Tires Chain front tires only?

[Dead Horse]

I bought a good quality set of chains for the front of my 3710 for snow plowing duty about 7 years ago. After using them for about 5 years I had to replace a front wheel bearing...... the bearings wore and the cage was all tore up.

It was a cheap fix because I caught it in time and was able to remove the hub myself. I have now convinced myself that the strain of loading all the tractor weight plus the "work" on the front drive train is not something I will do to my machine any more. I went to rear chains and am much happier with both the result and the wear and tear on my tractor.


And I have to admit that a few years ago some folks told me I would come to that conclusion and I did not believe them....

I believe them now.

 

[Dirtnut]

Looks like you still have them on the front in one of the other threads or are they just old picture.Didnt see any on the back maybe i have the wrong tractor.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I bought a good quality set of chains for the front of my 3710 for snow plowing duty about 7 years ago. After using them for about 5 years I had to replace a front wheel bearing...... the bearings wore and the cage was all tore up.

It was a cheap fix because I caught it in time and was able to remove the hub myself. I have now convinced myself that the strain of loading all the tractor weight plus the "work" on the front drive train is not something I will do to my machine any more. I went to rear chains and am much happier with both the result and the wear and tear on my tractor.


And I have to admit that a few years ago some folks told me I would come to that conclusion and I did not believe them....

I believe them now.

That happened to my L2550 w/o chains. Loaders are hard on front ends and some tractors arent up to it. If only used for snow duty chains would not overload the drive. Bearing failure is more a supported weight issue -- the bearing cage fails. Without the chains you sacrifice good steering control in the snow. Fortunately you can fall back on the independent brakes to maintain some steering, but youve lost some and its not likely youve gained anything.
larry

 

[neucam]

R1 tires in 4wd are better than R4's in the snow. They work much better in deeper snow. You would be best off with chains in the rear in the long run, only if you have weight on the back tires. Too bad they don't have a radial/cable chain for the rears/ maybe take a couple truck/pickup chains and link them end to end for the right circumference would save money. Just a thought. I briefly used chains on the front of my 4wd and found they were unnecessary.

 

[anojones]

I read all the threads when we had a big snow last year, in the end I used truck chains I had for the fronts only on my JD 3320. I have a steep, gravel drive and I couldn't get back up the hill without chains. The fronts may cause wear and tear, and there is risk, but if you only need them once in awhile it might be worth the risk. It is to me. They are much easier to put on as I can use the FEL to lift the front end, but I do need to change the wheels for a wider stance for clearance issues.

 

[Dead Horse]

Looks like you still have them on the front in one of the other threads or are they just old picture.Didnt see any on the back maybe i have the wrong tractor.

Old picture. I didn't use them last year and do not intend to put them on the tractor this year....... The big tractor has front wheels the same size as the rear wheels on the Kubota. So one set of chains serves both tractors, for now.
The drive I plow is 1/2 mile, paved with a 300 foot incline over the distance. I agree that infrequent use of the chains, especially in deep snow should not cause a problem. The stress comes when the only thing pulling the tractor up the hill is the front wheels and then only when a chain bites in. I have to believe that causes some stress.

Anyway, I am just expressing my experience and opinion...... I am no engineer.

 

[Dirtnut]

Old picture. I didn't use them last year and do not intend to put them on the tractor this year....... The big tractor has front wheels the same size as the rear wheels on the Kubota. So one set of chains serves both tractors, for now.

He drive I plow is 1/2 mile paved with a 300 foot incline over the distance. I agree that infrequent use of the chains, especially in deep snow should not cause a problem. The stress comes when the only thing pulling the tractor up the hill is the front wheels and then only when a chain bites in. I have to believe that causes some stress.

Anyway, I am just expressing my experience and opinion...... I am no engineer.

Thats what i figured.I plan on putting chains on the front just for steering purposes.I have chains on the rears wich gives me plenty of traction

 

[JB4310]

No doubt there is more stress put on the front end with chains, But I would think any damage would be to gears not wheel bearings.

With rear chains you almost wouldn't need 4x4. for me front chains do 2 things, first is that little bit of extra traction I needed on slopes second being the steering control, that's the biggie.

Don't know if it's been mentioned but the change in ratio between the fronts and rears, when chains are used on just one axle is something to think about (changes diameter/circumference) ?

jb

 

[Dirtnut]

Yeh i never need 4 wheel drive with rear chains,but stearing is the issue and chains on the front too should take care of that with little stress added if any.

 

[SPYDERLK]

No doubt there is more stress put on the front end with chains, But I would think any damage would be to gears not wheel bearings.

With rear chains you almost wouldn't need 4x4. for me front chains do 2 things, first is that little bit of extra traction I needed on slopes second being the steering control, that's the biggie.

Don't know if it's been mentioned but the change in ratio between the fronts and rears, when chains are used on just one axle is something to think about (changes diameter/circumference) ?

jb

Yes, come to think of it chains on the front only will give a good front lead ratio. Exactly what you need for steering in the mushy. Anybody? have experience with front chains on a BX? ... It looks like there may be clearance issues w the tie rod end.
larry