Chains Help with Tire Chains

[NWL]

Hello all!

I have a set of chains for all 4 tires of my JD 870. My problem is the dealer, about 12 years ago, sold me front chains that seem to made for turf tires, which are not what I have. It was (and still is) my first tractor, so I didn't know any better. I don't even know if you can get different ones for the front tires. Anyway, the ones I have keep slipping down in between the nubs on the tires. No matter how well I start off with the links stretched over the nubs, they invariably fall in between. Yes, I am using tighteners on the chains. I even sprang for the $10 ones this year!

So my question is does anyone have a suggestion as to how I may "rig" the chains so they stay in place?

Thanks for your input!

 

[ChuckinNH]

You can perhaps add cross chains between the ones that are there, or add them around the middle of the tire. R-4 tire chains usually work best if they have a cross chain every two links. I'm thinking about getting chains for my tractor too, so I'll be watching this thread.

 

[AKfish]

Chuck pretty well lined out the solution(s). 1.) Double up on the number of cross links. Or... 2.) Add a center line of chain that connects the cross-links.

There was a recent thread here on TBN regarding tractor tire chains and someone posted a web site address --- Tractor chains from Cedar Rapids Tire Co.

They had some great designs and good prices, too.

Best of luck.

AKfish

 

[NWL]

I had thought of the cross links last year, but what I bought wasn't long enough to allow me to put 2 in and still get the chain to fit all the way around. I haven't looked to see if I can get something that's longer but still thin enough to fit through the links on the chain. Is there something out there that you know would work?

I'm glad to see I was on the right track!

Thanks for your input!

 

[PILOON]

Ideal would be to 'pair up' the cross links but problem is how because any self closing link will eventually work its way open.
Kinda forming a "H" across the tread.

I had chains that uses 'S' hooks to tie the crosses but they always opened at the worst moment.(mind that was on the rears that work harder)

I completely dismanteled my chains and converted them to cross (ladder) every 3rd link and that now works fine. Also much smoother ride.

If you weld, you could 'pair' the cross links using maybe 2 sets of 4 links between the cross chain to give you something that looks like '#'.
Mind you you could experiment using 'S' hooks that you'd close with vice grips, but they'd probably work themselves open after a bit.

 

[mfreund]

I had to add links to a set of chains. I used the hammer close links and tacked them closed with a welder. That may be a solution if you use s-hooks or if you need to add length. My local farm and fleet store has a large selection of chain styles and matched well.

 

[Ace3]

Check out Tire Chains by TireChains.com. They have a lot of information that is useful.

 

[NWL]

Thanks to everyone for your input! I'll be doing a little experimenting when the weather warms up. Too cold outside at the moment! I'll let you know what the results are, and if I succeed at finding a solution.

 

[JB4310]

Didn't catch which tires you have r-4's or ags, with my r-4's I put reg 2 link spaced v bars on the front. Yes some of the chain falls between the lugs but still plenty of of chain on the surface for superior traction,
I guess with ags you could loose all the chain between the lugs, with straight 4 link spacing.

 

[NWL]

Didn't catch which tires you have r-4's or ags, with my r-4's I put reg 2 link spaced v bars on the front. Yes some of the chain falls between the lugs but still plenty of of chain on the surface for superior traction,
I guess with ags you could loose all the chain between the lugs, with straight 4 link spacing.

Your tires and chains look like mine. Although I've had my tractor for some years, I am, in many ways, a novice. Can you give me more detail on the 2 link spaced v bars? I don't know what they are, and I didn't notice anything in the picture.

Thanks, too, for the picture. Visual aids help me a lot!