Tire Chain Length Question

[Hendey T&G]

I’m putting on my new tire chains for the first time and have a question. There is a lot of slack chain left and I haven’t even rolled a bit to readjust them. Is this normal? Should I cut some of that extra length off or zip tie the excess etc.?
They are Aquiline Talons 16.9 - 24.

Are R-1 Ag tires a little larger circumference?

 

[Runner]

I don't have that style/brand of chain, but mine were long enough that I had to remove one cross-chain and a couple of side links. Even at that, I still left a couple of extra side links just to be on the safe side and I secure those bailing wire.

 

[Hendey T&G]

Ok,so not unusual. Thanks

 

[ptsg]

I believe @LouNY uses the same style of chain. Maybe he has some tips to help you out.

 

[2manyrocks]

I don't have enough experience with tire chains generally to say much except in my personal opinion, I wouldn't trust plastic zip ties to take up the slack in tire chains. I think there's too much force that could snap the zip tie leaving the chain loose to damage an expensive tire.

 

[JJT]

I use a quick link to secure the loose chain ends. Been doing that for 30+ years.

 

[LouNY]

Yep, it's that time of year again, lovely chains.
Yes you may have to shorten your chains or even remove a cross chain. The Talons should have come with a manual to get them sized to your tire. Part of the problem is that off all the 16.9-24's made by the numerous manufactures and even the different lines from the same manufacture can and will have different loaded radius and/or circumference.
Here is a link to a short video installing some OFA chains they are very similar to the Talons.

I have Aquline Talons, TRYGG smt's and OFA Tapios I install them all the same.
I just put one set on the rear of my Branson 8050 today they are the Talons I believe. I worked with both tires at the same time, but I have done this a few times.

Here they are with the ropes tied to the chains just below the side chain fasteners with the studs facing up.

Here I have moved the tractor almost a full revolution of the rear tires, stopping and centering the chains over the tires every couple of feet.

Here we are fastening the center chains, I use D ring shackles to connct everything, just pulling the centers together by hand. On the left side you can see the shackles waiting to be fastened. Just be sure when you are done fastening the chains together that they are the number of links on the center sections. Then when you fasten the side chains be sure that they are the same length doing this keeps the chains square and even on the tire and they will stay on much better if not they will tend to try and walk off the tire.

Rear chains on, I ran them up and down the driveway checking them at each end. I use shackles for all connections and to hold the excess side links to the side chains

If you zoom this picture you can see the shackles.

Good luck

 

[Hendey T&G]

Thanks to all for the great advice.
And thanks for the link Lou. They want more slack in the mounted chain than I would have thought. I always thought the tighter the better.

 

[John_Mc]

Thanks to all for the great advice.
And thanks for the link Lou. They want more slack in the mounted chain than I would have thought. I always thought the tighter the better.

With this style of chain, most manufacturers recommend a bit of slack, I fact, I think with my OFA EKO chains they said the warranty is void if you use chain tensioners.

 

[LouNY]

I don't leave quite as much as they show.