Chains and ballast

[Don87]

Thanks Roy and TripleR. The gentleman that asked me about posting the pics was concerned that I only had 2 3/4" tire to fender clearance before mounting these chains and 3/4" tire to fender clearance after mounting the chains. I have been on vacation this week and have moved and spread 10 tons of gravel and 5 tons of fill dirt with these chains on using the FEL. Zero problems with tire to fender clearance this week. I mounted these chains tightly and on top of that I added the chain tensioners. Even at that these chains "walk' a little side to side but always stay on top of the tire. No asphalt Roy. Just 1200' of gravel drive and barn lots. After a week these chains have started chewing up the concrete floor in my garage. I've got some rubber horse mats I'm going to put down.

Yes, they will tear up concrete. I warned of that scenario in one of the other tire chain threads here at TBN.

 

[crazyal]

I've been meaning to order a set but just haven't gotten around to it. They make the same set but without the little knobs or spikes but they cost the same. I'm trying to decide if I want to take a chance with the duo-grip and hope they work OK with the ag tires or deal with plywood sheets to prevent tearing up the cement floor in the garage.

I think next year I'll build either a pole barn with a dirt floor or make something on the side of the garage to put the tractor in.

 

[F1520]

Whoops! I didn't answer the whole question. I haven't tried these in the snow yet because I just got them. I have been using these chains along with a new ballast box and the added traction of this chain/ballast box combo moving gravel and dirt I would guesstimate doubles my traction even with out engaging 4WD.

Hi... thanks for the thorough answer! I realized after I posted my question that you hadn't had the chains through the winter yet. Do you get much snow in your part of OH? I'm only a little familiar with the NE corner of the state where, I believe, the heaviest snowfalls occur.

My R1s (in the rear) are loaded with foam. I would not have the ballast box on for snow removal because the rear blade would be hitched up. Up front, my R4s are air filled. I was thinking more about traction and hadn't thought that the chaining the fronts would restrict the slippage the MFWD requires. I guess I'll get a set of rear chains and post back after the first snowfall.

Your estimation of doubling your traction in gravel and dirt makes me think that I'll probably get enough snow traction from the rear chains alone.

Thanks! :thumbsup:

 

[whistlepig]

Hi... thanks for the thorough answer! I realized after I posted my question that you hadn't had the chains through the winter yet. Do you get much snow in your part of OH? I'm only a little familiar with the NE corner of the state where, I believe, the heaviest snowfalls occur.

My R1s (in the rear) are loaded with foam. I would not have the ballast box on for snow removal because the rear blade would be hitched up. Up front, my R4s are air filled. I was thinking more about traction and hadn't thought that the chaining the fronts would restrict the slippage the MFWD requires. I guess I'll get a set of rear chains and post back after the first snowfall.

Your estimation of doubling your traction in gravel and dirt makes me think that I'll probably get enough snow traction from the rear chains alone.

Thanks! :thumbsup:

I don't think we get as much snow here as in your part of the country. But last winter we got hammered with snow and wind drifts pretty hard.