Chains Tire chains for a BX-23.

[mrgries]

I have a BX-23 with turf tires - rears are 26x12-12, fronts are 18x8.5-8. I'd like to get some chains so I have a reasonable chance of not getting stuck when pushing some snow around. A quick google search provided a couple of sources - www.tractortirechains.com being the most obvious choice, but I don't know whether or not they are a good source. Any recommendations? Also, what do the numbers mean? Is a 26x12x12 (shown as a tire size on the website) the same as a 26x12-12 (shown on the tire) or does the slightly different notation make a difference? Finally, what is the difference between 2-link and 4-link chains?

Thanks.

mike

 

[ronjhall]

The one mentioned most here on TBN is TireChain.com.

 

[Junkman]

Chains that are designated 26x12x12 will fit your tires. However not all chains are created equally. Some chains are from the other side of the world and are manufactured of inferior quality steel and will wear out sooner and break. With chains, you get what you pay for. In this first picture, you will see an example of a 2 link chain. Every other side link has a cross chain attached.

 

[Junkman]

This next picture is a close up of the cross links...

 

[Junkman]

This is a 4 link tire chain....

 

[Junkman]

Here is a close up view of the cross chain. You will note that there are small bars welded to the chain to give additional traction. This cross chain design will give you maximum traction in snow and ice.

 

[Junkman]

I have been purchasing my tire chains from St Pierre Chain & Wire Rope Company 317 E Mountain St. Worcester, MA 01606 (508) 853-8010 for many years. I have recommended them to others on TBN and those that have purchased from them have been extremely satisfied. They manufacture the chains from US made steel and are very reliable to do business with. I suggest that you call them and discuss your needs with them and get a quote. The 2 link chains with the cross bar reinforcements will be the "top of the line" product, however, depending on your site conditions, you might not need a 2 link chain and the 4 link will be sufficient. They can give you guidance for your needs. I used the 4 link on the bar tires on my old Bolens, and the 2 link on the turf tires on the other Bolens tractor.

 

[Henro]

<font color="blue"> However not all chains are created equally. Some chains are from the other side of the world and are manufactured of inferior quality steel and will wear out sooner and break. </font>

I put a lot of faith in the Junkman's advice witch has a high probablility of being right on from what I have seen in the past...

But somehow I can't help but think on a small tractor like a BX Kubota this would not be much of an issue.

I would buy wherever the price was right for the same spec chains and not expect to see problems develop for decades...

This could just be me though... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[RonR]

Junkman,

My chain experience is very limited and was 20+ years ago, based on car/truck stuff.

Set #1 we bought at a grocery store at the base of some pass in Colorado--it was the only way the police would let you go over. We didn't even know how to mount them, but figured it out.

Set #2 I ordered from Sears (ok, boo at me now) for my car. They must have been 2 link chain. Fairly smooth ride and worked for us.

Set #3 I bought ???? to fit my pickup. From your pics, they are 4 link chains with the cross bars. I thought they were ICE chains or something. They rode over twice as rough as the 2 link kind on the car.

Now I doubt that is an issue on a BX, but darn they rode rough....

Still own both sets and they don't fit anything I own! I've tried to sell them, but no one is interested around here............. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

See ya,
Ron

 

[Junkman]

Ron....... you are correct about the 4 link being a rougher ride than the 2 link chains and the cross bar being a rougher ride than the open link chains, however on a light tractor such as the BX, it won't make much difference. If I was pushing snow over a dirt road with hills, I would want the 2 link chain with the cross bar. If I was on pavement, either the 2 link or 4 link would be sufficient, and the only difference would be the "smoothness" of the ride.
Henro/Bill..... I also agree with you as to the quality that it might not make much difference, however if the quality is so poor that you start breaking links when the chain is put under strain.... ie.. when you get stuck or are pushing a lot of snow with the loader, then you will appreciate the quality difference. The chains that I have pictured are over 20 years old. I have a pair and a half, since I can not locate the other chain to the set. I sold a pair to another TBN member last week and have kept one set for my tractor. I have been using the snowblower without any ballast on the rear and have not gotten stuck one time so far this winter. To me, chains are like the ROPS.... good to have, but hope that you never need to use them. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif