Chains 2210 - chains on front?

prosperity · Aug 22, 2004

As it is in northern Pennsylvania, it seems we spend the summer getting ready for winter.
I'm using a 2210 with the 54" front blade for snow removal. Last year I didn't have too many problems without tire chains - just one instance of 8" of sleet that gave me problems.
It says in the manual not to use tire chains on the front. I would really like to chain up all fours - even if I did one axle I would want just the front. Has anyone run chains on their front tires? Any problems?

Also in the same subject, does anyone know if Deere makes a rear weight bracket - a bracket to hold suitcase weights on the rear of the tractor. I found 5 weights at a yard sale /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif and would like to use them on the rear this winter.

Dave4410 · Aug 22, 2004

I think your favorite welder should be able to fabricate something simple, from some steel bar stock and rod for the tph, to hang your suitcases on. Hit it with the green spray can afterward and you'll be rolling.

cadblaster · Aug 23, 2004

I've got 6, 43# suitcase weights on a (horizontal) drag bar on my 2210. The weights are hung from the bar by their handle, so to take them off I have to remove the drag bar. I can't decide if I should get another drag bar, or try to build a rack to hold them. I'd like to be able to add or remove them incrementally for the job I am doing. In general, this setup works pretty well, It's less obtrusive than a weight box, or my tiller. I still need a couple more for the heaviest loads (53" bucket). I got 4 of the weights at an auction for about $60. From my dealer, they are about $40 each.

JDdude · Aug 23, 2004

My guess would be chains on the front might give it too much traction and damage to the 4 wheel drive might happen..Sounds like you get some serious snow in your area..

Old barbell weights work also on the rear. Fab a heavy rod to slide them on.

prosperity · Aug 23, 2004

cadblaster -
When you say drag bar - do you mean a bar that goes on the lower arms of the hitch that has holes in it? Sorry, I know there is a proper term for this, and I've seen what I think you are talking about. That would work great - never thought of running a bar through the handles of the weights!

Yeah - I found 5 weights at a yard sale for $40 - not too often you find a deal like that. The people didn't know what they were for.

As for chains on the front - guess I don't want to be the Guinea pig on this one - guess I'll just order a pair for the rear. The manual says ok for the rear - not ok for the front. I see the clearance on the inside of the tire would be very close anyway.

Thanks guys!

GreenDeerJohn · Aug 23, 2004

Prosperity,

Good luck with the front chains. I'm an engineering and have worked for GM and International trucks. I would be concerned with too much traction up front as mentioned. It might be worth contacting John Deere directly and asking them. (I doubt the dealer would have a good answer.)

On the rear weight bracket. I had one on my 445 with the CAT 0 3-pt hitch. I would have kept it for use with my 2210 but it was too narrow for the CAT 1 spacing. I asked and looked around on the JD web and have found nothing. Might have to make one. A picture of the 445 version might be worth a thousand words when it comes to laying one out for a welder to fabricate.

John

cadblaster · Aug 24, 2004

( a bar that goes on the lower arms of the hitch that has holes in it?)

Yes that's it. Can be Had at a TSC for about $30 I think. A friend gave me one he had in his barn. The X- bar that comes with the 2210 is too weak to support weight. Both my neighbor and I have bent the bar by backing in to trees. It doesn't take much.

( I found 5 weights at a yard sale for $40 - not too often you find a deal like that. The people didn't know what they were for.)

5 for 1, yes I say that was a pretty darn good deal. I'm surprised mine didn't get bid up higher, there were planety of people that knew what they were at the auction.