge takes most of the wear to greatly extend the life of the blade. The blade also comes standard with equipment for controlling it right from the tractor’s seat, and the blade can be angled left, right, or used in the straight-ahead position.

Most lawn tractor manufacturers have snowplow or snow blower attachments available. There are universal plow and blower attachments available for purchase as well, with many that cost as much as a lower-priced walk-behind snow blower. Converting your lawn tractor to a snow removal machine is easy. While there’s a bit more to the job than hooking up an attachment, preparation and access to your owner’s manual ensures you’ll be clearing your driveway in no time.

How to Turn Your Tractor into a Snow Blower?

Remove the Deck

You’ll need to remove the deck to make room for your bracket and attachment (and to give you extra ground clearance). Make sure to store your deck inside and away from the weather to prevent unnecessary wear and tear.

Put Chains on the Back Tires

Most lawn tractors are not heavy enough to handle a serious snow removal job—without some help, that is. So put chains on the back wheels, especially for non-4WD tractors, to give yourself the extra traction you’ll need. This is particularly critical if the area you’re plowing is steep, narrow, or includes sharp turns.

Mount Bracket and Plow or Blower Attachment

Plow blades or blower attachments generally come with a bracket that attaches to your tractor first. Only once the bracket is in place is the attachment installed. Some brackets can remain on the tractor, allowing you to add or remove the attachment without tools, which is a serious time saver.

Attach Rear Weights

Some extra weight in the back of your tractor can help to keep you from slipping on icy or snowy terrain. You can add weight by attaching a weight bracket to the back of your tractor and adding weights to it or add wheel weights directly to the rear tires.

In general, plow blades can get closer to the ground, and therefore remove more snow, than blowers. So, when making your decision on the type of attachment you want, consider what kind of snowfall you get and whether you have a problem with thawing and refreezing. If you find that you spend a lot of time in your new tractor-turned-snow remover, you can purchase a snow cab to keep yourself safely out of bitter wind and weather while you work.

Come spring, your tractor can be converted right back to its lawn-cutting duties.

Additional Features

There are some additional features that may make one lawn mower snow blower combo more attractive than others. Most of these features are about convenience, which can be a big deal on a cold day.

Some models include one-handed or electric lift systems that allow you to raise and lower the machine while still seated. You’ll like the ability to adjust the angle of the discharge chute from the seat of the tractor.

Some models can be paired with adjustable skid shoes and replaceable wear plates that allow the snow blower to ride along the ground without damaging the unit itself.

Whatever you decide, know that John Deere has the right combination for your needs so you can spend less time-fighting Old Man Winter and more time enjoying the wonders of the season.

For more information on equipment troubleshooting and maintenance, contact your local RDO Equipment Co. store.

Eddie Stevens is an account manager for RDO Equipment Co. Lawn Land store in Bismarck, ND, where he has worked for the past three years. His favorite part of working at RDO is interacting with customers and finding the exact equipment they need.

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