How important are tire chains on a 4WD for snowblowing?

[canoetrpr]

Did not quite expect tire chains to cost about $300!.

My tires are not loaded on my L3400. I have industrial tires and plan on blowing the snow on my gravel drive this winter with a rear attached blower.

How important do you guys think tire chains are with 4WD? Would I be better off spending the money to get my tires loaded - will that help with traction in the snow?

 

[racolton]

If your driveway is completely flat and you can be absolutely certain you aren't going to go off the drive, chains aren't needed. However, even the slightest hill will stop you cold - rubber doesn't have much traction on packed snow / ice. Chains are amazing for traction!

My vote is get chains, then worry about loading the tires.

Have fun!

(I get 6'+ drifts almost every day during the winter, several times a day if it's snowing!)

 

[CTyler]

I have an L3130 with industrials and plow snow on a 500'+ drive with about a 5-6 degree slope. No chains and I can plow up the drive 4-6 inches of snow more than on the flats and down the drive. The only time I've had a problem is when it ices over which has only happened a few times in 3 years. When it does I put sand in the bucket and lightly spread it in front of me as I go.

I used the spreader one time but found it easier to just use the bucket and gentle touch. That way theres no switch between the rear blade and the speader.

If you get a lot of ice then chains may be easier but not for me.

To add...the times we have gotten 14-16" of snow I just took a couple passes at it.

 

[MadReferee]

As others have said, if your driveway ices up at all then you need chains. My totally flat gravel driveway will ice up as it gets sun then shade. When it does I am glad I have chains. It's no fun to go sliding sideways into a snow bank. Been there, done that.

 

[Willl]

It's no fun to go sliding sideways into a snow bank.

On a tractor, no less.

 

[jbrumberg]

canoetrpr:

If you get a lot of icing I would buy the chains. I have always had R-1's on my tractors so we are comparing apples to oranges. Although each winter is different based on the ~20 years I ran my Ford 1100 with a dual hydraulic plow it appears weighted tires with chains>unweighted tires with chains>weighted tires without chains>unweighted tires without chains traction-wise. Last year I upgraded tractors to a NH TC29DA with weighted R-1's. Last year did not have a lot of big snows (maybe one or two good storms), but we did have a lot of snow/sleet/icing. I plow after ~4" and generally only once per storm. I had no trouble moving snow last year with my set up. I know a guy up in the Adirondacks with a Ford 1700 with unweighted R-1's without chains who runs a 64" rear mounted snowblower without difficulty. Jay

 

[HTWT]

I purchased chains when I got my NH 1620 in 1996. I didn't use them for a number of years while I used my backblade. When I started using a snowblower I found it necessary to put the chains on for traction to push the snowblower into the snow.

 

[Luremaker]

canoetrpr, if your driveway is flat I would not worry about chains. Save the $300. If you think that you need them after this winter, look for used chains at farm auctions in the spring. Lots of used tire chains around. You'll likely find a pair for around $50-$75.

 

[bill177]

I have always used a 7' plow on my 6000 lbs 4-wheel drive Tahoe. The driveway is steep and paved. No problems. I do not have "snow" tires - just plain all-season treads. Never used chains. Before the Tahoe, I used an S-10 2dr 4-wheel drive Blazer. It also had no problems.

But, I really do wonder what my GC2300 with filled ag tires would do in 4-wheel drive. If I thought it would do the job, I'd put the plow on it.

 

[shvl73]

I've yet to need chains on my 600' driveway. It's fairly flat but, I also make a path to walk the dogs all around our field. No problem yet, with loaded R4's. I think you'll be suprised at the traction you'll get.