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

[Jstpssng]

I personally wouldn't run them on the front only, but that's my preference. It really depends more on how hard you use it; anything will break if you use it hard enough. I tend to use my tractor harder than I probably should, but sometimes just want to get the job done.

 

[fruitcakesa]

I personally wouldn't run them on the front only, but that's my preference. It really depends more on how hard you use it; anything will break if you use it hard enough. I tend to use my tractor harder than I probably should, but sometimes just want to get the job done.

Same for me, chained rears at minimum.

 

[LouNY]

Same for me, chained rears at minimum.

And I'll certainly agree with that sediment, My rear chains enable my heavier and stronger drive end to do the majority of the work.
I will chain the front axle on an as needed basis. A smaller tire easier to mount the chains on.
My rear chains are mostly a seasonal item on in the late fall off in the spring.
I don't wish to subject my front axle to being forced to do the majority of the work. With the Euro style studded chains you can actually get more grip on frozen ground then you will on dirt in the summer. Plus with no steering brake or diff lock in the front I want my traction where I can use it and control it.

 

[atsah]

I have V-bar two link latter chains on all four and have for the past 5 years, no problems..

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I won't put them on the front of my farm tractor, let alone on one the front of one of my tinker toy tractors!

Have you seen how small the ring and pinion is in one of those? Why abuse it??

SR

 

[atsah]

I don't abuse it and have had no issues in the last five years. If it was going to be a problem, the first winter chained up something would have gone south. I change the frontend oil every spring, looks new in there. I have seen the inside of the frontend many times, looks pretty stout to be honest. If you beat the tar out of you're equipment you might have problems from the added traction, IDK. My front chains are mostly for steering control, my rears loaded with 500lb's on the 3pth do all the work.

 

[LD48750]

I don't abuse it and have had no issues in the last five years. If it was going to be a problem, the first winter chained up something would have gone south. I change the frontend oil every spring, looks new in there. I have seen the inside of the frontend many times, looks pretty stout to be honest. If you beat the tar out of you're equipment you might have problems from the added traction, IDK. My front chains are mostly for steering control, my rears loaded with 500lb's on the 3pth do all the work.

They know better, the thousands of hours run on thousands of tractors without any damage only means it hasn't happened YET.

 

[atsah]

Nope.. Not YET...

 

[Oldoak]

I won't put them on the front of my farm tractor, let alone on one the front of one of my tinker toy tractors!

Have you seen how small the ring and pinion is in one of those? Why abuse it??

SR

:thumbsup:

I will never run with chains on the front wheels of my tractor. To me, if a person feels the need to have chains on the rear and on the front, you need a bigger tractor. :confused3:

 

[Jstpssng]

:thumbsup:

I will never run with chains on the front wheels of my tractor. To me, if a person feels the need to have chains on the rear and on the front, you need a bigger tractor. :confused3:

I very rarely take umbrage with your posts, yet I have to strongly disagree with this comment. I can break anything, no matter how big or well built it is... and have proven that many times. :embarrassed:
It's much better to know the limitations of your machine, no matter how it's set up. If chains on front keep you from sliding into the ditch, it's much easier on the tractor than beating the snot out of it trying to ge back onto solid ground.