Best tire chain style for snow?

[CobyRupert]

I think studed or v bar ones are out, I stack the logs next to a driveway where the log truck picks them up, so a lot of back and forth on the pavement. I expect some marring, but trying to keep it to a minimum.

 

[Egon]

If you have to work in crusted or packed snow the vbar type chains or ones with protrusions on them will work the best. Sorta act like a saw cutting through the snow. Especially good for trails where snowmobiles have semi packed the snow and it's frozen into a hard layer.

 

[3v0]

I find this thread interesting. I always thought that chains only work on ice. Packed snow quickly becomes ice if you slip just a bit.

EDIT: I seem to recall using tractor chains in mud too. So I do not know squat.

 

[vtsnowedin]

I've driven through fourty Vermont winters with cars trucks and tractors and have tried most everything. For tractors these are top dog. If you spin the wheels after you get down to the pavement that's your fault.

 

[DABSGT]

I think studed or v bar ones are out, I stack the logs next to a driveway where the log truck picks them up, so a lot of back and forth on the pavement. I expect some marring, but trying to keep it to a minimum.

I put in a new driveway 2012 so I purchased rubber chains didn't want to mark up or damage it. I have a hill and they did a good job with snow but needed some sand if froze under the snow. I recommend them.

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

 

[CobyRupert]

I've driven through fourty Vermont winters with cars trucks and tractors and have tried most everything. For tractors these are top dog. If you spin the wheels after you get down to the pavement that's your fault.

Nice rig. Who made that soft cover?

 

[dave1949]

This subject usually has huge debate. But actually the best traction in snow is running on top of a layer of snow. the traction is gained by the tire gripping and compacting snow and rubbing it against the layer of compacted snow under it. The friction between the two layers of snow is what creates the traction. I.e., snow tires with very small sipes rather than huge open lugs.

I am having trouble picturing what you say to be my actual experience as it applies to tractors.

Let's say I'm pushing a loader full of snow bulldozing a trail, or pulling logs. I fully expect my tires and chains to dig down to the ground unless there is packed snow/ice on the surface that the chains will bite into. I do see dirt and grass on my chains when pushing snow out of a lane even though I'm purposely trying to keep the loader cutting edge off the ground.

Whether I get better traction with a layer of snow or not, I'm at a loss as to how I could make the tractor do that. Once the traction need exceeds the snow layer friction, the chains are going to be digging down. Without chains, you probably go nowhere once the tire slicks up the snow.

 

[vtsnowedin]

Nice rig. Who made that soft cover?

Covermytractor.com A good product that fit my tractor right and delivered as promised.

 

[vtsnowedin]

I am having trouble picturing what you say to be my actual experience as it applies to tractors.

Let's say I'm pushing a loader full of snow bulldozing a trail, or pulling logs. I fully expect my tires and chains to dig down to the ground unless there is packed snow/ice on the surface that the chains will bite into. I do see dirt and grass on my chains when pushing snow out of a lane even though I'm purposely trying to keep the loader cutting edge off the ground.

Whether I get better traction with a layer of snow or not, I'm at a loss as to how I could make the tractor do that. Once the traction need exceeds the snow layer friction, the chains are going to be digging down. Without chains, you probably go nowhere once the tire slicks up the snow.

I've found that going into old snow, that has had time to settle and freeze up ,when it gets deep enough for the drawbar cross plate to drag at about 13 inches deep you are about done chains or not. It just means if it is deeper then that you need to load out or plow off the snow on your way to that tree. I never have any trouble with a fresh snowfall as I'm plowing it. The chains with their studs are for the hard ice under the fresh snow.

 

[dave1949]

I've found that going into old snow, that has had time to settle and freeze up ,when it gets deep enough for the drawbar cross plate to drag at about 13 inches deep you are about done chains or not. It just means if it is deeper then that you need to load out or plow off the snow on your way to that tree. I never have any trouble with a fresh snowfall as I'm plowing it. The chains with their studs are for the hard ice under the fresh snow.

I agree with that. That's why I recommended keeping a path cleared to where the trees are, if feasible and the OP would like to try it without chains. I have similar chains to yours, 3/8" studded Telefsdal from Norway.

I learned my lesson about charging off into deep snow without clearing a retreat path behind me. With chains, it just temps you to get stuck worse. :laughing: