Chains 2 Link Ladder Chains Right for B7800 R4's?

[Fjord]

Based on some posts I've read I asked my dealer if he could get me some 2 link ladder chains for my 12.4x16 R4's. He said that the chains were 7/32", but when I looked on tirechains.com it appeared that theirs are 3/8". Just to make sure I'm comparing apples to apples, I wanted to find out what size chain others have that they are experiencing success with, and if the 2 link ladder chains are a good design for the R4 tires. The only reason I want them is for some added traction when using the snowblower. A couple of times last winter I had to use the loader to get out when one wheel went off the edge of the driveway (not really stuck) but this year I plan to take the loader off since I work in tight quarters and it seems a bit cumbersome having the extra length of the loader hanging out there. Thanks for your help.

 

[Fjord]

My local MF dealer says he can get me some 2 link ladder chains with 3/8" cross chains. It looks like there should be enough clearance to the fenders, but was wondering if anybody has actually tried this setup on R4's just to be sure.
Thanks

 

[hayden]

I'm using 2 link ladder chains on my B2910, which is essentially the same as the 7800. My rear tires are 12.4-16 R4s, just like yours. I'm not sure of the exact size of the cross links, but they are much closer to 3/8 than 7/32. They work very well. The one trick I've found is to use bungies or springs to hold the chains tight. The clearance is very tight, and the bungies help hold the chains tight and minimize slapping against the inner fenders.

 

[Fjord]

Thanks for the reply . Sounds like with a little care I'll be able to make them work.

 

[IdahoTractor]

I have two-link ladder chains for my MX5000 R4s. They were purchased from tirechains.com. Expensive - but you get what you pay for when it comes to tire chains for any sort of vehicle.

I'd be very leery of purchasing any chains less than 3/8" diameter. From my experience with other tractors and smaller chains, it's just too easy to snap smaller diameter chains due to wear and torque. I'm assuming that you have at least an inch or more between your wheel and fender - which should be more than enough clearance.

As Hayden mentions, it's important to use bungees or springs to keep the chains as tight as possible. The more, the better (i.e., tighter). Oh yeah, I've never experienced any problems with the tires wearing against the chains.

 

[Fjord]

Thanks for the info.When I looked at the 7/32 cross links it seemed that they would be good for turf tires but might disappear down in the treads of my
R4's I don't mind spending another $100.00 for something that will work better. I've seen where some people have chain tensioners , but if I can't find those, would 3 or 4 bungies per side on each tire be sufficient?
thanks
Fjord

 

[IdahoTractor]

I've seen where some people have chain tensioners , but if I can't find those, would 3 or 4 bungies per side on each tire be sufficient?
thanks
Fjord

I've used both the chain tensioners and bungees and both work fine. The nice thing about tensioners is that you get fairly even tension on the chain completely around the tire, resulting in little adjustment over time. Bungees need adjustment from time to time, but it's not that big of a deal to readjust the tension.

 

[KubotaSteve]

I bought chains with my B7800 when I bought it new 4 years ago. I have never had them on my tractor yet. I started to put them on last year but after seeing how close it was to the brace on the fender, I put them back away. I think they are 3/8". I would like the additional traction but I am not going to take the chance of tearing the fender off my tractor. Besides we really don't get but maybe one 12" snow a year and the others are small 4" or so.

 

[Northland]

I bought the 3/8" v-bar 4 link ladder chains from Tractor Tire Chain last winter along with the chain tensioners and the tensioning tool for my B7800. They were a nightmare to put on. I had to take 2 links out as they were too long. The spring tensioners were also too large and are not as tight as they should be. I would rather have the smaller rubber ones. The chains still banged the inside of my fender sometimes so I tied everything down with plastic fasteners. I too have R4's.

I thought buying the v-bar's would be better for my driveway and trail clearing work but the 4 link design makes for a very bumpy ride and I am not convinced the v-bars are any better for my use. I should have bought the 2 link ladder chains.

Now I am going to buy either another set of v-bars or 2 link chains for the front tires for this winter. I plan on keeping my trails open all over my 20 acres of hills this winter. It will be fun to see how having 4x4 chains will do!

 

[Fjord]

Now I am going to buy either another set of v-bars or 2 link chains for the front tires for this winter. !

I came across an old set of light gauge chains that I had for a lawn tractor and wondered, just for fun , if they would fit the R4's on the front of my
B7800. Surprisingly, the length was good but the the steering arm is so close to the tire that there wasn't room for even these light little chains. I can't imagine that any chains would fit on the front without using wheel spacers. Has anybody tried this on a B7800? Oh, by the way this is all just academic for me as I'm not really expecting to need any front chains but it's always interesting to find out.