Chains Chains for my 3320

bobsphotos · Sep 13, 2012

I live in Central ME and if we have another open winter like last, I would like to try to get some wood out of my swamp. My JD 3320 has the R4_15X19.5 rear tires so can I hear suggestions on what type of chains would work best for me and where to buy them.
Thanks

VTjohndeere · Sep 13, 2012

I live in Vermont and have an open station 3520 JD with the smaller R4 tires. I use a set of hardened steel spike chains for my rear wheels (from Norway as I recall). I've used them for 4 winters and have no regrets and very little wear on them. The tractor literally "walks" over ice I can't stand on. I also have the rear tires loaded and have three wheel weights on each rear wheel. I have pretty steep grades on my 0.6 mile gravel/dirt driveway. In the swamp and fields, it may be a different situation for you. This series of tractors doesn't have much ground clearance. You may need to plow a path first! Also, if you have the large R4 tires, your choices in chains may be limited due to the tighter clearances between the wheels and fenders. I got my chains through the local JD dealer. They were pretty pricey but worth every penny.

bobsphotos · Sep 13, 2012

I have the smaller r4s, so clearance will not be an issue.

jgayman · Sep 13, 2012

Tire Chains by TireChains.com, just key in the size of your tires and they will show you the choices. Dual-grip, Ladder, V-bar, etc. V-bars are the ultimate in traction if you never drive on pavement. I would think heavy duty 2-link ladders would do the trick. I've bought several sets of chains from TireChains.com and have been very happy with the build quality and fit.

YesDeere · Sep 14, 2012

Yup. Tire chains.com. I had to flip my rear tires for clearance on my 4310. It doesn't get stuck with chains on all 4.

bobsphotos · Sep 14, 2012

Thanks guys for the help. Tirechains.com it is.

bobsphotos · Sep 14, 2012

I am thinking about these. Comments ?

jgayman · Sep 14, 2012

Those look like 4-link chains. They will certainly work but I prefer the 2-link chains. 2-link will also make your ride less bumpy. Those V-bar are great for ice traction but you do not want to drive on any concrete or pavement as it will leave marks. Needless to say, any wheel spin will rip things to shreds. Heck, I had V-bar on my NAA and they put marks in my gravel driveway! ;-)

bobsphotos · Sep 14, 2012

So here is the deal. From a dollar standpoint I cannot go for the 2 link V-bar so it has to be either 2 link regular or 4 link V-Bar. Comments?

jgayman · Sep 14, 2012

The first question you need to answer is... will you need to drive on concrete or pavement at all?

bobsphotos · Sep 14, 2012

never.......

YesDeere · Sep 14, 2012

I'd say go for it if you have no pavement to tear up. Make sure to get the chain tensioners.

My 4310 is the predecessor to the 3320 so I think you can get an extra inch or better clearance by flipping the rears. Just enough room on mine. Are you going to do all 4 wheels?

jgayman · Sep 14, 2012

bobsphotos said:
never.......

Then if you want the ultimate in ice traction go for the 4-link V-bars.

I faced a similar decision a few weeks ago when I bought the chains for my new 2720. I had V-bars on my NAA and only ran on gravel but now with the 2720 and the blower I may need to run on some pavement so I chose to go with 2-link ladder chains.

I agree with the other poster about getting the tensioners.

bobsphotos · Sep 14, 2012

YesDeere said:
I'd say go for it if you have no pavement to tear up. Make sure to get the chain tensioners.

My 4310 is the predecessor to the 3320 so I think you can get an extra inch or better clearance by flipping the rears. Just enough room on mine. Are you going to do all 4 wheels?

I have already flipped the rears so I should have plenty of room. I do not plan on the front as I have read some posts that refer to that as a bad idea. My sense is that it may lock everything together too much. ( Not trying to start a 4 wheel chain debate).

YesDeere · Sep 14, 2012

Yeah. No need for that. I read a lot of threads on the subject. I decided I needed all 4. No problems yet but they don't have that much time on. I will tell you that I took it everywhere and beyond where my 790 got stuck. It was a pretty great feeling to go straight into a drifted over ditch, stop and reverse right out. I know they are 2 different tractors but the same size and brand of tires.

whistlepig · Sep 15, 2012

I have Aquiline Talons. A bit pricey but no regrets here. Tellefsdal chains are nice also. Again pricey.

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Mechanos · Sep 15, 2012

This place has some awesome chains

Rob-D · Sep 15, 2012

I have the larger tires on my 3320. I opted for the 2 link chains from TireChains.com as I do drive on pavement sometimes. If you're not going to drive on pavement the 4 links might be ok, one thing, they are lighter and will probably go on and off quicker. I use the stabilizers from my 485 hoe to put them on and take them off, by the way.