Traction Chains up front

[RoyJackson]

I'm just wondering on this front chain thing, with chains on all four wheels has anybody actually damaged their front axle or prematurely worn out any parts on it?

I know Deere engineers do not recommend chains on front, but in 10 years of TBN, I cannot recall anyone actually posting about damaging the front axle that could actually be attributed to chains on the front axle.
This is probably a good question for your dealers. I'm sure most would respond "it's not recommended", but have they actually seen failures?

 

[KBL3830]

As I said earlier four winters plus mud season plowing and getting the firewood in (400 hrs +/-) with front chains no problems attributable to the chains. The firewood is on pallets of about 3/8 cord and are right at the hairy edge of lifting capacity, have to have either the snowblower or rear weights to do it. I did have to change the gears and bearings in the left front cuz I didn't notice that the housing was cracked and thus no fluid on that side it made some really bad noises just before it seized!! That was late summer so can't blame the chains plus the right side is still going strong. Have to say this us an L3830 not a B series but when I compare the amount of metal in Kubotas running gear as opposed to other "comparable" tractors I've been favorably impressed, just can't believe that they're all that delicate. I do use the steering brakes with the cruise control. I spent an entire day farting around to get used to it so I wouldn't knock anything over but now I've got it down pat. I use a six foot rear pto snowblower ( or thrower to the purists) to remove the bulk snow and the bucket for final scraping and pushing back piles, works great as long as the grounds frozen.

 

[David s Von Gieserbrechta]

I know Deere engineers do not recommend chains on front, but in 10 years of TBN, I cannot recall anyone actually posting about damaging the front axle that could actually be attributed to chains on the front axle.
This is probably a good question for your dealers. I'm sure most would respond "it's not recommended", but have they actually seen failures?

Personally I think that a lot of the "It's not recommended" has to do with cover the butt as there are a lot of people out there buying small tractors that have never been on a tractor before and like to show off and see just how ignorant they can be. Like making a sharp turn and slamming on the brakes will with the added traction of chains will trash any front end, but some people don't get this. So the manufacturers and dealers have to play safe.

I think that if these tractors are only meant to be used as toys then they should be labeled as such and sold by Mattel or Tonka. However as they are not they should be tough enough that when used intelligently and without undue abuse they should last. They are after all Tractors and not Ferrari's.

 

[NativeSon]

Get the chains.

Years ago when I use to play with Jeeps (have now grown into tractors) we use to put the front chains on first, then if needed we'd add the rear. Makes all the difference.

Have fun.

 

[nharley30]

Is it easy to install the chains outside in the snow and show I go for front and rear or just rear.
I have a new Kubota BX24 that just slid when I tried moving deep snow. I have a foot of snow with hard iced snow underneath, very slippery; plus, my driveway is on a grade.

 

[RoyJackson]

Is it easy to install the chains outside in the snow and show I go for front and rear or just rear.

It would be much easier to install the chains on cleared pavement or a garage floor. The chains need to be layed out flat to remove all the kinks and ensure they go on the tires relatively straight.
However, you've got to do what you've got to do... If that means installing them on a snowy surface, then that's what you have to do. I don't envy you on doing that though.

 

[lakeside]

I have rear chains on my B26 and none on the front. I checked TBN and the majority suggested not to put chains on the front. I have quite a steep hill to clear in heavy snow country and, with FWD engaged, I don't seem to need chains on the front.

I install my chains in the fall since it"s not fun trying to do it in the cold and snow. I lay the chains out on the ground to get them straight and right side up. I then drive forward over the chains until they about halfway under the rear wheels. I then jack up one rear wheel at a time and use the free turning tire to pull the chain up and over the top of the wheel. The chains for a B26 are very heavy, probably 100 lbs each yet they go on easily the way I do it.

 

[bstrom]

Well I got my front chains - 2-link ladders with v-bars. Put them on and went out to plow snow in the dark. I got to say it's a big improvement. Steering and traction with my loader mounted front plow is greatly improved. I was moving back big piles of snow also by pushing the tops back and working down. I had more traction doing that than with just the rear chains, it was easier to do. It's not like the front tires don't slip at all they just don't slip and spin all over the place like they did before. As things start to thaw out this spring I may go back to just the rears but for now this is a big improvement. I'm pretty easy on things so I think my front axle will be ok, time will tell I guess.

 

[Trafficman]

I ordered mine today. I've had them on the back & hadorderd them for the front but they were backordered. Never charged for, but never shipped either.
T-Man.

 

[Trafficman]

I ordered mine today. I've had them on the back & had ordered them for the front but they were backordered. Never charged for, but never shipped either.
T-Man.

Ordered 02/02/2011 from www.Tirechains.com , received 02/04/2011 standard shipping rate. Can't ask for much better CS than that.
T-Man.