Going to modify my chains, I think

[wheelbuilder]

My little bolens/iseki came with 4 link ladder chains. They help some and make the ride pretty rough with the 3 point blower on. My Dad found an old set of chains that are similar length, but for a narrower tire. I'd hoped to make these into 2 link ladder chains, but I think I'm going to try adding the shorter cross chains in at a diagonal on the 4 link chains. Hopefully it smooths the ride and adds some grip.
Anything I should be cautious of ? Clearance shouldn't be an issue.

 

[LouNY]

If it's for a narrower tire are you going to have to add on to the cross chains for them to be long enough.
Or are you going to fasten to your cross chains, going diagonally from cross chain to cross chain.

 

[wheelbuilder]

Sorry, yes I'm planning on going from cross chain to cross chain. Eveything looks like it should lay flat enough and not be twisted. If it doesn't work I guess I'm only out for my time and can put the old set back as it was. The more aggressive chains are out of budget for now.

If it's for a narrower tire are you going to have to add on to the cross chains for them to be long enough.
Or are you going to fasten to your cross chains, going diagonally from cross chain to cross chain.

 

[LouNY]

If you go from right to left and then left to right doing kind of a zig zag it will be similar to some of the chains that are supposed to be quite good.
Good luck, let us know how they work out for you.

 

[Dave M7040]

I had an old tractor with ladder style chains and chains from a Volvo 4 x 4 military truck.

Rather than mess around trying to piece chains together, I just laid 2 sets of the military chains on top of the ladder chains and secured them

Dave M7040

 

[wheelbuilder]

Well, I got them cobbed together and onto the tractor today. They're somewhat smoother riding, but still not what I hoped for. I think I will look into making them into an H pattern or regular 2 link ladders in the spring unless the traction over the winter impresses me.

 

[PILOON]

My little bolens/iseki came with 4 link ladder chains. They help some and make the ride pretty rough with the 3 point blower on. My Dad found an old set of chains that are similar length, but for a narrower tire. I'd hoped to make these into 2 link ladder chains, but I think I'm going to try adding the shorter cross chains in at a diagonal on the 4 link chains. Hopefully it smooths the ride and adds some grip.
Anything I should be cautious of ? Clearance shouldn't be an issue.

I also went the route you want to go on my Mitsubishi.
Did however need to buy some chain footage to double up my cross links.
It really makes for a smother ride with very rare slippage as well.
Also no slippage results in no noticeable 'skid marks' on pavement.

Suggest U simply order on line the extra raw chain footage U need to complete the build up.

Or again check local car scrap yards as they would have recuperated some chains over time.
Years back I purchased on EBay when shipping was more affordable as I needed all 4 wheels chained up on my plow truck.

My setup has a mix of studded as well as welded V style.
The studded way outlasts the V style and I don't drive on pavement, only gravel road beds.

 

[oosik]

I bought real V-bar tractor chains for my first tractor. Chained up on all four wheels - it could climb right up one of my big 'ol pine trees or the side of one of my out buildings. The rear chains were heavier than the Gates of Creation and quite difficult to instal. Rode like a COB - almost totally unstoppable.

One of the reasons I upgraded to my 2009 Kubota M6040. It's sufficiently heavy - 10,100# - to not need chains.

 

[LouNY]

Well, I got them cobbed together and onto the tractor today. They're somewhat smoother riding, but still not what I hoped for. I think I will look into making them into an H pattern or regular 2 link ladders in the spring unless the traction over the winter impresses me.

Got a picture of the results?
If you make them into an H pattern they will ride rough.
I ran 2 link spaced chains on a tractor for several years,
they worked better then standard 4 link spaced but that was all.

the Oliver has 2 link spaced and the IH 574 has a set of the Euro style studded,
the Euro style studded work several times better then the 2 link and have a good ride.
The standard 4 link spaced and the 2 link space and the H patterned or Duo chains all rode rough,
and had a spin slip and grab traction on my steep hill.
The studded Euro design is the only chain I have used that didn't have a slip and grab traction jump,
and many times required tire speed to chew for traction.

 

[wheelbuilder]

I did get a picture today. I figured out I was missing a piece. The ride is better now, I haven't had a chance to check if they grip better in the dirt, or on the driveway. Hopefully I get a couple nice days next weekend not doing car maintenance to play in the dirt.