Does anyone know if wheel spacers are needed to run rear tire chains on a B2320 with R4 tires? The chains I am considering are the 2-link ladder type from tirechains.com. It looks like it would be a close fit without spacers. Would love to avoid buying wheel spacers if possible.
Are wheel spacers needed for tire chains on B2320?
- Thread starter Mr. Ace
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- kubota b2320
whistlepig
Elite Member
I just purchased tire chains from Buy Tire Chains & Snow Chains from the Traction Specialists©. They recommend a minimum of 2 1/2" clearance between the side of the tire and fender and 3"-4" clearance between the top of the tire and the fender. I have 2 3/4" clearance between the side of the tire and the fender on my tractor. With the chains mounted on my tractor there is 3/4" clearance left between the side of the tire and fender. That's enough clearance but just barely. I have plenty of clearance on the top of my tires.
bp fick
Super Member
I was concerned, somewhat, about this issue and wavered back and forth on the wheel spacers from Kubota.
The clearance sounds really tight. Not too sure I'm comfortable with just 3/4 inch. Maybe my concerns are unfounded?
The clearance sounds really tight. Not too sure I'm comfortable with just 3/4 inch. Maybe my concerns are unfounded?
whistlepig
Elite Member
I have only had them on once and drove around the yard for a half hour or so. So far so good. The chains I bought are easy to tighten in small increments and I can get them pretty snug on the tire. I also bought the chain tensioner from tirechains.com. 3/4" is close. I don't know about taking off down the road in road gear with this amount of clearance. But I will just use the chains for clearing snow in the driveway and around the barns. I haven't put them on full time because I had to fill my horsey run in shed with gravel today. The run in shed has a wood frame around the bottom and I think these studded chains will saw boards. I'm going to mount the chains tomorrow and spread about 60 tons of gravel with the chains on. See how they do when I work them a bit.
It's close enough that I'm going to try it first without the spacers. Worth a try since the Kubota spacers are $200+, if I recall correctly. If it turns out that I do need spacers, it will only have cost me the hassle of taking the chains off and then reinstalling after the spacers are installed. I'll post back with the results.
Try it without the spacers, but be sure to tighten up the chain really well. I pull mine tight with a rope and the rope is held tight by bungee cords. It never got loose. Unfortunately on my tractor (B7800) I had no option but to buy the wheel spacers tho. It cost about $200 or so.
bp fick
Super Member
I believe they are $300 if I remember back a few weeks when I was debating getting them.
Seems like the aftermarket, eBay type folks get just about the same.
Seems like the aftermarket, eBay type folks get just about the same.
whistlepig
Elite Member
I put the chains on last night and moved gravel with them on for about 5 hours today. I didn't have any problems with them hitting the fender. I thought they would loosen up on the tire after a couple of hours of use but they stayed tight.
UPDATE:
I'm happy to report that I installed my chains without spacers, and so far seem to have adequate clearance, about an inch or so from the inside of the fender. I think I'll be fine as long as I make sure to keep the chains tight. The chains I bought are the 2-link ladder style from tirechains.com
I'm really glad I didn't have to shell out $200+ for the spacers - nice to catch a break now and again.
I'm happy to report that I installed my chains without spacers, and so far seem to have adequate clearance, about an inch or so from the inside of the fender. I think I'll be fine as long as I make sure to keep the chains tight. The chains I bought are the 2-link ladder style from tirechains.com
I'm really glad I didn't have to shell out $200+ for the spacers - nice to catch a break now and again.