L3301 snow chains

[Wideglide]

Need suggestions on correct chains. Have r4 tires and cannot get enough traction to plow. Granted 24" of heavy snow is a problem, had a 30 year old tractor before with r1 tires a d never a problem plowing. Pretty disappointed in lack of traction.

 

[Topesrule]

You're going to need spacers.

 

[Wideglide]

You're going to need spacers.

Installed kobota spacers. Not sure if ladder chains will be sufficient for better traction

 

[Garandman]

I haven't bought chains for my L3200: after seeing a thread here I grooved my R4's, which works well on the driveway but not deep woods.

 

[Fallon]

I have the same tractor minus the emissions stuff...

I have both front & rear chains for my R4s. I got the rear chains just after getting the tractor over 2 years ago. Finally needed em this year & got motivated to put em on. Only to confirm what I'd figured out by then & as others have posted... They won't fit without spacers. The R4s aren't adjustable & are to close to the fenders.

I picked up a set of 2 link Vbars from tirechains.com for my fronts. Those kick *** & I can finally steers while plowing. They kick enough *** I'm no longer thinking about spacers or trying to get chains on the rear. I'm happy with my width & have no stability issues, so spacers would make it less maneuverable & the only benefit would be chains. Also I have a 61" blower on the 3pt & the R4s have a 60" track...

 

[Oldtink]

I like Fallon's idea of V-bar chains on the front. They'll be cheaper than rears and two steering becomes a real problem plowing with a front blade or bucket.
These chains Aquiline Tire Chains work well on my R4 tires with 2" of clearance between the fender and sidewall of the tire but steering is still a problem on a side hill unless I ride a brake which I dislike doing.

 

[s219]

I am thinking about chains for the front of my L3200 also. The rear blade can really "rudder" the tractor when moving heavy snow with a slippery base. The tractor doesn't run out of traction so much as it runs out of steering capability. So I think chains on the front would be a great improvement.

I think the only hassle for me is that I'd need to remove them before clearing snow on the concrete apron by my house, and at the street, and before driving into the barn. So it might take some planning -- use them for the initial passes to clear the drive and then take off.

 

[Wideglide]

I am thinking about chains for the front of my L3200 also. The rear blade can really "rudder" the tractor when moving heavy snow with a slippery base. The tractor doesn't run out of traction so much as it runs out of steering capability. So I think chains on the front would be a great improvement.

I think the only hassle for me is that I'd need to remove them before clearing snow on the concrete apron by my house, and at the street, and before driving into the barn. So it might take some planning -- use them for the initial passes to clear the drive and then take off.

I was wondering about that. I have loaded rear tires and counterweight. But putting chains on front may be the way to go. I have macadam drive and need to get into my paddocks to feed horses and cattle. Not sure which chains would be best.

 

[Ivan49]

How are you trying to move the snow? I have the same tractor and we had around 20 inches of wet heavy snow a few weeks ago and I had no problem moving it. I agree that the r4 tires are not as good as the ag type which I had on my other tractor but that is what I bought so that is what I will have to live with. I went a /2 mile yesterday thru about 15 inches od snow after it had settled and in a few places the wheels were spinning but it went ok

 

[Fallon]

I was wondering about that. I have loaded rear tires and counterweight. But putting chains on front may be the way to go. I have macadam drive and need to get into my paddocks to feed horses and cattle. Not sure which chains would be best.

I have loaded rears as well. Previously I had a back blade as well as my SSQA truck plow. They has different dynamics to be sure, but despite hanging way out front, the truck plow didn't push me around much more than the rear. Any extra leverage was offset by the much better visibility.

The gnarly wet pre-Thanksgiving snow in up to 3-4' drifts was the nail in the coffin. Neither plow could hack it. Heck I couldn't drive though it with both plows raised. After that I sold my rear blade & got the blower (wasn't expecting to find the deal I did until this summer, otherwise I'd have waited for the summer).

Both the front & rear plow would send me sideways with a similar push of snow. The front chains help a lot & I can now steer, but I'll still stall out on traction or go sideways on a big push.

I wanted some more gnarly chains, mesh or an H pattern, but they call my fronts lawnmower tires & only make ladders for them. Others make H pattern ones, but they are $300+ & I only paid $100 for my 2 link Vbars & tensioners I think. After seeing the traction I got I'm happy & wouldn't pay $75 to upgrade mine if I could. Some people wory about drivetrains strain running fronts only on a "front wheel assist" tractor. I think I'll be fine, but figure why push it with to gnarly of chains anyway.

The blower weighs more than the back blade by a fair bit & helps, especially if I pack it with snow (I usually try to to some degree when I start). But I think chains give me a fair bit more traction than an extra 1,000lbs of ballast would.