Chains

[woodlandfarms]

So I know a few of you own chains, so I thought I would start in the PT section.

My question is this. I just got stuck going up a muddy hillside. Around 20 degree slope or so. tires loaded up with our sticky mud and I could not get any traction.

I know chains work well on snow, but how about mud? I assume so, but before I plunk 200 or so down for them, I want to make sure.

Carl

 

[whistlepig]

We have had 4 1/2" of rain this past week. I did some loader work today with the chains on without engaging 4WD. Something I could have never have done with out the chains on in dry earth before.

 

[PILOON]

Old farmers would use chains on bald tires all the time.

I chain for winter but shure dislike having them on when ground is not frozen. Makes for a h--l of a mess.

In fact I believe you would dig deeper and faster with chains in mud.

 

[SpringHollow]

In my experience, chains help your wheels from slipping and loading up. So if you have some grass etc on the soft spots, you are less likely to slip and make a mess. However, once you start spinning in deep mud with singles, it is all over. With the duals on and chains, i have yet to get stuck but i have made some messes.

In the woods, i tend to prefer the really cheap chains without studs. They are less likely to make a mess. The studded are great in the winter when plowing etc.

Ken

 

[Gravy]

Carl,

Trust me on this. You need chains. All four wheels. 2 link spacing.

They will tear stuff up, but if you need to be on the PT in bad conditions, you have higher priorities than preserving the surface.

 

[woodlandfarms]

Its the loading up that I have issues with. Our ground gets so sticky (clay I guess) and slick... I swear that I added at least 6" to the tires and the PT was sitting way higher.

OK. Chains it is. Now ken, are you an inny our an outtie?

Carl

 

[ernemats]

Ken:
Do you put chains on all the wheels or only one wheel of the duals. I bought ladder chains for my 1845 and I plan to just go with single wheels during the winter instead of the duals.

 

[SpringHollow]

When doing duals, i normally put the chains on the outside mainly because i do not have to worry about them scraping against the mounting brackets. I only use 4 chains, not 8. I have 4 cheap chains i could add to the wheels also but i never have.

I have done both singles and duals during the winter and i have not seen much difference in traction. Duals let me go in the woods to get firewood before the snow gets deep and let me ride partially on snow that has been pushed over the edge of drop offs without sinking in.

Ken

 

[SpringHollow]

By the way Carl, I have not found chains to be a big help in preventing loading up with clay once the wheels slip significantly. If I drive in reverse when the wheels are in soft clay and slipping, it is all over. The tires load up immediately. Unfortunately, all i have is clay here with springs flowing year around so it is definitely an issue. As i have written before, on these trails before the PT, my CUT was able to go down them only once in over 10 years. I had to use a walk behind or hand trimmer to try and keep my trails clear. The PT lets me go down them many times a year but there are still plenty of days where it is too wet.

Chains help keep my wheels from slipping allowing me to keep using the trails. Once the wheels slip, i have to stop using the trail for a while, letting the grass stabilizes the mud.

Ken

 

[BobRip]

By the way Carl, I have not found chains to be a big help in preventing loading up with clay once the wheels slip significantly. If I drive in reverse when the wheels are in soft clay and slipping, it is all over. The tires load up immediately. Unfortunately, all i have is clay here with springs flowing year around so it is definitely an issue. As i have written before, on these trails before the PT, my CUT was able to go down them only once in over 10 years. I had to use a walk behind or hand trimmer to try and keep my trails clear. The PT lets me go down them many times a year but there are still plenty of days where it is too wet.

Chains help keep my wheels from slipping allowing me to keep using the trails. Once the wheels slip, i have to stop using the trail for a while, letting the grass stabilizes the mud.

Ken

Past a certain point all wheeled vehicles should stay home. Even tracked vehicles can be stuck.