Follow up report / rubber tire chains.

GrayBeard · Feb 5, 2004

Trev,
If you've got level or slight graded surface the rubber should work fine.
These are hand made in a small shop in Lancaster ,Pa. no url.
The quality is really good . They seem pretty tough.
If you can use 10-16.5 (or close) , I might be able to make you a deal on them.
I'm thinking there's a picture of them on one of my previous posts, same topic.
GrayBeard

Pks · Feb 5, 2004

Trev,

I bought a set of chains from my dealer, for the rear tires which are R4s, for about $120. They are a 4 link spacing and not hard to install. They did not come with any instructions, but after about 5 minutes of thinking, I figured it out. Fairly simple really.

I bought them for use on a blacktop driveway that had a 15 degree (not percent) incline (great for sledding). They worked very well but I was still not able to push huge loads of snow uphill without the chains slipping and marking the pavement.

I now use them on a gravel drive (we moved) and they are terrific. If you go with chains, one thing you might consider is moving the wheels outward on the axle to the largest spacing possible. That would add insurance against sticks getting caught in the chain and slicing open any hoses or filters that might be nearby. I've never heard of that kind of problem. But maybe that's why some dealers think chains are a danger.

Trev · Feb 5, 2004

( If you can use 10-16.5 (or close) , I might be able to make you a deal on them.)

Thanks, Graybeard! I have to get home tonight and check those tire sizes.. really can't remember. I've also got my dealer checking on a set of metal ones. Got any idea of a ballpark figure?

Appreciate your help!

Bob

Trev · Feb 5, 2004

( Anyone make studded tires for tractors?)

Ralph, there was a thread here recently by someone who simply put screws into his tires, resulting in something like studded tires. He seems quite pleased with the results.

If I knew how to post a link to it, I'd do that for you. But here is the text of the post by MichiganBilly.. hope this is helpful...

Bob

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"I've used 1/4 - 3/8" long hex head Grade 5 or 8 self tapping screws and had great success. Just take a cordless drill and zip two of them on the tall ends of each rice lug for the front and rear tires. You'll have no problem with this setup on ice/hardpack -kind of like having studded tires. It's an old motocross/ice-racing trick for motorcycles. Once spring comes...if a few of the hex heads are worn down and difficult to remove just use some vise grips and twist. Good luck."

Trev · Feb 5, 2004

( I bought a set of chains from my dealer, for the rear tires which are R4s, for about $120. They are a 4 link spacing and not hard to install. They did not come with any instructions, but after about 5 minutes of thinking, I figured it out. Fairly simple really.)

That isn't so bad! I was thinking closer to $1000 for a full set of chains.. although that may have been for all four.

Good to know it isn't Rocket Surgery to install them. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Thanks,
Bob

GrayBeard · Feb 5, 2004

Trev,
I sent you a pm.
GrayBeard

Egon · Feb 5, 2004

Trev:

Strong mind makes up for weak back.

Egon

RalphVa · Feb 5, 2004

Henro,

That's what warm wives are for. I was slipping down a lot on the icey sidewalks. Some American wrote a book about living in Sapporo. One chapter was about the ice walkers of Sapporo.

Ralph

narcnh · Feb 5, 2004

Tirechains.com - good choice.

Get 2-link ladder type - smoother ride than 4-link.

Get tensioners - help keep chains snug.

Trev · Feb 6, 2004

( Tirechains.com - good choice.

Get 2-link ladder type - smoother ride than 4-link.

Get tensioners - help keep chains snug. )

I've been looking there.. not quite sure yet.. but yeah, the 2-link sounds like a good way to go.

Do you folks chain up all four tires, and, if not, do you have any problems with the fwd?

You're *only* the guitar player???? ONLY!!??? Tell Pat Metheny about being *only* the guitar player! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Bob (who learned the hard way that guitar is the easiest instrument to play badly, and the most difficult to play well!)