Chains Front tire chains

   / Front tire chains #1  

deerechas

New member
Joined
Sep 15, 2003
Messages
11
Location
Rockford Mi
Tractor
NH TC35D Loader, SS
I have a TC35D with R-4 tires and SS . Has anyone put a set of chains on these tires on this model? Did you have any problems with them? Thanks
 
   / Front tire chains #2  
You will get the full spectrum of answers to this question. Just let me say a few things. The front drive system is weaker than the rear. The front drive runs at a faster speed than the rear. Because of these things the front runs in a constant slip situation. It someone creates a situation to where the front has as much or more traction or you could say less slip than it was designed to have, you will then create a situation where the front is in constant strain. When this is done, the front components will wear at an accelerated rate or they will break.
 
   / Front tire chains #3  
There have been proponents of "Rear-Only" and "Front & Rear" chains in past discussions. The general consensus has been that front chains add extra stress to the front wheels/axle and may not be good for the tractor. It also may increase the chance of Front Axle/Rear Axle binding in 4WD unless you are in very slippery conditions. Your SuperSteer may even exacerbate that stress.

That's not to say that the "Front & Rear" group is wrong, and that setup may work for you as your mileage may certainly vary.



Edit: Like Jerry said /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
   / Front tire chains #4  
Well I'll third what Doc & Jerry said. Is it an official "bandwagon" yet? /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

I know that the rear doesn't have a lot of clearance with the R4 tires. Here's a shot of Dad's TC40 close up. I think chains would fit, but if they ever got loose, they'd tear up the fender /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif.

a SWAG on my part, but I'm going to guess that the class III boomers have enough weight behind them to plow without chains, unless your driveway is real steep, or you're in an ice prone area...
 
   / Front tire chains #5  
I have a concrete driveway with a pretty steep slope. I plow even up hill with with no problems. I am sure with super-steer that my tractor does go in 4 wheel from time to time. I do have to lock the rear differential when it is glare ice. That is the only time I wish I had chains.

murph
 
   / Front tire chains #6  
I may regret this....I have a TC35D and I run front only chains....now before you attack, wait for the explaination.

The Class III Boomers are indeed capable of great traction due to their weight and such, but I find I need a bit on grip up front to aid in steering and slide control. That said, I only run the chains when needed, and only on my gravel drive and in the fields crossing to the drive from the 'garage'.

I feel that if you use some common sense, and don't try to bully the snow, the chains won't do any damage. As stated, I use the chains more for steering control and don't use them as a traction aid to push huge piles or climb ice walls. I had found that when pushing with the plow angled a bit, especially on hardpack or ice, the tractor wanted to crab sideways. The chains definitely help here.

In addition. when coming out of storage 'garage', the chains sure help crossing the field, hardpack, and drifts.

I probably run less than 20 hours in the winter with chains...all slow and careful operation. No problems yet.
 
   / Front tire chains #8  
A mechanic once told me that slip is the whole premise behind 4 wheel drive. Without it you will start binding the front axle differential creating premature wear. Obviously you will be greatly reducing slip between front & rear with front tire chains. (assuming rear chains as well)
 
   / Front tire chains #9  
I agree with Jerry. While in my 45+ years tractor use in snowy and icy New England I have never run chains, when I considered them I never considered front chains. My dealer for whom I have great respect said never to run front chains due to the stress on the front drive line. Good enought for me.

Andy
 
   / Front tire chains #10  
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( assuming rear chains as well )</font>

If you run them on the front you don't need them on the back.
 

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