Chains Chains ib Front or Back?

[Dirigo54]

Hello-

I have a John Deere 6220 4 wheel drive tractor I will using in the woods pulling a Hardy 1700 ST loader trailer for a logging training program I run. I was considering putting diamond chains on the front only because they are smaller, cheaper and there are no fenders. Plus the tractor goes into 4 whd when braking, and the chains in the front would give me better braking. Then a John Deere mechanic told me it would cause me problems with the differentials (outboard). He mentioned the back wheels would be OK, but not the front. The general thought with skidders that if one only has one set of chains, they go on the front of the machine.

Does anyone have any thoughts or anything to offer? The rear chains are going to require some fender modification. This machine also has a clearance package which means it has larger diameter tires than most.

Thanks,
Dirigo

 

[Sawyer Rob]

My thought is, it's a deere 6220, NOT a skidder!

I agree with your mechanic...

SR

 

[pat32rf]

After 10 years I added chains to the front and wish I had done it years ago. I am the only driver so I can moderate my driving style to avoid slippage and shock loads. Normally once we get a foot of snow in the bush I am limited to the yard and driveway areas. So far we have shipped three loads of poplar from " up on the ridge" an area that is inaccessible most winters. The firewood is a bonus

 

[Agvg]

I can't understand this idea about chains in the front, you have a full size tractor and here in Scandinavia we have used chains on the front for 40 years in the woods, and a mechanic trying to tell a customer that he can't use chains on the front would be considered a total idiot.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I can't understand this idea about chains in the front, you have a full size tractor and here in Scandinavia we have used chains on the front for 40 years in the woods, and a mechanic trying to tell a customer that he can't use chains on the front would be considered a total idiot.

:thumbsup: ... Altho, indeed there are some tractors that cant take firm use. This tends to cause people to baby them -- all of them, because of a couple bad stories.

,,,I wouldnt hesitate to use chains on the front of my Mahindra 7520. IF I found a case where I really needed them. The AGs have always taken me and the load where I need to go. I tend to lift and push or lift and carry. With ~ 4K lift the tractor can get to standing on its nose and then pushing is all front force until it crawls under the load and brings the rears down. Serious torque. Im impressed with the front end. It has a suitable performance margin. The way it should be. :confused3:
larry