Follow up report / rubber tire chains.

[sassafraspete]

Trev, I bought a set from tirechain.com for just the front of my tractor. I have R4s and 4wd. They are 2 link chains...and very heavy , well made chains. Expensive though...around $200 with tensioners. I have a steep gravel driveway. I decided to go just front based on info from this forum. I am very happy with mine....they have had a workout lately. Even just this evening, I got out and worked on some of the ice we had. They work great, and sure add to my confidence level. I have a fel, so a lot of weight up front. With the chains up front, I believe you can steer better. At this point, don't see a need to buy back chains. Also, when I got my chains adjusted like I wanted, I used a bolt cutter and got rid of some of the excess chain so it wasn't slapping the front axle.

 

[memenzel]

I put 2 link chains on the front tires of my 4410 and they work great. I have a 15 degree concrete driveway that most of the time I could make it up. Now with the chains no problems. I bought mine at my John Deere dealer for less than tires chains wanted, plus no shipping, no handling charges and no sales tax.

Mike

 

[rambler]

I would be real careful chaining all 4 tires - could run into warrenty issues, and put a lot of stress on the drive train. It shouldn't be neccesary. I'd check with the manufaturer anyhow be4.

Front or rear - if you don't _always_ run in 4wd, put them on the rear. Or if you are using rear-mounted equipment - blade, blower, etc.

If you have a light rear end & use front-mounted equipment, then chains on the front will be more effective, altho rear chains will still do a lot for you.

Just remember, the chains will make that axle pull more, and tractors seem to always have a stronger rear axle than a front drive system (with all the knuckles & pto & gears & transfers...) so whichever axle you put them on, you will cause to wear out a little sooner.... All things being equal, I would prefer the chains on the rear axle, but there can be good reasons to mount the chains on the front axle.

JMHO

--->Paul