Chains Chains...opinions

ttowne66 · Dec 7, 2006

Guys

Tire Chains by Tirechains.com .See a bunch of different versions here. Just wondering if anyone has experience with any of these stlyes. V-bars look good but if they flip over the advantage is gone. Opinions/thoughts welcome!

Tom

dirtworksequip · Dec 7, 2006

I've run v-bar chains for years and never had any problem with them flipping over.

RFB · Dec 7, 2006

Hi Tom,

I just bought and installed a set of "Duo-Grip" (H pattern) chains for my 5030. I paid $382 (14.9 x 26) at a local Les Schwab dealer and they are very beefy. I pondered the "V Bar" and did not think the price bump (I seem to remember about $100) was worth whatever purported advantage they might possess. Tirechains.com has the v bars for the same price I paid for the non-V Duo-Grip, but the shipping would still eat my savings.

We get big snow, lots of ice, and fairly cold (late Dec and Jan is always minus degree time). We are snow and ice covered now, and so far with the chains on, I have plowed about 4 miles of road and pulled out a large truck that was stuck.

No loss of traction or even a hint thereof.

Egon · Dec 8, 2006

Ladder vbar type chains can make for a very rough ride with small tires.

GaryM · Dec 8, 2006

I've been considering chains for my JD4100 4WD Hydro. There are several types I can use on the rear tires, but a very limited choice for the front. Basically just a cross chain type.

Do I really need chains on all four wheels, or just the rears? I can see where front chains would help with steering.

oscer · Dec 8, 2006

GaryM said:
I've been considering chains for my JD4100 4WD Hydro. There are several types I can use on the rear tires, but a very limited choice for the front. Basically just a cross chain type.

Do I really need chains on all four wheels, or just the rears? I can see where front chains would help with steering.

You shouldn't put chains on the front, it doesn't allow for slippage between front and rear axles. On my 4110 there would also be major clearance issues. I can understand your wanting better steering though,with chains on the rear and snow under the front it seems to have a mind of it's own. I steer with the brakes when pushing snow. It adds to the fun

If you know any retired independent truckers tou may be abke to pick up a set of chains on the cheep,just have to cut them down to fit.

daTeacha · Dec 8, 2006

I made some up for my Cadet from old car chains. You could probably combine two sets of those for most CUT tires. The repair links to put them together are about $1.50 each around here.

JerryG · Dec 8, 2006

oscer said:
If you know any retired independent truckers tou may be abke to pick up a set of chains on the cheep,just have to cut them down to fit.

Lots of truck shops and trucking companies have tons of used chains that are of no use to them. After they have so much wear, they quit using them. They can be bought for almost nothing or sometimes they will even give them away.

johnnylight · Dec 8, 2006

ttowne66 said:
Guys

Tire Chains by Tirechains.com .See a bunch of different versions here. Just wondering if anyone has experience with any of these stlyes. V-bars look good but if they flip over the advantage is gone. Opinions/thoughts welcome!

Tom

Winter newbie here

Do I need chains??