Snow Equipment Owning/Operating Any negative thoughts about putting tire chains on front only

[RickB]

C

Not sure if I am being lumped in this group as i would never opt for 4wd when traction is good/adequate on level surfaces etc.
but...


There are differences to the potential damage done by each option. Running 4wd when not needed runs the risk of added wear/damage to drivetrain from mismatched wheel travel in straight or turns. The tires and driveline slop probably allow some slip probably at the cost of increased tire wear.

IMHO running fronts only does 2 things the impact of which would be heavily influenced by surface, grade and exposure.
first there would be wear due to the bulk or all of the tractive or motive force being provided by the front drivetrain which may or may not be beefy enough to do this long term. This would be most an issue on slick surfaces like a steep iced gravel drive which in a place like here would be ice for 5-6 months

The second impact is more of a potential risk but in my mind is the bigger reason. Without rear chains on a steep iced road you won't have any brakes. You might be able to engage the 4wd while sliding but the shock to the drivetrain and sudden traction in the front are likely to cause issues.

I live on the side of a mountain. The valley area 400 ft below and a 1/4 mile away probably gets 100 or so inches a year the ridge top about 2 miles behind my house is about 3500ft higher and averages over 400 inches a year- the snow will melt there some time in july usually. Most drives and roads around here are quite steep with lots of exposure and in the case of county roads limited winter maintenance. Going off a drive or road here can be quite serious and we can have ice issues that are more severe and long lasting than the bulk of lower 48 mountain or northern areas.

Chewelah, the OP's location, lies in a small valley at the edge of mountains, most which have similar microclimate effects. His climate is probably very slightly warmer than mine but also wetter. Due east of chewelah and not very far is a ski area called 49N.

Operating a 4wd tractor in 2wd on a steep icy surface with or without chains on any or both axles is not a good choice. Pontificating on the consequences makes little sense. If someone isn't going to operate the tractor properly then as far as I am concerned all bets are off.

 

[fishhead]

you are quite correct.

Think I just proved to myself and the forum i can't multi task very well.
I used the aforementioned set-up front chains and 4wd earlier this year while waiting for a switch out of wrong rear chains to arrive. it worked, i can't really say well but i was able to do some plowing with a back blade. The fronts i got though were euro style with v spikes on the front and i think ladders would have not worked nearly as well.

C

Operating a 4wd tractor in 2wd on a steep icy surface with or without chains on any or both axles is not a good choice. Pontificating on the consequences makes little sense. If someone isn't going to operate the tractor properly then as far as I am concerned all bets are off.

 

[crazyal]

I remember reading about how drivetrains are designed based on the load they will see. Since a 4wd tractor or pick up can see either the entire force being sent to the rear wheels (2wd) or half (4wd) the rear has to be able to handle all the force. Because the front will never be driven while not connected to the rear wheels lighter duty parts can be used. Look at the size of the differential housing. The one in the rear is much larger because the ring and pinion gears are much beefier. That being said how often do you put maximum pulling force on your tractor when driving around on ice or snow snow blowing? If you are skidding logs in the woods, I would say you are probably at a higher risk of doing damage.

I only run chains in the rear and use my brakes to steer. As someone else said, the rear wheels have brakes. The only braking action the front wheels have is through the front driveshaft hoping that one of the front wheels doesn't break loose. On flat ground, not really an issue. But on hills, no thank you.

 

[rbargeron]

I have no steep going so I move snow in 4wd with chains on just the front. If its extra slippery, the added bite keeps it on course and moving. Helps when backing uphill too (lifted blower).

Regardless of where the chains are, driving on the road between jobs is in 2WD.