4x4 chains - front only

[Jay4200]

I put my L4200 into service blowing snow for the first time this season. Two storms so far and going strong. I bought 2-link ladders for all 4 wheels (turf tires), w/ v-bars on the front. I mounted the front chains, but didn't do the back. I had carpal tunnel surgery 6 weeks ago, and still can't handle the 80 pound rear chains. The front v-bars look so nasty, I figured that they would do the job, as I'd be running in reverse and in 4WD.

Interestingly, the front-only option seems to be working great. It is slippery enough that I literally can't even get out of my barn with the blower down in 2WD using my chainless rears. I pop it into 4WD and off I go. I have yet to see a wheel slip. I haven't had to try to climb my hill with a solid ice base yet, but it looks like the v-bars will handle even that.

While I am happy with the result, if it turns out that the front-only option is adequate for all conditions, I'm not so excited about the prospect of having wasted $400 for the rear chains that I don't need. OTOH, if an extreme ice condition requires the rears, eventually I'm going to have to lift those 80 pound beasts. Catch 22...

JayC

 

[Dead Horse]

Just go easy.. Those chains put a LOT of torque on the front wheel bearings, especially with turf tires on the rear. All the weight and torque of your tractor is on the front axel, and drive train.

I have replaced front wheel bearings in my 3710. I believe the breakdown was due to my use of chains on the nose.......

These babies will take a beating, just go easy........

 

[Gordon Gould]

The main service guy at my Kubota dealership told me that when in 4WD the front over drives the rear by 2% to 5% depending on tires and inflation. He said if I chain up the rear don't put chains on the front, let them slip.
Just telling you what I was told. That is the extent of my understanding. Letting the rear slip might be OK except for what DeadHorse said.
My rear tires look brand new and the fronts show alot of wear. I use 4WD when I need to doing road work and all the time in the woods. Cant be a whole lot of difference between road work and 4 sets of chains

 

[kattywumpus]

Most farmers, contractors, and public work departments I know only put chains on the front. They put chains on the front to primarily to prevent side slipping when using a front or rear plow blade. When the blade is angled and moving large amount of snow the tendency is for the front end to swing on the oppose direction from were the snow is being pushed. This happens because the front is normally lighter then the rear on most tractors, loaders, and skidsteers. Plow truck have a different weight configuration so a truck may only have chains on the rear if any.

The first time I tried pushing back a road side snow bank with a rear scraper blade angled and off set to do the job I tried using no chains. I had no problem with forward or braking traction, but force on the blade would force the front wheel into the snow bank every 30 or 40 feet. After mounting the chains to the front wheels I had no problem and I was not using 4 wheel drive.

 

[RoyJackson]

Most farmers, contractors, and public work departments I know only put chains on the front. They put chains on the front to primarily to prevent side slipping when using a front or rear plow blade. When the blade is angled and moving large amount of snow the tendency is for the front end to swing on the oppose direction from were the snow is being pushed. This happens because the front is normally lighter then the rear on most tractors, loaders, and skidsteers.

You need to learn how to use your steering brakes.
When I used a rear blade (angled), I had the same problem of sliding to the side of most resistance. A short tap on the brake opposite to the direction of slide brought the front end back to straight.
Of course, if you're happy with those chains on front...continue what you're doing. As long as you use some common sense, you shouldn't have any problems.

 

[kattywumpus]

You need to learn how to use your steering brakes.
When I used a rear blade (angled), I had the same problem of sliding to the side of most resistance. A short tap on the brake opposite to the direction of slide brought the front end back to straight.
Of course, if you're happy with those chains on front...continue what you're doing. As long as you use some common sense, you shouldn't have any problems.

Using the steering brakes pedals and HST pedals at the same requires more concentration then I can muster in my middle-age. Plus it will distract me from listening to the Stones and Rush on the stereo. There are priorities you know!

 

[kennyd]

Using the steering brakes pedals and HST pedals at the same requires more concentration then I can muster in my middle-age. Plus it will distract me from listening to the Stones and Rush on the stereo. There are priorities you know!

Not on a JD:thumbsup:

 

[RoyJackson]

Using the steering brakes pedals and HST pedals...

Ahhhhh! HST pedals... We gear guys just set the throttle and our foot is free to use the brakes.

 

[kattywumpus]

Not on a JD:thumbsup:

That's for sure, no stereo! I driven many JD and it was always work related!

 

[Gordon Gould]

Ahhhhh! HST pedals... We gear guys just set the throttle and our foot is free to use the brakes.

Roger that.