Front tire chains on 3720 with R4 tires

[Chuck on lake]

I took delivery of my 3720 late in last years snow season. I was pleased with it but the R4 tires were less useful in steering than my previous tractor with R1's had been. I found myself frequently using the rear brakes to maintain steering. So for this winter I decided to try chains on the front tires. Yesterday I got the chance to try them out. The snow started as rain and then changed to snow. When it quit the temperature dropped and the result was ice under new snow - not much snow just about 4 inches. I decided to see if there was any improvement in steering. WOW! A tremendous improvement. If you are having problems steering I suggest chains are the way to go. My rear R4's are loaded with Rim Guard.

I used 2-Link Ladder chains without the V Bars because I have a concrete apron in front of the garage. To take up the slack chain on the inside I used a stout (16 inch) Bungee cord. I slid one of the hooks down and put a knot in the cord to shorten it. My thinking is that the flexibility of the cord may make it less likely to break than other methods of taking up the slack chain. I used spring tensioners on the outside. After installing 4 of the springs I used a Hi-Lift jack to stretch them out and then attached the last spring.

My road is one mile long and I made four passes yesterday and the chains seemed to stay tight and in place. I am very pleased with the improved steering even with ice under the snow.

Chuck on lake

 

[KennedyDiesel]

Do you have a loader on this machine? I wonder how the chains will do with the hose bundle or if the chains fall between the lugs on the shoulders to protect the hoses?

I might have to try on mine this winter.

P.S. Lube your front driveshaft splines

 

[beenthere]

Chuck
Glad it is working out for you.

A pic of the chains on the front would help to further understand, but I'd bet the chains are too big for the front tires or else binders wouldn't be necessary. I don't use binders on mine and never had a problem with them coming off.

But whatever works. Chains do help on the front tires, as long as nothing is in the way when turning and that it does put additional strain on the front wheel assist parts.

Here is a vid of my 4300 with the front chains while demo'ing the wing plow, but the front chains were on at the time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4SJxqzm-hc

 

[Chuck on lake]

Here are some pictures. The loader hoses are not a problem. I hope that shows in the pictures. The 90 degree elbow on the power steering does get very close to the chains on the right hand side of the tractor. I have programmed myself to avoid the very sharpest right hand turns. Next year I plan to put the front tires in the wide position and that should give me a little more clearance.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

I thought I had read in my owners manual that front chains should not be used? Can anyone confirm this?

Did that metal loop that the hoses run through come from the factory? Mine doesn't have that loop just the webbing.

Matt

 

[RoyJackson]

I thought I had read in my owners manual that front chains should not be used? Can anyone confirm this?

Matt

You could review your owner's manual...I don't think you'll find any reference to snow chain usage in the manual.

It has been posted more then once that Deere does not recommend using chains on the front tires...never an out and out prohibition though.

 

[Glen Watkins]

I thought I had read in my owners manual that front chains should not be used? Can anyone confirm this?

Did that metal loop that the hoses run through come from the factory? Mine doesn't have that loop just the webbing.

Matt

I thought I read this somewhere also but I think it might have been for smaller machines.

 

[Gizmo2]

Chuck, I think your chains are too narrow for that tire.

 

[beenthere]

Chuck, I think your chains are too narrow for that tire.

:laughing:
And I would say that they are too long.

But most important is that Chuck likes them and they work well for him.

 

[Gizmo2]

:laughing:
And I would say that they are too long.

But most important is that Chuck likes them and they work well for him.

:thumbsup: on both counts