4x4 tire chains

[foggy1111]

OK....so I am planning to do some logging and some snow plowing over the winter on my deer land. I figure I will need chains....and I have a 4x4 tractor. I have read lots about not to change tire sizes on mfwd tractors due to circumference...yadda yadda. So......if I put chains on the rear, but not on the front (and use my 4wd).....is that asking for problems due to different circumference? ....or is there plenty of slippage in the dirt / snow?

 

[Oleozz]

Me personally, I've never had any problems with chains only on the rear but if I had to do it again would probably put chains on all four tires.

 

[20 20]

Chains on the rear only. Think of it this way would you run on pavement in 4wheel drive?

 

[Opti-Mist]

I'd be inclined to start with no chains, then chain the rears, and finally the fronts, as required. As you say, you're on a soft surface. I'd prefer to chain only the rears and only chain the fronts when necessary. It's not the difference in circumference that's the issue, it is the difference in speed of rotation with the fronts being slightly faster than the rears with a front wheel assist system on tractors. This is not the same as 4X4 on a truck, or a tractor, with 4 equal sized wheels.

 

[some zilch]

there is no problems with running chains on all 4. i do it, and have done it on many different 4x4 tractors. at the low speeds, and generally slippery conditions (snow, mud, why else would you need chains?) the *slight* discrepancy in the relation of tire diameter is a non-. I dont understand why people get so bent out of shape over this issue. i know of many people who never take their tractors out of 4x4, and naver have driveline damage issues. we have a New holland something or another at work (kubota l4400 sized) 4x4, that the weld broke on the 4x4 shifter, making it impossible to get out of 4x4. it took 1300 hours of daily abuse on pavement and cement (no dirt, grass, field) to finally wear out the front tires. the tractor is used to jockey trailers around our yard. there was no driveline/mechanical damage.

 

[20 20]

there is no problems with running chains on all 4. i do it, and have done it on many different 4x4 tractors. at the low speeds, and generally slippery conditions (snow, mud, why else would you need chains?) the *slight* discrepancy in the relation of tire diameter is a non-. I dont understand why people get so bent out of shape over this issue. i know of many people who never take their tractors out of 4x4, and naver have driveline damage issues. we have a New holland something or another at work (kubota l4400 sized) 4x4, that the weld broke on the 4x4 shifter, making it impossible to get out of 4x4. it took 1300 hours of daily abuse on pavement and cement (no dirt, grass, field) to finally wear out the front tires. the tractor is used to jockey trailers around our yard. there was no driveline/mechanical damage.

I know some folks that don't believe in oil changes or proper maintenance either but I'd not be willing to take the risk with my machine. Please take no offence to my post, just saying a wrong choice doesn't make things right. Go ask a dealer how long that warranty will last if the machine is used in 4wheel while on hard service????????

 

[lungdoc]

I think as long as you are on packed snow/sliipery surface I have no issues running chains on all 4, and if you are using FEL for snow removal it gives a big benefit. I look at it this way: I see less slip on firm gravel/dirt road surfaces with tires than I do with chains on packed snow/winter road; I don't see anyone worrying about using 4WD on gravel for loader work. Front chains can be very useful for braking and steering as well. Do need to watch clearances of course.

 

[JoeL4330]

chains on all four is the recommendation for 4-wheelers and applies to tractors, too, IMHO ...especially if you have icy steep hills, if you lose traction on the rear (because it unweights on the steep hill) you want to be in 4wd to get engine braking on fronts and, therefore want chains on front to provide the traction ...oh, and it makes the steering wheel work on ice, too.

I use chains on all 4 w. no ill effect ...although I wouldn't want to run on a dry paved road with them ...but, then, I wouldn't want to be in 4wd on hard dry pavement, either ...in my tractor or my truck, or my jeep either.

 

[Chilly807]

My 2 cents... leave it in 2wd until you need 4 wd, then engage it to get the job done. No harm on slippery surfaces any more than on a dry field. Pavement or concrete won't do it any favours, but you don't need 4wd on dry pavement, do you?

Chilly

 

[carpenter383]

I wouldn't worry about the difference in circumference. The chains will add a minimal difference overall and they will most likley be sunk into the snow, mud, etc. anyway.
Besides the fronts are set up to travel slightly faster than the rears, so more diameter on the rears would put all 4's closer to the same speed