Chains: Front vs Rear. Are front Chains bad for tractor

PaulP · Feb 20, 2019

I have a Bobcat CT450 (rebadged Kioti) compact tractor. 4x4 with cab.

I was inquiring about chains and the selling dealer advised "no way put chains on the front" "you'll tear your tractor apart."

This is not what I've heard from others in fact, many suggested only put the chains on the front for our sometimes icy, slick blacktop roads that I maintain.

What's the ground truth here? Also, what are the best style chain surfaced roads without tearing them up?

Thanks

OK, AFTER POSTING THIS, SEVERAL PREVIOUS DISCUSSIONS APPEARED AT THE BOTTOM AND IT SEEMS THE GENERAL CONSENSUS IS "THERE IS NO AGREEMENT".
THERE ARE BOTH SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT ON WHETHER IT'S GOOD OR BAD. BASED ON THE DISCUSSION, I THINK I'LL ONLY PUT THEM ON THE REAR. STILL NEED SUGGESTION AS TO WHICH STYLE OF CHAIN TO USE THOUGH. (PS: I'M NOT SHOUTING - I JUST WANTED TO EMPHASIZE MY FOLLOW UP).

oosik · Feb 20, 2019

For 15 years I used heavy duty V-bar ladder chains - front & rear on my Ford 1700 4WD. Never caused any damage to the tractor. The only real damage - the difficulty for me to instal.

If you are concerned about damage to your unit - go with rear chains only. Were I to do it again. I get a set of the European style chains for the rear only. V-bar front & rear was FAR MORE than a dramatic traction increase. It bordered on the unbelievable. But they DO give a rough ride.

KennyG · Feb 20, 2019

Just a thought. Some small tractors (like mine) don't have enough clearance between the front wheels and other components to accept chains. Even if there seems to be enough clearance, if the chain is loose it could snag a steering component or the frame. Larger tractors don't have this issue.

LouNY · Feb 20, 2019

The ONLY chains I would recommend are the Euro type;
Auiline,
Trygg,
OFA's
these style of chains will provide the best traction and ride quality of any conventional style of tire chains.

oosik · Feb 20, 2019

For sure Kenny. The thought of a loose set of chains grabbing something - beyond upsetting. I'm just glad my M6040 doesn't require chains. They were not one of my favorite "add-ons". As heavy as the ladder V-bars were for the smaller Ford 1700 - I can only imagine the weight for my M6040. Actually any good chains are pretty heavy.

LD48750 · Feb 20, 2019

I have a smaller tractor but all I use is front chains.
Simple 2 link ladder chains. (Actually from a lawn tractor)
Rear chains on my turf tires gives a really ruff ride.

fruitcakesa · Feb 20, 2019

oosik said:
For sure Kenny. The thought of a loose set of chains grabbing something - beyond upsetting. I'm just glad my M6040 doesn't require chains. They were not one of my favorite "add-ons". As heavy as the ladder V-bars were for the smaller Ford 1700 - I can only imagine the weight for my M6040. Actually any good chains are pretty heavy.

My 6040 does need chains on the hilly, rough terrain where I live and I put fronts on this year and the steering difference when plowing is like night and day.
I was warned by a mechanically knowledgeable friend that front chains can put major strain on front end components.
This was when I has the L4630 with R4's. The M has R1's and a stouter front end.
And yes, the rear chains are very heavy [I think they weigh more than me]:laughing:

TractorNH · Feb 20, 2019

LouNY said:
The ONLY chains I would recommend are the Euro type;
Auiline,
Trygg,
OFA's
these style of chains will provide the best traction and ride quality of any conventional style of tire chains.
View attachment 592513 View attachment 592514

I totally agree. Spend the extra and get the Aquiline chains. The Aquiline MPC are a low profine chain. I have v bar ladder chains and wish I had bought these. Ladder chains give a bumpy ride, especially when they're on the front.

Tractor Tire Chains - Aquiline MPC | Free US Shipping

And I run chains on front and rear. My driveway is ice all winter after the first storm so I don't really have a choice if I want to be able to steer.

SDT · Feb 20, 2019

You need a new dealer. Front tire chains will not hurt your tractor. I've used F & R tire chains for decades as have thousands of others.

Ladder style chains are acceptable for use on asphalt or concrete. so long as they do not have studs or V-bars.

I use two link ladder chains on multiple tractors and on asphalt. I do not recommend four link ladder chains for multiple reasons.

Go to tirechains.com and read about the advantages and disadvantages of the various styles.

SDT

DK35vince · Feb 20, 2019

PaulP said:
I have a Bobcat CT450 (rebadged Kioti) compact tractor. 4x4 with cab.

I was inquiring about chains and the selling dealer advised "no way put chains on the front" "you'll tear your tractor apart."

This is not what I've heard from others in fact, many suggested only put the chains on the front for our sometimes icy, slick blacktop roads that I maintain.

What's the ground truth here? Also, what are the best style chain surfaced roads without tearing them up?

Thanks

OK, AFTER POSTING THIS, SEVERAL PREVIOUS DISCUSSIONS APPEARED AT THE BOTTOM AND IT SEEMS THE GENERAL CONSENSUS IS "THERE IS NO AGREEMENT".
THERE ARE BOTH SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT ON WHETHER IT'S GOOD OR BAD. BASED ON THE DISCUSSION, I THINK I'LL ONLY PUT THEM ON THE REAR. STILL NEED SUGGESTION AS TO WHICH STYLE OF CHAIN TO USE THOUGH. (PS: I'M NOT SHOUTING - I JUST WANTED TO EMPHASIZE MY FOLLOW UP).

Been running chains front and rear on my DK 35 for years, no issues.