Snow chains on yet?

vtsnowedin · Dec 9, 2012

I don't see any need to jack up a tractor to put chains on it. Just drape them over the wheel, bungee cord or tie the front lose end to the rim and drive forward. Hook them up then drive them forward and back a few times and see if you can get another link tighter. Just my :2cents:

crazyal · Dec 9, 2012

vtsnowedin said:
I don't see any need to jack up a tractor to put chains on it. Just drape them over the wheel, bungee cord or tie the front lose end to the rim and drive forward. Hook them up then drive them forward and back a few times and see if you can get another link tighter. Just my :2cents:

By jacking it up I can put them on inside the shop where it's dry without having to worry about running out of room. I do the dump/ plow truck outside. I simply drape them over the top of the wheels with the end behind the truck and then drive forward until the gap is at about half way up behind the truck.

vtsnowedin · Dec 10, 2012

Well I suppose that if you have a nice shop filled with tools, jacks and whatnot you might as well use them. I need to build a shop as I've gone too long without one. But if your shop is sooo crowded that you can't run you tractor back and fort a wheel turn in it you either have too many toys or not enough shop.

bandit67 · Dec 10, 2012

vtsnowedin said:
But if your shop is sooo crowded that you can't run you tractor back and fort a wheel turn in it you either have too many toys or not enough shop.

It's always "Not Enough Shop", never "Too Many Toys"

vtsnowedin · Dec 10, 2012

I quite agree with that but the "Guardian of the checkbook" seldom sees it that way.

grsthegreat · Dec 10, 2012

ya, the nice heated shop and a bottle jack won out for me when installing chains. plus its easier to rotate the tire while setting the springs and getting out the slack.

NHbotanut · Dec 11, 2012

I'm still set up for logging and have about a dozen trees to haul out this weekend for firewood. No snow in the forcast for a week. I still have to dig out my plow and blower from storage.

I won't put chains on unless I get an ice buildup on the driveway, or they forecast ice & freezing rain on top of a snowbase. Tractor has plenty of traction and power for snow.

Chairman · Dec 22, 2012

Question: This year I have made room in my Garage with a concrete floor for my tractor. This makes it easier to start in the winter months. I have chains for all four tires (ladder type), not the kind with the cleats on them, just regular chain links. Will driving the tractor in/out of the garage do damage to the concrete floor? it is a medium size compact tractor, Massey 1533 (rear tires are about 4 1/2' tall)

THanks,

Doug

vtsnowedin · Dec 22, 2012

That depends on the quality and strength of the concrete. If it is high strength it will take a lot of just driving in but if it was over watered and self leveling done by a crew in a hurry it can chip out pretty fast. Also if you have a nice smooth finish it only takes a few dings to make it look bad. If you are fussy about your floor you might just put down some OS board or plywood to protect it.

Ezlivn · Dec 22, 2012

ok...here's another argument/discussion for us all......I have had chains on my tractor.....and just the front tires....I know I'm gonna hear about that too lololol. BUT...last year I had mu driveway paved with asphalt.....I have not put my chains on since cause i'm scared of damaging the pavement. I live on the coast of Maine where we can either get nailed with heavy snow or all rain...it's a tossup. So far I've been ok with no chains. Now mind you...I have a JD790 and a fairly long drive that's uphill. I always move my snow going uphill so it's easy to backup. what are your thoughts on the paved drive with chains?