4x4 chains - front only

[dave1949]

There seem to be just as many of you that run chain's on the front as not . I can see how they would help in steering and yes, more traction but at what cost?
Would anyone be honest to tell if you have had any problems or repairs do to using them? I feel that if you guys use them (and for how long)and have had no problems with your front ends ( tire wear?)then maybe its not that bad after all.

Not much history since this is only the fifth year I have used chains, but like I asked Rick above, using only 2WD with chains on all four, I haven't had any problems.

The only thing I do with my tractor in winter is clean the gravel drive with FEL, and this year a blower on the back. I don't ram into piles of frozen snow and travel speed is slow. It's the least machine-stressing work I do with the tractor all year by far.

After I did a 360 in my sloped drive and got stuck a few times, I said enough of that nonsense and put on some serious chains. Getting stuck or loss of steering control is the last thing on my mind since chains.
Dave.

 

[Jay4200]

Most dealers who opine on this topic speak from the experience of profiting from their customer's misfortune. The precise "area of concern" is shock loading caused by front and rear wheels spinning and a front chain cross-chain grabbing a frozen, fixed object and shocking the front axle driveline which typically CAN shell the bolts holding the front ring gear to the differential carrier, snap the front pinion shaft, or if one is lucky, split the front driveshaft coupler.

Not arguing, but I don't see the uniqueness of that situation. My question is still - how is that situation (ice/chains) any different than normal operation in dirt? My tires spin all the time while driving in the dirt, and the same shock loading scenario would occur if you ran across a rock, would it not?

Given that the front wheels overdrive the rears (and mine do - I've done the math), the bulk of the tractor's load would be transferred to the front, I would think. I would also think that FEL operation in 4x4 (which you pretty much HAVE to do) would create a more hostile environment for the front drive-line than ice and chains could ever do. Putting 2000 pounds right above the front wheels while pulling across variable-traction terrain HAS to be nasty.

JayC

 

[kattywumpus]

The fronts lead by few % statement interesting and might be valid, but I believe further research is needed to confirm this. Shock loading can definitely be contributor to damaging a drive train. Seen that happen with just 2 wheel drive. Nothing like a good discussion, it's interesting to hear the different opinions. I'm glad I could help keep it roll...

I'm very sure of everything until the universe smack me on the side of my head.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Most dealers who opine on this topic speak from the experience of profiting from their customer's misfortune. The precise "area of concern" is shock loading caused by front and rear wheels spinning and a front chain cross-chain grabbing a frozen, fixed object and shocking the front axle driveline which typically CAN shell the bolts holding the front ring gear to the differential carrier, snap the front pinion shaft, or if one is lucky, split the front driveshaft coupler. Will this type of damage happen to every user of front-only chains? No. But it does happen. It's all about how lucky one feels and how impressed one is with his or her operating skills. And as I stated in a different thread on this topic, tractor brand is immaterial.

You would be wrong in making that statement. Almost all MFD axles lead by 1-5% and a very few lag by the same percentage range.

Not arguing, but I don't see the uniqueness of that situation. My question is still - how is that situation (ice/chains) any different than normal operation in dirt? My tires spin all the time while driving in the dirt, and the same shock loading scenario would occur if you ran across a rock, would it not?

Given that the front wheels overdrive the rears (and mine do - I've done the math), the bulk of the tractor's load would be transferred to the front, I would think. I would also think that FEL operation in 4x4 (which you pretty much HAVE to do) would create a more hostile environment for the front drive-line than ice and chains could ever do. Putting 2000 pounds right above the front wheels while pulling across variable-traction terrain HAS to be nasty.

JayC

The difference is that traction is comparatively poor in snow allowing the tires to be spun/slipped much faster if you choose or err to do so. A chain can catch and stop a wheel promptly. The faster that wheel was spinning the worse the shock the driveline receives.
larry

 

[RickB]

The fronts lead by few % statement interesting and might be valid, but I believe further research is needed to confirm this.

Feel free to do all the research that's required. My statements on the topic are valid.

 

[David Devuono]

I have run chains on my mini Kubota for 6 years now. I have Turf tires on it. I used it to skid all the logs out of the bush, many times using a full bucket of sand to aid in the traction. I have to park it with the bucket up to make room for the rear blade.

 

[dave1949]

I have run chains on my mini Kubota for 6 years now. I have Turf tires on it. I used it to skid all the logs out of the bush, many times using a full bucket of sand to aid in the traction. I have to park it with the bucket up to make room for the rear blade.

Nice log construction. Your Kubota looks like a hard working little beast.
Dave.