Chains 2520 (or any MFWD) Tire Chains

[prosperity]

While reading the 2320 snowblower thread, it reminded me that I need to get a set of chains for my newly acquired 2520.

Now the question...

When I had my 2210, it stated in the manual about only using chains on the rear tires. I followed this and had no problems with winter traction.

Of course, to really get a bite, and be able to steer better, having chains on the front tires would be great.
Just checked my manual - no mention of tire chains at all.

So - the debate will be - chains on rear only or all four?

 

[GordNovo]

While reading the 2320 snowblower thread, it reminded me that I need to get a set of chains for my newly acquired 2520.

Now the question...

When I had my 2210, it stated in the manual about only using chains on the rear tires. I followed this and had no problems with winter traction.

Of course, to really get a bite, and be able to steer better, having chains on the front tires would be great.
Just checked my manual - no mention of tire chains at all.

So - the debate will be - chains on rear only or all four?

Given the extra weight and much larger tire, I'm wondering if chains are even required. I too went from the similar 2305 with turf tires and chains to the new 2520 with R4 industrials. I'm kinda hoping I won't need them. Plus I've got suitcase weights on the front, so that should help with front traction I'm hoping.

If you've got turfs, then yeah maybe chains would probably help. My guess is you're gonna have troubles with the chains touching the lift arms on the 3ph. You might have to get hub extenders.

Good luck.

GN

 

[Deadman]

All I can say is that my 2210 with R1's would push more snow than my 2520 with R4's. The R'4s need chains, they're just so slippery in snow.

 

[skidoo]

I have a 2520, and I have an approximagely 150 degree turn, sloping banked driveway. In my first year, I would go around the turn with the rear blade angled. Downhill, the blade would grab enough force to make the tractor just go sideways. I could not get it to push the snow towards the upwards bank.

So, I went and got some chains. To my surprise, they did not change much. So, I went and traded them for some Heavy chains with studs or spikes in them. These are very heavy, expensive, and tough to put on. They worked and kept me from sliding sideways. But, shortly after I put them on, there was no more significant snow that year. The next year, I dreaded putting them on and the first snow, I tried plowing backwards. That helped a lot and I was able to get everything done without them. I did not put them on that year. We will see how it goes this year...

 

[prosperity]

Thanks for the input so far.

On my 2210, I had turfs. On the 2520 I have R4's.

I use my front loader for snow removal.

My driveway is all uphill from my barn, so my first run is uphill. I will usually just travel up to the top without pushing snow first, then do everything working downhill from the top. Once or twice a year, we get a heavy sleet storm - I'm talking about 5"-10" of sleet/wet snow mixed. Even with chains on the rear of the 2210, I would still struggle to get to the top on my first run - even without trying to push anything.

So, chains are a must for me.

My question is more if I can put chains on the front also. As I said - the 2210 manual said not to put chains on the front - no mention in the 2520 manual.

 

[jbrumberg]

Prosperity:

Years ago I asked my dealer about getting front chains on my 4WD/MFWD tractor in addition to my rear chains. The dealer advised me against the use of chains on front tires in addition to chains on the rears as the increased traction on the fronts would negatively impact on the tractor's MFWD gearing possibly causing damage. I would stay with chains on your rears only. Just my $0.02- Jay

 

[GordNovo]

All I can say is that my 2210 with R1's would push more snow than my 2520 with R4's. The R'4s need chains, they're just so slippery in snow.

Wow... didn't think it would be so bad. Guess chains are on my xmas wishlist

Hey Deadman, any problems with clearance past the 3ph lift arms with the chains on? I haven't turned my tires round yet but I'm thinking it may be necessary.

Prosperity, if you can't get the chains on the front tires, extra weights hanging off the front of the frame may help in your situation... just a thought.

GN

 

[Deadman]

My chains just came last week, and I test-fit them just to make sure I didn't get the wrong ones for some stupid reason. They fit really well, and clearance will be EXTREMELY close with the 3 pt arms all the way up, but I think they'll clear as long as the chains stay tight.

I must say that the chains from tirechains.com are orgazmic! They're the V-Bars with twice as many cross links! They weigh almost 80lbs a side!

 

[Runner]

There is so little clearance between the front tires and the frame mount for the front loader, it doesn't look like chains would clear.

 

[prosperity]

Thanks all - I'll stick with rear chains only as before.

I won't have to worry about 3PH clearance as I won't have anything on - I can adjust my arms in so they won't interfere with the chains.

Now to eBay my old chains to help pay for the new ones!