Chains tire chains

[beenthere]

I've run chains on the rear for many years - simple single ladder chains. This is the first winter I've put them on the front and wasn't because of steering (that is what the individual wheel brakes are for, IMO). But I needed to go in the deep snow in the woods and the extra traction was great. I left just the fronts on for awhile. Then decided having a lot of traction just on the front wheels, without any help from the rears was not the best idea (although have not heard of a Deere having problems, and was told by a Deere engineer that they were designed to take the load).
Here are a couple pics of the rears and the fronts only.

 

[AKfish]

Anyway, my 4150 has had chains on the front and rear for 6 years + now. I work it hard logging, loading, run chains in the summer bushhoggin' and have yet to have an issue. In my situation I have decided I would rather break something than roll the thing over on steep ground. I try not to dig with the bucket if I have front chains on unless I have a heavy implement on the rear. There are a lot of other folks around here with chains on all 4 corners.

Front chains are there to keep you out of trouble, not to dig harder.

I just bought these 2 weeks ago. I'm buying a second set for the front. Here's a link of some pics where I've been working. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/photos/163398-my-little-logging-operation.html

Those chains have some "meat" to 'em!

I used chains on my JD970 for 4 years and have had chains on all 4 wheels of my 110 for 2 winters now. No problems at all.

If you'll notice - most DOT road graders and many plow trucks (both 2WD) have chains on the front wheels when the conditions are bad. Reason: they dramatically help with steering control and stopping (truck).

If you have concerns regarding clearance - look for some lighter chains that are smaller diameter. Like the ones for a small car. Or go with a cable chain.

I have found that many times while plowing and clearing snow; my front wheels are just slightly off the ground and don't do much in 4WD, anyway. But for steering control --- gotta have 'em!!! And for those times when you drop the front end off the edge of the road or just over a dip where the piles are... and you can't back up or go forward - thank God for chains!

Lot's of ice and deep, hard packed snow are normal operating conditions up here. You'd be hard pressed to find anyone without chains on all 4 wheels.

Use common sense - don't keep it in 4WD unless necessary, steer gradually and in wider arcs (no crabbing or binding). Go slower...

Using chains for 3 months in the winter (6-7 up here) shouldn't be any more of a concern to your front driveline than digging and dirt work with the loader in the warmer months.

AKfish

 

[AKfish]

This is the first winter I've put them on the front and wasn't because of steering (that is what the individual wheel brakes are for, IMO).

I guess you've never had the unenviable situation of having the entire front end of the tractor swing out of control when you just "tapped" on one of the rear brakes to steer the tractor!!

On ice, or the "glazy" hard-packed surface that's frequent on snow - without chains on the front - it can be nearly impossible to navigate or keep the front of the tractor where you want it. Especially on slopes or curvy roads.

I wouldn't EVEN consider using my tractor for an entire winter without chains on all 4 wheels!

AKfish

 

[beenthere]

I guess you've never had the unenviable situation of having the entire front end of the tractor swing out of control when you just "tapped" on one of the rear brakes to steer the tractor!!
AKfish

Not in the 50 years I've been driving tractors, and 40+ have been plowing snow and driving on icy, snow-packed, slippery slush conditions on hills and curves. Nothing even close to what you describe. Doesn't sound like "just tapped" on a brake to me.
More like "locked one wheel, causing the other to spin twice as fast, and then spinning out of control". I don't do that.

But whatever works good for you is what you should do. I'm not advocating doing what I do, just passing on the information for whatever good it might be.

 

[Gizmo2]

Front chains are there to keep you out of trouble, not to dig harder.

Not true, I have been known to get into trouble anyway.

 

[kennyd]

I won't get into the front or no-front chains debate-but you definitely want 2-link ladders for the rear, not the 4-linkers.

 

[Gizmo2]

I won't get into the front or no-front chains debate-but you definitely want 2-link ladders for the rear, not the 4-linkers.

Without question, IMO, I have been wrong before...

 

[AKfish]

Not in the 50 years I've been driving tractors, and 40+ have been plowing snow and driving on icy, snow-packed, slippery slush conditions on hills and curves. Nothing even close to what you describe. Doesn't sound like "just tapped" on a brake to me.
More like "locked one wheel, causing the other to spin twice as fast, and then spinning out of control". I don't do that.

Nope... just "tapped". If you've really been on ice and had a sheen of water or rain on top... you'd know that - "all it takes is just a tap".

And if it's a banked curve or a slope - you can just be sitting still; not moving, and the front end (sometimes the whole tractor) will just "drift"... usually where you don't want to go!

Ice is certainly the worst; but, I've had the front end wander quite a bit on glazed snow, too.

After the 3rd or 4th time of having the bucket or the loader arm slide into the side of a tree; it's a good thing to have a set of chains on the front tires.

AKfish

 

[AKfish]

You've seen those YouTube videos of cars-trucks on icey roads in urban areas? I think there's a really good one of a snow storm and then rain-ice on top of that in Seattle.

Like a slo-motion arcade game: with real people and real machines!! Scary - but funny at the same time!

We get that up here; in this area. Without chains - on a level surface - parked. I could move my front tires by pushing on the side of the bucket on the loader. A little water on top of a hard layer of ice. You can BARELY stand up on it! Let alone walk..

I use those rubber, strap-on cleats for my boots, too.

AKfish