R4 Tire Chains. Is cheaper better?

[JSUnlimited]

I was looking for chains on tirechains.com and found these are the cheapest. I have a NH TC24DA with 12-16.5 R4's. The use would be snow removal from a steep limestone driveway, plus snow removal from family's concrete/asphalt (flat) drive next door. The other thing I was really needing traction was for hauling firewood out of the woods on frozen/snow covered ground. Would these work or just fall in between the lugs? What would you guys reccommend? I've done a search but have not found the answers.

Joe

 

[JSUnlimited]

Or would these be better as I also need some lateral traction as I have to drive across some slope to get to the wood?

 

[Deerlope]

I think the second pic would serve you much better.

 

[PoleClimber]

Ladder chains will bury themselves in between the treads. You need a chain that is designed to keep the crosschains from moving into the tire tread,just like in your second post. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Bernie

 

[Woody_NH]

I would recommend a product with some type of cross pattern or H pattern to keep the chain from falling into the lugs. For example like the center row in this page:
http://www.tirechainsrequired.com/tractor-tire-chains.html

I got the Nortractor H pattern see:
http://www.tellefsdal.no/images/Kjetting/Nortractor_stor.JPG
These were expensive but are high grade steel and offered more inside clearance.

 

[PoleClimber]

Look at the New Holland Owning and Operating forum. I posted a picture there of my tractor with chains.

 

[JSUnlimited]

PoleClimber,

Yeah, I saw those pics the other day and I think those will be what I'll get, not much more for my size. Thanks to all for the feedback.

 

[beenthere]

These are the ones (ladder, first pic) like I have (and have used for years with both R-1 and R-4 tires). They do not hide in the lugs to the point they are not effective, and work just fine on a side slope. You may opt for the H pattern or cross pattern, but I have not found a need to do that. The idea that they get buried in the lugs is a 'theoretical' thought, but not realistic in my experience. They may be a bit rougher on dry pavement or frozen ground and give you more bounce but the fact they do this means they are not buried in the lugs. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Just another side of the coin, and thought you'd want to know. It's not my money.

 

[robison]

My company services and fits out Land Rovers for off road use. Sometimes that involves rigging tire chains for mud, ice, or snow. I have found this company - Rud Chain - makes an excellent product. They have a whole line of chains for tractors, skid steers, log skidders and off road machinery.

http://www.rudchain.com/snow/work5.htm

We use these chains for Land Rovers. They are easy to fit and among the best chains I've used.

http://www.rudchain.com/snow/grip4.htm

 

[bugstruck]

/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif Smart looking designs. Up there with the best I've seen posted here, maybe even better.

Thanks

 

[Egon]

If you purchase the ladder trype ensure the crosslinks are close enough togther so the ride is smooth. This can be an issue on small tires like on my Kubota B7100. On a hard surface it is almost impossible to sit on.

Egon /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Deerlope]

These were only $650 3 years ago.

 

[markct]

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]

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

 

[JSUnlimited]

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?

 

[spikeland]

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]

You will like them a lot, I bet.

 

[BigDogues]

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]

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

 

[Woody_NH]

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