Actually, 'slip' is the issue. The front tires need to be a tiny bit larger, 2% or so, to prevent binding. With the tire flexing around the chain, it won't make much difference to have the chain on.
You say chains do not increase traction, there might be more slip with chains than without??????
Think about that - why do people put chains on? To _increase_ traction........ Your agrument doesn't hold.....
Probably not so important on little tractors, but on the big ag tires, you get 1 flat & you need to change all 4.
Actually chains on the rear slightly increases the chance of binding, but chains on the front greatly increases the front axle driveline wear. Chains on all 4 will give you problems over the long term.
We can look at little pieces & micro-manage this issue. The bottom line, for the whole tractor, is that chains on the rear are best for the tractor, chains on the front only will add wear to the front (expensive) driveline, and chains on all 4 wheels will greatly increase that wear on the driveline.
Any chains will increase wear tho, and there are times that we do what we do to make the tool work for us. Nothing wrong with rear _or_ front chains. If we didn't want to wear the tractor, we would need to leave it parked after all! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif But I would think long & hard before putting chains on all 4....
--->Paul