Does anyone here have any experience with chains on the rear of a 4300. Mine has the loader tires which seem to be pretty darn close to the fenders on the inside. I am wondering if somebody can tell me if I can use chains and possibly recommend which ones to get. Thanks
I have a 4400 with turfs. The 4400 is identical to your 4300 (except for the engine, of course).
You'll want at least 2.5" clearance (according to
www.tirechains.com).
You can "guesstimate" the clearance using your hand (about three fingers width would be 2.5-3 inches).
Since I didn't have near that with the turfs set stock, I reversed the rims which resulted in at least 3.5" clearance...plenty for the 4 link ladder chains I have. Turf tires are bidirectional, so reversing the rims works for this type of tire.
With your loader tires (R-4 Industrial tires), you'd have to swap side to side since those tires are unidirectional (meaning traction in one direction only). I do suggest you measure the rim offset before swapping...just to ensure you do, in fact, get more clearance.
As far as type of chains....that will depend on your situation (driveway material (gravel, asphalt), slopes...things like that).
As an example, my drive is hard pack gravel with asphalt spoils as a binder. It's quite level. My choice of chains was the 4 link ladder style on the rear tires only. Haven't had any snow here yet, so I cannot attest how well they work.
Also as an example, my previous tractor had Industrials (15-19.5...probably the same as on your 4300). No chains then, but they worked quite well. I would get stuck on occasion, but judicious use of the differential lock and pushing out with the loader bucket got me out.
Edit: Thought I'd add a couple pictures. Picture 008 shows my 4400 before reversing the wheels. You can see how close the tires are to the fenders. There's a lot of clearance now, but I don't have a pic (maybe tomorrow I'll get one).
Picture Leo's 4200_B show a well chained tractor. This one belongs to our TBN brother, Arrabil. His drive is asphalt and rather steep. Those are 2 Link ladder style chains and work quite well.
Good luck with your 4300...great tractor!
