Chains and ballast
- Thread starter whistlepig
- Start date
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RoyJackson
Rest in Peace
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2001
- Messages
- 24,646
- Location
- Bethel, Vermont
- Tractor
- John Deere 4052R Cab,, Deere 855D UTV, Z920A Zero Turn Mower and assorted implements
Fine job in posting the pictures...you've got that down pat!
Boy, those are some aggressive chains! Hope you aren't running on asphalt.
Boy, those are some aggressive chains! Hope you aren't running on asphalt.
OP
whistlepig
Elite Member
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.
F1520
Silver Member
Looks great! Nice pics and nice setup. :thumbsup:
I'm considering chains for this winter. I'll be pulling a rear blade with R1s in the rear, R4s in the front. Your tractor has MFWD? Do the rear chains give you all the snow traction you need, or have you thought about chains for the front, too?
I'm considering chains for this winter. I'll be pulling a rear blade with R1s in the rear, R4s in the front. Your tractor has MFWD? Do the rear chains give you all the snow traction you need, or have you thought about chains for the front, too?
OP
whistlepig
Elite Member
I do have MFWD. Most posts that I have read advise against using front chains as they say it's too hard on the front drive train. Perhaps for steering only they may be OK if the MFWD isn't engaged. I'm sure there are those much better qualified to answer that have experience with chains on the front.
OP
whistlepig
Elite Member
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.
RoyJackson
Rest in Peace
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2001
- Messages
- 24,646
- Location
- Bethel, Vermont
- Tractor
- John Deere 4052R Cab,, Deere 855D UTV, Z920A Zero Turn Mower and assorted implements
Where'd ya buy them, whistlepig?
OP
whistlepig
Elite Member
ctgoldwing
Platinum Member
That's a really nice setup Whistlepig! I have now make a decision to go with a rear snow blower or start searching for a similar ballast box.
Don87
Elite Member
Yes, they will tear up concrete. I warned of that scenario in one of the other tire chain threads here at TBN.
crazyal
Super Member
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.
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
Silver Member
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:
OP
whistlepig
Elite Member
Hi... thanks for the thorough answer!
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.
