I intentionally ordered the "wrong" tirechains

[jimgerken]

I used to have a JD 2520 tractor and had ordered truck tire chains for it, with square cross section cross links, and cam-type adjusters. Very nice set of chains, totally spoiled me. So when recently ordering chains for my current tractor, a JD 3720, I wanted those cam tensioners again. I searched Tirechains.com, but did not find anything in the correct size (43x16x20) except normal tractor chains (no cams). So, I took a chance and ordered a different size, listed on tirechains.com as 44x18.5x16.5 truck chains. On the shopping cart page, these chains showed a description of "SS1 Super Single Truck chains" and cost $127.xx plus shipping. They came Friday, and Saturday I fit them. I ended up having to cut off about a foot of sidelink from each side of each one, which forced me to move one cross link set on each chain. So each set is normally a four-link spacing, but one cross link (on each) is on there now at two-link spacing. And yes they have cams, 4 big ones per set, and the clasp also has the slot feature for the cam wrench, so that makes it easier to close. The cross links are big enough so that even though a lot of the chain falls between R4 lugs, almost half each link is prominent above the lugs. Here are some pics that show the smaller chains that fit the 2520, and the new SS1 chains side by side, and pics of the SS1 chains installed on the 43x16x20 tires of the JD 3720.
I used the tractor quite a bit on Sunday, after we got a reported 16 inch snowfall on Saturday (plus drifting from the wind to depths of four feet in places). I had a lot of "off-roading" to do to get a path to the shed up across the lawn and stuff. Even though I was blowing, and later pulling drawbar implements up the "road" I blew open, I am sure I'd have had real trouble doing this without chains. With chains, no worries, and I could go anywhere with confidence.

 

[beenthere]

Looks great Jim.

Thanks for the pics....very educational.
Shows how the ladder chains don't disappear in the lugs as so many want to believe.
Is your clearance on the inside to the fender reasonable?

I like the cam fasteners too, but haven't used (or found a need to) the tighteners. Although I like the concept and will give it some serious consideration if altering chains in the future.

We only got about 8-9" of that snowstorm but did get the wind. To cut down on drifting, I usually make a pass in the field to the north of our road and the snow was drifted in about 2-3' deep there yesterday. Just had the chains on the front wheels, but we managed to bust through with no problems (I like "no problems" as being stuck out in the middle of a field is not a good place to be with 20 mph winds and temps near zero F).

 

[jimgerken]

Fender clearance is good, but I maybe should have mentioned that I have the skid-steer wheel spacers on, 4 inches per side.

 

[beenthere]

Jim
That is very interesting. Would you have a thread (or would start one) showing the build-up using the skid steer spacers plus the wheel weights shown in the pics?

That must improve the stability by a great deal.

 

[jimgerken]

BEENTHERE:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...rating/177020-jd-cut-wheel-spacer-answer.html

That is a thread which I added to, with photos. Look to page 3 of the thread for my photos. Yes, stability is excellent with these on. In hindsight, I would run the wheels flipped to the narrow position, plus the four inches of extension per side. Mine is an inch wider than that even, because my rims are flipped. 66 inches outside of tread to outside of tread.

 

[beenthere]

Thanks for that link. I recall watching it, but missed your additional success and added pics.

I will look into the 6 bolt mentioned, as that is what I have on the JD 4300. Would like to go out at least the 2". I've already flipped the rims to gain the inch.
Adding some apparent stability feeling when logging in the woods would be helpful for my pucker factor.