Chains Can I add cross links to my chains?

[hazmat]

My Duo-Grip chains give great grip, but a bumpy ride. Is there a practical way to add cross links? I'd like to put them where the red lines are.

 

[hazmat]

A close up

 

[kubotajoe]

Hi Hazmat-
tirechains.com sells cross links individually in different sizes. You would just have to install and bend the ends closed. Should be fairly easy.
Joe in NH

 

[theonlybull]

yup. easy as pie.

 

[AndyMA]

Years ago I worked at a garage that put chains on a lot of city vehicles every storm. I found that adding cross links was easy with 2 pairs of good size vice grips while the chains were already on the vehicle so that it was easy to get the length correct. Use one pair to hold the link and the other to squeeze it tight.

Worked for me.

Andy

 

[beenthere]

Appears that your chains do not fit your tractor tires. They are extra long (noted by the extra slop and length in the side chains) and they have oversize links that are the cause the big bump you are not happy with.

But yes, as others have said, you can add cross links. Sizing the cross links for length and size of link might be a headache, if you go that route. I would buy the cross link chain in bulk, and have it torched to the right length for the tire.

The best solution (if my problem) would be to sell these chains to someone who has a bigger tire, and get a better size for your tires. These chains appear to be for use in fields and the woods, and not for hard surfaces like roadways. I find the size as is used on truck tires work the best for our small tractors. I doubt you will be happy with the ride even if you add the cross links as you inquire about. (IMO)

Good luck with your decision and the outcome.

 

[Egon]

Beenthere has right idea. Those chains are oversized for the wheel. That's why two crosslinks are joined together.

Just a though but perhaps joining the joined crosslinks would give a more continous surface and better ride.

I have vbar chains on my little kubota B7100 and it's no fun driving on a hard surface.

Egon

 

[Bobvt]

I just re-fitted my duogrips. Bought the cross chains and the chain spreader/clamper (a must) from tirechains. com. I wanted to do exactly what you are proposing, but the problem is the spacer side link is perpendicular to the tire. Adding a cross chain here will cause the the side chain to twist (probabaly OK). In the 70'd I had a set of chains that used a hook with large rounded end to attach the side chains. The hook slide through the side chain (perpendicular to the tire) and then hooked into side chain (clamp the hook). I tried to find these side chain hooks but no luck.

What I ended up doing was redoing my whole chain set. Each side chain hook now holds two cross chain ends. It really closed up the gaps between the chains. It looks like you could add at least 2 more sets of guo cross chains to existing chains . You will gain one link for each cross chain joined.

Bob

 

[hazmat]

Beenthere,

You are right, they are big for the wheels. I didn't want to remove an existing cross link because I would then have a very large gap on the tire. But, since I'm now going to add cross links, I think I can make up that gap.

The rough ride I speak of happens when the rear wheels are perfectly in-phase (or 180 deg out of phase not sure). The natural frequency of this happens to be near top speed in low range for my tractor. It really rattles my teeth. If I go faster in high range, it will smooth out considerably. But, my little tractor doesn't have the power to plow heavy snow in high range. Also, I can't make it up one of my hills in high range (too steep).

I bought the duo-grip (cross links tied together) because I thought they'd give better sideways-traction. While the traction is far better than with no chains, for the next tractor, I'd get 2 link ladders.

3/8" Cross links cut to the right size (I measured) are available for cheaper $5.40 each including the hooks than bulk chain at tirechains,com (cross link page). The hooks alone are $1.43 each. Looks like it will cost me $75 for this "experiment"

As always - thanks for your insight.

 

[normde2001]

Your problem is in having the crosslinks tied together. The bump comes with the crosslink tie extending over every third lug on the tire, causing a huge bump. It would take a little labor but you could reconfigure those by removing the crosslink ties, and, instead of attaching a crosslink at every 2nd and 4th side link, attach at every 3rd link, to cross at every 2nd lug, and I believe it will work, easier than adding crosslinks.