GC series How many run front chains?

[Dmacleo]

my rears due in soon but am wondering if anyone runs front chains.
I usually hesitate but in my area with my snow type/fall may need them for bank clearing on road.
those that do or did please list any issues they have had. thanks

 

[MF RED in MT]

I have operated my tractor with chains on all four tires every winter since I have had the MF as new, in 2009.

My driveway has been ice/snow since the start of November this year (normal) and stays iced up all winter long until the 1st or 2nd week in April.

Even with the front chains I sometimes notice during snowblowing that the front end might track a little sideways even with the front tires turned in the opposite direction (on a slight side hill).

I do believe this occurs due to the front end being light, and it only does this once in a while so I have never tried to add any extra weight to the front end.

Also for me to stay upright during the winter walking on my driveway, I also run chains on my boots.

KC

 

[cdaigle430]

I dont run chains in the front and I have turf tires and I dont believe I ever will need them. My plow area can has been a sheet of ice from time to time but you can adjust how you plow\snowblow to compensate. I only add chains to the rear, this was recommended by the dealership. Like RED said I also wear cleats under my boots because I am clumsy as it is.

 

[Brotherdan]

I have R4 tires and do not run chains. I've run it 3 winters. I have not got stuck, but I have snapped my share of shear pins.

 

[PILOON]

I think i depends on many factors.
Size, weight etc.
Many are called 'front assist' vs 4WD.
Just study the driveline components and you should have an answer.

Perhaps I'm more sensitive than most as I've had to re build my front differential (crown and pinion). Somehow the 8 bolts holding the crown came loose creating a mess.
(Won't recur as I wire locked + lock tight)

 

[oosik]

When I had a smaller tractor( Ford 1700 ) I used V-bar chains on all four. Needed the chains so I could clear the driveway berm buildup with my rear blade. Never had any problems. However - the chains were very heavy tractor chains. The rear chains were always a bugger to instal.

 

[Dmacleo]

yeah going to have to monitor over next few weeks and see, have r4 tires and rear chains supposed to be delivered this week. can't easily use weight bucket as I have to do a lot of trailer moves each storm.

 

[Looking4new]

I run all four chained up all the time. I've had zero issues with that.

 

[lpakiz]

Macleo,
Is there any way to affix a tongue on your counterweight?
I made my counterweight out of a half of a 55 gallon barrel, filled with concrete. I casted a tongue into it, so I can hitch a wagon on, or mount a hitch ball for trailer towing.
Or can you drill a hole in the bucket and mount a ball there? Will not need to be more than hand tight just to move a trailer around the yard.

 

[Dmacleo]

Macleo,
Is there any way to affix a tongue on your counterweight?
I made my counterweight out of a half of a 55 gallon barrel, filled with concrete. I casted a tongue into it, so I can hitch a wagon on, or mount a hitch ball for trailer towing.
Or can you drill a hole in the bucket and mount a ball there? Will not need to be more than hand tight just to move a trailer around the yard.

honestly just easier to not deal with it weight of bucket plus heavy tongue weight (100-150lbs) of tilt and dump trailer...recipe for disaster. not something I do a lot but is done.
most stuff is daily 2" ball 50lb tongue weight stuff.