Tire chains-looking for opinions.

[TKSalty]

Dragoneggs,

I'm not sure we are talking about the same product… The stall mats I'm talking about don't come in a 'role'; they are a very heavy and dense rubber mat manufactured up in Canada, and I believe they are made from recycled car tires. They also sell a 1/2" mat, but I didn't think they would be substantial enough to protect the concrete in my shop from tire chains. Good luck, and Happy New Year

 

[Rob-D]

Mcushing,
I didn't notice much difference in traction, if any, when I went from 2 link to 4 link. The main claim of a 2 link chain is a smoother ride. I would say that if someone was leaving their chains on full time than may be a 4 link is a better option. All the old time farmers here run 4 link chains with no problems.

 

[mcushing]

Mcushing,
I didn't notice much difference in traction, if any, when I went from 2 link to 4 link. The main claim of a 2 link chain is a smoother ride. I would say that if someone was leaving their chains on full time than may be a 4 link is a better option. All the old time farmers here run 4 link chains with no problems.

Rob-D -- you may be right -- I don't know. My Dad continues to clear ~600 feet of driveway with a small hill using 4 link chains, and has done so for over 30 years without issue. He uses a 1969 Massey Ferguson 135 (2WD). I am on my first winter clearing a private road/driveway that is 2000 feet and has a hill that is steeper than any road I have seen in the MidWest. I've skidded backwards several times going up the hill with MFWD and differential lock enabled (back blade up). My theory was a 2 link will have more chain to ground contact and prevent the 'slip - grip effect' as described by someone in one of the chain threads on TBN. With more chain to ground contact I think the chance of starting to slip will be less. Again, just a theory we'll see how it goes.

I figure the only downside to 2 link is the extra $150 I spent + the pain of installing heavier chains.

Like others, the JD dealer told me I wouldn't need chains. My 4x4 SUVs make it up the hill with no problem, I suspect due to momentum.

 

[Jaeger]

I run front chains in bad snow on the 5030.

My reasoning (might be flawed) is I loose traction on my asphalt coming up my curved hill.

The front chains don't slip. Have never had any problems.

I figure they're way lighter to work with, don't push as much weight down onto my driveway and seem to be pretty good.

Jaeger

 

[dragoneggs]

Dragoneggs,

I'm not sure we are talking about the same product… The stall mats I'm talking about don't come in a 'role'; they are a very heavy and dense rubber mat manufactured up in Canada, and I believe they are made from recycled car tires. They also sell a 1/2" mat, but I didn't think they would be substantial enough to protect the concrete in my shop from tire chains. Good luck, and Happy New Year

I found them in 4 x 8ft sheet (3/4in thick) but also in 4ft wide roll at 1/2in thick. Black heavy rubberized stuff and very dense. Maybe not same but I think close?

 

[TKSalty]

Dragoneggs,
Thanks, I haven't seen the roles you're talking about, but I can see where they could be useful. Just out of curiosity, how long are the rolls? And which store carries them in your area?

 

[Rob-D]

Rob-D -- you may be right -- I don't know. My Dad continues to clear ~600 feet of driveway with a small hill using 4 link chains, and has done so for over 30 years without issue. He uses a 1969 Massey Ferguson 135 (2WD). I am on my first winter clearing a private road/driveway that is 2000 feet and has a hill that is steeper than any road I have seen in the MidWest. I've skidded backwards several times going up the hill with MFWD and differential lock enabled (back blade up). My theory was a 2 link will have more chain to ground contact and prevent the 'slip - grip effect' as described by someone in one of the chain threads on TBN. With more chain to ground contact I think the chance of starting to slip will be less. Again, just a theory we'll see how it goes.

I figure the only downside to 2 link is the extra $150 I spent + the pain of installing heavier chains.

Like others, the JD dealer told me I wouldn't need chains. My 4x4 SUVs make it up the hill with no problem, I suspect due to momentum.

You may be right, I've gone up some steep hills but never with ice or snow on them.

 

[mcushing]

You may be right, I've gone up some steep hills but never with ice or snow on them.

Attached is a picture of my driveway from my house. The steep part is at the end of the driveway. I'll take another picture there soon and post.

 

[dragoneggs]

Dragoneggs,
Thanks, I haven't seen the roles you're talking about, but I can see where they could be useful. Just out of curiosity, how long are the rolls? And which store carries them in your area?

Not sure how long you can get it in but I would say 'pretty long'. They cut to length. It's on a heavy duty steel roll frame. Sorry, place is just the local feed store in Silverdale. Only place I have seen it but haven't really looked around yet. I was looking for deer fencing when I happened on it and thought it would be great for the shop.

 

[EHR]

On my 1100 foot driveway 500 ft is uphill. The first 200 ft of the hill is a 20 degree slope. My Kioti would not make it up in 4wd with the differential locked. Now with ice chains on it will allow me to plow up hill in 2wd with out locking the differential. The best money I have spent.