Chains 4310 swapping wheels around for tire chains

[JB4310]

My 4310 has it's wheels in the close position and there is no room for chains, is it ok to flip these rims to the other side, right to left while maintaining proper directional orientation? I have the R-4's, does anyone know how much more overall width I'll have, or have any pics.

I plow mine and 3-4 neighbors driveways, all are paved and inclined and even with 4x4 when things get slippery I do loose traction. I put chains on the front only, last year, which did give that little extra help, but I found a good deal on some chains and think it would make things go easier for me and the tractor, maybe not the pavement as they are V-Bars, but the drives are all old and since I don't charge anybody I don't think they will complain about the scratching.
JB.

 

[mjncad]

What does the owner's manual say? I was thinking of doing that when I had my rear wheels off recently; but decided against it because the air valves would be a pain to get to. I also took a couple of quick measurements of wheel flange face to tire sidewall, and the difference was minimal in my case.

 

[JB4310]

Ya, doesn't look like I'd gain much, but the way it is now there is no way to get chains in there, seems I heard they may not recommend chains at all but then again I think others have done it with out problems.

 

[pat32rf]

I did that with my 4300 with R4s. Gained about 1" clearance, just enough for a bit of safety with the chains. It is a pain to get at the valves but thats something that only happens about once a year. Sure wish I had adjustable rims as there is no way to get around without chains up here in the winter.

 

[Reg]

You could get tire valve extenders to turn 'em around and pointed outwards, RV store.
An inch doesn't sound like much, but it is more than you need for most chains.

 

[pat32rf]

I'd rather keep the valves tucked within the guards. I've had a branch reach in and grab one about 5yrs back. Just made it out of the bush before the tire went flat on the bottom...You can't steer very well with a flat rear, especially on rough ground. Don't ask how I know...

 

[JB4310]

Well I did it today, gained just that little bit needed to not rip out one of the hydraulic lines, can't see any problem getting to the valve stems.
JB.

 

[pat32rf]

Keep your eye on them as they might work their way into a "lopsided" state( those springs don't seem all that robust) and come off. I had to run 4 extra chains from my outside chain "circle" to eye-bolts that I installed in the 1/2" square holes in my rim to prevent this.
The valves don't seem too bad now, but wait til its 30 below and covered in ice...;-)

 

[JB4310]

Ya the springs are pretty wimpy, gonna get some HD tie downs maybe. How do the chains look to you? I got a deal on some surplus truck chains and I know they are not as HD as some I've seen on members tractors here. but JD wanted $450. just for the rears.
JB.

 

[pat32rf]

Farm auctions, Craigslist, Freecycle are all good places to pick up old chain sets. They are not that hard to alter to fit, just try for as many crosslinks as possible and make them (the crosslinks) as long as possible. I just use a 5/16 clevis on the side chain instead of the regular self-tightening joiners and find that they work fine. Install the chain, run it for an hour then tighten them up again.....