Need Tire Chain Tensioners for Kubota BX2660

[bigtiller]

Doesn't really matter. Tire chain tensioners are crutches for people that don't size and install chains properly and revenue sources for retailers.

I didn't realize this, thanks for the update.

 

[rScotty]

Mine are designed to run loose,
they have jusr been put on and the side chains adjusted evenly and that's it, no binders, no straps, no playing around with the tire pressure
View attachment 717755
after they get run for a few hundred feet there will be some slack chain sitting on the ground in front of the tire.

Lou, those are sure nice chains. I can see how far the sides come down. No way those chains can "walk off" the tires. And I would say that the way the sides fit are the key. They don't need bungees or springs.

Also look how the entire center of the chain cannot drop down into the lugs. It has to sit on top of the lugs where it gives the best traction to the snow.

His aren't the only way, I personally like an X pattern in the middle rungs instead of a ladder style like Lou has, but that is splitting hairs. Either center pattern will work fine when the sides of the chains fit as well as these.

BTW. the only way I've ever gotten chains to fit that well is to start with a good set of chains and then modify them until they are right. I've never been able to find a set of ready made chains that were right.
rScotty

 

[Wyobuckaroo]

I also make homemade, DIY tensioners..
I use dog tie out chain and springs just a bit smaller than recycled trampoline springs from our local freight surplus store.. I bend hooks out of stiff wire about 3mm diameter.. Also "S" hooks, if, when on sale..

This seems a lot of trouble, but only once as they have lasted a long time... Knock on wood.. I got tired of rubber tighteners, rubber tarp straps, bungee cords of all sorts flying past my ears when they failed..

 

[1BADDZL]

I cut my chains to fit like many have posted, align on tires, then I made my own tensioner out of short chains with hooks on the ends and threaded rod through the center of each chain. Zoom in on tire. My chains stay tight for months, long winters in maine. Easy and cheap to make/use.

 

[PILOON]

Doesn't really matter. Tire chain tensioners are crutches for people that don't size and install chains properly and revenue sources for retailers.

Not necessarily true.
Some CUT's, like mine, have very minimal clearance between tire and fender.
So close that I cannot fit my hand, so loose chains would destroy the fenders.
Good binders are needed.

 

[RickB]

Not necessarily true.
Some CUT's, like mine, have very minimal clearance between tire and fender.
So close that I cannot fit my hand, so loose chains would destroy the fenders.
Good binders are needed.

Put them on tighter. If your fender is that close to the tires you'll probably do damage to the fenders with chains sooner or later no matter how you install them. I used tire chains on tractors for about 50 years. I'll stand by my comments here but you may not agree.

 

[dj1701]

I have used tensioners before on a bigger tractor, but for my BX2680 I don't need them.

 

[wawajake]

To the OP ....Perhaps you are over thinking this . I too have a BX2660 and for 12 Tough Canadian winters I have used a set of chains that came off my Jeep. I modified them slightly by adding a few quick links, and they are installed on the rears in November with some bungee cords after removing wheels and lowering air and putting bungees on inside and outside of wheel. Then install, air up and they stay on until April. Can't remember any problems. Check them the odd time....no problems. Don't over think it and don't over spend on chains etc These are small rear wheels and any chains will be dramatically better than the stock tires.

 

[beenthere]

I cut my chains to fit like many have posted, align on tires, then I made my own tensioner out of short chains with hooks on the ends and threaded rod through the center of each chain. Zoom in on tire. My chains stay tight for months, long winters in maine. Easy and cheap to make/use. View attachment 718222

Have to disagree that these chains "fit" the tire. Side chains shown are a few links too long for a good fit, and shows the extra slack, but agree they are clever tensioners. just sayin..

 

[beenthere]

Worried about clearance between chains and fenders on my 4300 when new.
I solved the issue by buying new side chain and cross chain to make a ladder set that has worked very well since new (Wisconsin winters for 22 years).
Made the chains to lay in the scalloped or hollow of the R4 tires.