Chains Chains - Front/Rear or both?

[PBinWA]

What's the recommendation for chains on a 4WD tractor? All I want them for is the occasional light snow storm and driveway clearing. I'm thinking a set of front chains might be good enough but want to hear what others think.

 

[SeymourBota]

You should run them on the rear only, unless extreme conditions demand fronts also.
The rear is better able to handle additional component stress which they may create.

I do have a front set for my B2410 but only install them when we have large accumulation snowstorms in the forcast.

 

[keeney]

Many smaller tractors have insufficient clearance on the front for chains and it is not recommended to flip the wheels to the wide position. Be sure and check this before purchasing.

Chains on the back should provide plenty of bite. If you have seperate rear-wheel braking, steering can be accomplished using the chains on the back as well.

- Rick

 

[AKKubota]

I have to operate on a pretty significant slope and get lots of snow for at least 6 months, so your situation might be different.

...but, I would recommend using chains all the way round and use a "diamond" pattern rear chain to prevent side slippage. Good chains also allow you to operate your equipment at lower speeds - which is ideal for tractor work. Guys with snow plow trucks frequently rely on inertia, which can get you into serious trouble (stuck) and damage equipment.

I switch my tire to the widest position in the winter for clearance and stability.

I'm curious to other responses as I've stolen tons of good ideas from the guys on this forum.

 

[eee]

I have run chains on the front on my truck and my tractor,you will get better traction with the chains on the front...but check your clearance on the sides of the tires,turn the wheels after you install them and make sure they do not hit anything on your tractor,if they did not catch you should be alright..but keep a close eye on the tension of the chain,do not allow them to develop any slop...

 

[rameye]

My dealer reccomended fronts for my machine. He said they'd work better, cheaper, easier on and off. He reccomended against chaining all 4 wheels.

Have yet to try out his theory...hope he's right.

 

[eee]

Chains on all 4 wheels would be hard I beleive on the drive train when turning.

 

[Boondox]

We have pretty wicked winter conditions here as well and I use the same Nordic style chains on the rear only. My property slopes at 22%, and steering has never been an issue.

Pete

 

[AKKubota]

I've been running some cheapo truck chains on the front tires. Those rear chains have been unbelievable ref: traction.

I probably could get by without front chains most of the time, but we frequently get warm (above freezing spells) and end up with rain water running on top of ice - for that I need 4x chains. After I get my cab project finish I may even purchase a "fancy" set of ice chains for the front too.

PS. I called my dealer and he said no problem with the chains so long as I'm running them in the proper conditions (snow covered ground). All the heavy equipment plowing snow is chained up here and I have not heard of any problems.

 

[TMcD_in_MI]

PB in WA-

I get the impression that maybe you haven't gone through a winter yet with your tractor. If all you are expecting is a light snow in Washington, I would suggest you try a winter without chains and see how it goes. I have blown quite a bit of snow with an old Kubota L185DT without chains, just ag tires on the back and some diamond tread implement tires on the front. It did amazingly well.

As the gentleman from Alaska pointed out, bare ice or worse, wet ice, is another story. If you will be dealing with that, I think you'll want chains somewhere. I would want them on the wheels with brakes first, then think about the other two.

Tom in Michigan