Tire Chain Tensioners

[logan97]

Are they worth the investment ?

 

[RoyJackson]

Bungees are cheaper, work just as well and probably easier to install.
I do suggest wearing safety glasses when handling bungees. I still have the scar on my arm when one let go.

 

[Red Horse]

I say they are-but you don't have to spend a lot of $$. I use 3 rubber bungee cords on each wheel- gives you 6 attachment points and adequately eliminates any slack.

 

[crazyal]

I just get the chain tight and don't use them.

 

[whistlepig]

I bought these for $44.99 a pair. These are well made and very heavy duty. I used a nylon ratchet strap hooked to the top of the tire chain and center ring to tension the springs. I like 'em. tirechains

 

[alkabo]

I have the same ones from tirechains on my L4400 and really like them.

 

[beenthere]

Are they worth the investment ?

Not needed if the chains are cut to fit the tires for the correct cross chain length and the correct side chain length.

If either is the wrong length, then tensioners are likely needed.

I prefer having the chains fit and tensioners not needed.

 

[whistlepig]

I agree with beenthere 100%. It's better to have the tensioners and not need them than to not have the tensioners and need them. Getting stuff like snow chains and tensioners this time of year can be almost impossible.

 

[savageactor7]

I bought these for $44.99 a pair. These are well made and very heavy duty. I used a nylon ratchet strap hooked to the top of the tire chain and center ring to tension the springs. I like 'em. tirechains

I tried them one time but they didn't hold up. Those 6" black rubbers with the 2 'S' hooks work the best for us. They're on the same shelf as the tarps as TSC.

 

[Craig Clayton]

I looked and your hooks are pointing in, you might want to turn them out as they could chew a nasty tear in the tire. Hope you do not mind the suggestion.
Craig Clayton

 

[BrianW]

I used automotive tensioners from amazon.com for my BX. Search for Security "Chain Company QG20070 Quik Grip Passenger Vehicle Traction Chain Rubber Tightener - Set of 2". Without them, my chains would ocasionally catch on the mower lift hardware on the left side of the tractor. I am running turf tires.

 

[whistlepig]

I looked and your hooks are pointing in, you might want to turn them out as they could chew a nasty tear in the tire. Hope you do not mind the suggestion.
Craig Clayton

I appreciate the suggestion very much. They haven't gotten in to the tires yet but I can see where they could. I'll turn them around.

 

[RoyJackson]

I looked and your hooks are pointing in, you might want to turn them out as they could chew a nasty tear in the tire. Hope you do not mind the suggestion.
Craig Clayton

I think you're refering to Whistlepig's post #5 and, yes, those hooks need to be reversed.

 

[Chilly807]

All I use are the side chain "boomers" that came with the chains, like beenthere said if they fit right there's not much need for tensioners.

Sean

 

[whistlepig]

All I use are the side chain "boomers" that came with the chains, like beenthere said if they fit right there's not much need for tensioners.

Sean

Are these the Tellefsdal chains?

 

[Chilly807]

Yes, they are.

Sean

 

[whistlepig]

I have chains that are similar. I think you and I have compared chains before. You have a much better fit up than I do. My side chains need to be shortened. Just haven't figured a good way to rejoin the chains after cutting the extra links out. Repair links I think is what they call them.

 

[Red Horse]

Whistlepig- That is a good looking set of chains. $$$$ Where did you get those?

 

[Chilly807]

As I recall I bent the hooks open, shortened the side chains, re-attached the hooks and squeezed them shut again. I had to cut out one or two of the center sections too. If you don't have room to get the levers in, you may have to put the hooks in two links apart on the side chains near the ends instead of three.

It looks like you have about the right amount of wrap around the sides of the tire, if the side chains were shorter you'd be fine I think.

Sean

 

[oldballs]

Made my own out of truck tire inner tube slices cut about 1 inch wide. Just two each to a side. They loop on to a chain link that's cut and opened a bit to make the connections. They have lasted for about ten years so far.