Are wheel spacers needed for tire chains on B2320?

   / Are wheel spacers needed for tire chains on B2320? #1  

Mr. Ace

Member
Joined
Sep 3, 2009
Messages
45
Location
MI
Tractor
Kubota B2320
Does anyone know if wheel spacers are needed to run rear tire chains on a B2320 with R4 tires? The chains I am considering are the 2-link ladder type from tirechains.com. It looks like it would be a close fit without spacers. Would love to avoid buying wheel spacers if possible.
 
   / Are wheel spacers needed for tire chains on B2320? #2  
Does anyone know if wheel spacers are needed to run rear tire chains on a B2320 with R4 tires? The chains I am considering are the 2-link ladder type from tirechains.com. It looks like it would be a close fit without spacers. Would love to avoid buying wheel spacers if possible.

I just purchased tire chains from Buy Tire Chains & Snow Chains from the Traction Specialists©. They recommend a minimum of 2 1/2" clearance between the side of the tire and fender and 3"-4" clearance between the top of the tire and the fender. I have 2 3/4" clearance between the side of the tire and the fender on my tractor. With the chains mounted on my tractor there is 3/4" clearance left between the side of the tire and fender. That's enough clearance but just barely. I have plenty of clearance on the top of my tires.
 
   / Are wheel spacers needed for tire chains on B2320? #3  
I was concerned, somewhat, about this issue and wavered back and forth on the wheel spacers from Kubota.

The clearance sounds really tight. Not too sure I'm comfortable with just 3/4 inch. Maybe my concerns are unfounded?
 
   / Are wheel spacers needed for tire chains on B2320? #4  
I was concerned, somewhat, about this issue and wavered back and forth on the wheel spacers from Kubota.

The clearance sounds really tight. Not too sure I'm comfortable with just 3/4 inch. Maybe my concerns are unfounded?

I have only had them on once and drove around the yard for a half hour or so. So far so good. The chains I bought are easy to tighten in small increments and I can get them pretty snug on the tire. I also bought the chain tensioner from tirechains.com. 3/4" is close. I don't know about taking off down the road in road gear with this amount of clearance. But I will just use the chains for clearing snow in the driveway and around the barns. I haven't put them on full time because I had to fill my horsey run in shed with gravel today. The run in shed has a wood frame around the bottom and I think these studded chains will saw boards. I'm going to mount the chains tomorrow and spread about 60 tons of gravel with the chains on. See how they do when I work them a bit.
 
   / Are wheel spacers needed for tire chains on B2320?
  • Thread Starter
#5  
It's close enough that I'm going to try it first without the spacers. Worth a try since the Kubota spacers are $200+, if I recall correctly. If it turns out that I do need spacers, it will only have cost me the hassle of taking the chains off and then reinstalling after the spacers are installed. I'll post back with the results.
 
   / Are wheel spacers needed for tire chains on B2320? #6  
Try it without the spacers, but be sure to tighten up the chain really well. I pull mine tight with a rope and the rope is held tight by bungee cords. It never got loose. Unfortunately on my tractor (B7800) I had no option but to buy the wheel spacers tho. It cost about $200 or so.
 
   / Are wheel spacers needed for tire chains on B2320? #7  
I believe they are $300 if I remember back a few weeks when I was debating getting them.

Seems like the aftermarket, eBay type folks get just about the same. :(
 
   / Are wheel spacers needed for tire chains on B2320? #8  
I was concerned, somewhat, about this issue and wavered back and forth on the wheel spacers from Kubota.

The clearance sounds really tight. Not too sure I'm comfortable with just 3/4 inch. Maybe my concerns are unfounded?

I put the chains on last night and moved gravel with them on for about 5 hours today. I didn't have any problems with them hitting the fender. I thought they would loosen up on the tire after a couple of hours of use but they stayed tight.
 
   / Are wheel spacers needed for tire chains on B2320?
  • Thread Starter
#9  
UPDATE:

I'm happy to report that I installed my chains without spacers, and so far seem to have adequate clearance, about an inch or so from the inside of the fender. I think I'll be fine as long as I make sure to keep the chains tight. The chains I bought are the 2-link ladder style from tirechains.com

I'm really glad I didn't have to shell out $200+ for the spacers - nice to catch a break now and again.
 
   / Are wheel spacers needed for tire chains on B2320? #10  
Good for you. I bet you will have some opportunity rather soon to put them to the test. It's money well spent in my opinion.
Have fun.
 
 
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