R4 Tire Chains. Is cheaper better?
- Thread starter JSUnlimited
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Deerlope
Veteran Member
markct
Platinum Member
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well as far as cheap tire chains we always ran worn out truck tire chains on all our tractors, sometimes even ones that wernt worn out if we found them at the right price. im not talkin pickup truck chains, but large trucks like the state highway plows. you can link more than one set together to get the length needed,and you can usualy find them cheap or free if ya keep and eye out and let a few people know your looking
dj1701
Veteran Member
Joe,
I have a JD 4115, which I believe is the same size as your NH. I had the same problem looking for the right chains to use.
I purchased chains from Tirechains.com like the ones in your second picture. I thought the cross pattern would stop the chains from falling into the lugs. Well take it from me, do not buy this style of chain for your size tractor. This pattern might be great on a much bigger tire, but our tires are to small. This setup leaves to much space between the chains, and it will shake the S**T out of you and your tractor. It was like I had square wheels.
I looked again at tirecahins.com and decided to go with the ladder style for my tractor. I wanted more cross pieces and I wanted the ones with the V-bars. I called them and explained what I needed, and they made up a set for me and I had them in a couple of days. This setup works great because you ride mostly on the chain, so the up and down motion is gone. Very smooth ride and lots of traction. Don't worry about the chains falling into the lugs, these chains are very heavy duty and stick out even when part of them is in between the lug. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I have a JD 4115, which I believe is the same size as your NH. I had the same problem looking for the right chains to use.
I purchased chains from Tirechains.com like the ones in your second picture. I thought the cross pattern would stop the chains from falling into the lugs. Well take it from me, do not buy this style of chain for your size tractor. This pattern might be great on a much bigger tire, but our tires are to small. This setup leaves to much space between the chains, and it will shake the S**T out of you and your tractor. It was like I had square wheels.
I looked again at tirecahins.com and decided to go with the ladder style for my tractor. I wanted more cross pieces and I wanted the ones with the V-bars. I called them and explained what I needed, and they made up a set for me and I had them in a couple of days. This setup works great because you ride mostly on the chain, so the up and down motion is gone. Very smooth ride and lots of traction. Don't worry about the chains falling into the lugs, these chains are very heavy duty and stick out even when part of them is in between the lug. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
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JSUnlimited
Platinum Member
dj1701,
Thanks alot for the reply! I think you just saved me some cash! Your pic is exactly what I'm looking to do.
Obviously you get more snow than I do, besides that what else to you do with the chains on. Do they help? What made you decide to get chains in the first place?
Thanks alot for the reply! I think you just saved me some cash! Your pic is exactly what I'm looking to do.
Obviously you get more snow than I do, besides that what else to you do with the chains on. Do they help? What made you decide to get chains in the first place?
spikeland
New member
hey everyone i just got ladder v type chains for my jd 2520. from tirechain website.i didnt put them on yet.cant wait to try them.how much of a difference in traction on ice is it.?did i make the right choice with the V type chain style?i have a dirt/gravel driveway 1500' long and goes uphill.whats your expierince with this type of chain.?
beenthere
Super Star Member
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You will like them a lot, I bet.
BigDogues
Gold Member
Woody_NH, mind if I ask where did you get your chains? Was it local or on-line? I bet they ride quite smoothly. Did you do all wheels or just the rears?
dj1701
Veteran Member
Joe,
I only use the chains in the winter. I have a long and steep driveway that gets a good bit of ice build up. I would be all over the place without them on. If you do get a set like mine, go with the V-Bar they are great on ice.
When you get your set, it will need to be shortened a bit. I cut the stock fasteners off cause i thought they were a pain in the A**. I went out and bought 4 C-Links with screw closures. These work great as long as you have enough slack to work with. You can see them in my pic.
The first time you put them on, it will take you a little time, at least it did me. Now I can have them both on in less then 15 minutes.
Dave
I only use the chains in the winter. I have a long and steep driveway that gets a good bit of ice build up. I would be all over the place without them on. If you do get a set like mine, go with the V-Bar they are great on ice.
When you get your set, it will need to be shortened a bit. I cut the stock fasteners off cause i thought they were a pain in the A**. I went out and bought 4 C-Links with screw closures. These work great as long as you have enough slack to work with. You can see them in my pic.
The first time you put them on, it will take you a little time, at least it did me. Now I can have them both on in less then 15 minutes.
Dave
Woody_NH
Silver Member
BigDogues,
I ordered the chains from the JD dealer in Plymouth, NH; Hawkensen Equipment.. The Dealer suggested them as: they require minimum clearance; are good on ice; not too heavy; and are easy to install. They are expensive, $455 for a set for 15-19.5 R4 tires. I find them to be as advertised. There is an importer somewhere in SE NH, model is known as Aqua-Line (to the dealer). They are made in Norway:
http://www.tellefsdal.no/engelsk/index_engelsk.htm
I have them only on rear. I am getting some basic chains to the front to be used only when I have ice on the steep section of the driveway.
Woody
I ordered the chains from the JD dealer in Plymouth, NH; Hawkensen Equipment.. The Dealer suggested them as: they require minimum clearance; are good on ice; not too heavy; and are easy to install. They are expensive, $455 for a set for 15-19.5 R4 tires. I find them to be as advertised. There is an importer somewhere in SE NH, model is known as Aqua-Line (to the dealer). They are made in Norway:
http://www.tellefsdal.no/engelsk/index_engelsk.htm
I have them only on rear. I am getting some basic chains to the front to be used only when I have ice on the steep section of the driveway.
Woody
