Buying Chains Online

[Jay4200]

Local chain purchase is out. I found what I think I want for chains at tirechain.com. They are fatter iron then what I was offered locally, and still 30% less even after the exorbitant shipping costs. Are there any other sites that I should check out for comparison before I pull the trigger?

Thanks - JayC

 

[ovrszd]

Can't help ya with alternatives. I've used tirechain.com three times for SCUT chains and have been very satisfied. I couldn't find comparable chains locally for a better price either. I use 2-link V-bar chains on my JD2210, great traction, durable chains.

 

[arrow]

I scoured a bit before I purchased from them and found them to be the least expensive. Good thick chains for the rears. Even the simplest of chaiins make a world of difference. Even these 4 link just regular chains that I have grip ice like we the people and contrary to the general belief, work very well on ags. If you are getting them for the fronts as well, they are of smaller scale so there are plenty of cross chains even on the 4 link. I would consider the 2 link if I had turfs however.
The most exorbitant shipping I have encountered to date was when I ordered 6, 1/2" orings for a pressure washer. The shipping came to $19.95 because of an initial drop ship from the factory. The items themselves were $15. They could have been put in an envelope and mailed for .43.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Online sources seem to be good, and I also had very good luck with tirechains.com. Be prepared however to shorten the chains, or otherwise make them fit better. That is one of the things you get when you buy them fitted from a local dealer, and did catch me off guard a bit although it wasn't much work.

 

[rekees4300]

I've ordered from this one and had good service

Buy Tire Chains & Snow Chains from the Traction Specialistsｩ

 

[RickB]

Local chain purchase is out. I found what I think I want for chains at tirechain.com. They are fatter iron then what I was offered locally, and still 30% less even after the exorbitant shipping costs. Are there any other sites that I should check out for comparison before I pull the trigger?

Thanks - JayC

I have found tirechains.com's shipping charges to be at or nearly at actual cost for UPS ground, which is the method they use, and I prefer. You may think it exhorbitant, but it is realistic. Heavy stuff costs $$$ to ship, and there are surcharges for some rural areas and all residential addresses.

 

[Jay4200]

I've ordered from this one and had good service

Buy Tire Chains & Snow Chains from the Traction Specialistsｩ

I looked at them already - they don't offer 2-link in my rear tire size.

JayC

 

[Jay4200]

I have found tirechains.com's shipping charges to be at or nearly at actual cost for UPS ground, which is the method they use, and I prefer. You may think it exhorbitant, but it is realistic. Heavy stuff costs $$$ to ship, and there are surcharges for some rural areas and all residential addresses.

I use the term "exorbitant" simply because it's 20% of the cost of the chains. That's a pretty significant number, although not necessarily unrealistic - I'm sure that a couple of 11 foot long 2-link 3/8 chains weighs a veritable crapload. I'm not exactly looking forward to picking them up myself...

Unfortunately, they only ship using UPS, a company which I try NOT to support (for political reasons). I find USPS generally gives a much better bargain, although they also usually take a little longer to ship.

JayC

 

[Jay4200]

Online sources seem to be good, and I also had very good luck with tirechains.com. Be prepared however to shorten the chains, or otherwise make them fit better. That is one of the things you get when you buy them fitted from a local dealer, and did catch me off guard a bit although it wasn't much work.

I was planning to also get the recommended spring chain tensioners (rear - bungee on the front, I think) from them at the same time. Do you think this will account for the stock looseness?

Speaking of tensioners, anybody know if the little $11 load binder that they sell for installing them is a good idea, or can I just use my big load binders or some other tool to do the job?

I also know that my lawn tractor tire pressure is speced in the manual at something like 12-15PSI normally, but 25 PSI when using chains. Maybe you're supposed to put them on then air up the tires to max pressure to snug them up (??). Either that, or there is enough variation in actual tire size due to different brands/styles/tires wear/etc that they have to be made bigger.

JayC

 

[RickB]

I use the term "exorbitant" simply because it's 20% of the cost of the chains.
JayC

Apart from the issue of insuring high value goods, the cost of shipping should not be related to the cost of the item.

My definition of "exhorbitant shipping costs" is when a shipper charges a percentage of the item cost for shipping. That's usually a ripoff.