Chains fitting chains ? tensioners question (s)

Inspector507 · Feb 8, 2004

Come to think of it......
I have an old set I bought back in 1977 during a blizzard for my car. No way was I getting home without them. I think I still have them /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif They may just fit the front of the tractor if I need them. Hard to believe I've kept them and moved them from 4 locations. Anyone wanna dub me JUNKMAN II ?

Of course I haven't used the set for the rear yet so.... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Henro · Feb 8, 2004

Anyone wanna dub me JUNKMAN II ?


You'll have to do better than that to be dubbed JUNKMAN II, Jerry... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

We might vote on Junkman Jr. though...if the Original Junkman approves... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Junkman · Feb 8, 2004

( Anyone wanna dub me JUNKMAN II ?


You'll have to do better than that to be dubbed JUNKMAN II, Jerry... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

We might vote on Junkman Jr. though...if the Original Junkman approves... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif )

Sorry, but Junkmann2 is taken...... that is the name that I use on e Bay for buying and selling.

As for the place to buy the chains, I suggest St. Pierre, because they are locally manufactured of U.S. produced steel by U.S. employees. I have bought chains there for the past 30 years whenever I needed another set and never had a bad experience. I would also recommend the chain tensioner for certain. If you want to go "cheap" on the tensioner, then cut up a old tire tube and use some "S" hooks to hold them on. If you decide to go for the St. Pierre, call mid morning and ask for Henry. He will give you the very best price.

St.Pierre Manufacturing Corporation
317 East Mountain Street
Worcester, MA 01606
United States
Phone: 508-853-8010

info@stpierreusa.com
Fax: 508-853-3860

NIXON · Feb 9, 2004

Junkman
Took Your advice and went with the St. Pierres chains .
Thanks , they are nice folks to deal with .
(Henry's accent reminded me of all my relations . I was born in Norwood .) I was especially impressed when Henry said " If you don't like them , send them back for a full return ".
I also ordered their tensioners while I was at it .
Again, thanks , John .

NIXON · Feb 12, 2004

Well they arrived an hour ago . That's much faster than I had expected . Two boxes weighing 89 lb each . My only experience with chains has been garden tractor chains . I wasn't quite prepared for the size and weight of these things

They're the dual ring type ,and quite Beefy !
Well, I'm going to go eat my wheaties now . As I've never done this before I'll probably need it /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif John

frank_f15 · Feb 12, 2004

let us know how much of a job to get them on and how long it takes /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

NIXON · Feb 12, 2004

Well Frank , So far it's not going well at all /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
It seems like I'm getting a bit of interferance between the Tire chains and the wheel wells near the top /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Is there a provision for dishing the tires out ( R4's 420 70 24 ) ??
The chains are also way long . That can be dealt with if i get rid of the clearance problem though .
Other than that it's going pretty well /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif John

JJT · Feb 12, 2004

10-15 minutes/side and that includes a dozen short bungees inside and out to keep the chains snug against the tire. I simply jack up the tractor, lay the chain on the top of the tire and turn the tire by hand. It certainly would have been quicker and easier if I had a 3rd hand... I also have the double rings.

dltimmons · Feb 13, 2004

Just an idea that some of you might want to try.

I quit using the rubber tensioners on my truck/tractor chains years ago. They work OK when new, but leave them lay around for a couple seasons before you need them, and they are usually rotten. They also stretch alot and allow too much slop in the chains at higher rotation speeds.

Instead of the rubber tensioners, I use pieces of 3/8" nylon braided rope. I tie a loop in one end, thread the rope through the side links at about 6 to 8 points, then pull the free end though the loop and tie it off with a 1/2 hitch loop, (like tying one side of your shoe laces). I usually only tie the outside if I can get the inside chain latced fairly tight.
You may have to tighten them up occaisonally, but it is quick and easy to do. The chains can really be cinched down on the tire this way, and you can also use the rope to secure any left over links where the chain ends clip together.

I have used this method for years on and off road and never lost at chain or damaged a vehicle due to one coming loose.

As always, your results may vary, use at your own risk.

DT