Chains Tire chains for ice??

[Jerry/MT]

Hi Guys, Need a little help here. The first significant snow of the season and I did it again! Pushed the snow too far over the bank, and couldn't back out. The heavy, wet snow immediatly turned to ice under the tires and bucket pushing with diff lock were not effective, as I had ZERO traction. So, once again, dig out the Come-Along and 50' of straps,etc.. When pushing with the bucket, the front tires are up and the rears are planted, but they just zing on the ice. I think rear chains would make life so much easier. I put rear chains on my old tractor, a 1952 Farmall Super C, (great old brute) but the cross links just dropped between the lugs and were ineffective. I'm looking for chains with the cross links connected on the tread to keep the chain between the tire and the ice. The problem is that I can't seem to find them to fit the 15x19.5 R-4 tires on my JD4310. Any leads would be appreciated. Thanks, Greg.

Get the V-bar chains that have the cross chains linked together so they don't slip between the tire lugs.

 

[Nuru]

I have heard that chains are tough to get on the 3x20 series, is that OS or Cab, or is it both?

 

[Hardscrabbble]

Oh Yeah, no kidding - I would imagine they will be a bit tough on asphalt and concrete though?

Yes you have to be careful on asphalt or concrete. Avoid spinning the tires. I have used chains for several years and have had no problems with marking the hard surface. But I am careful not to spin the tires with chains on them.

 

[Deadman]

I have 1,000Lbs in my ballast box, and even without spinning them, I think they make little pock marks. Blacktop is not durable at all compared to concrete. I wish I never installed blacktop....

 

[beenthere]

I don't use the v's on the cross chains, and don't have any problem on ice with chains and R-4's. Most of the winter I run without chains and have plenty of traction (for me).
Here is a pic of chains. I made my own up so I could keep the side chains up in the depression at the ends of the lugs. Some chains drop down on the sides of the tires, and there isn't much clearance between the fender and the side chains.
Never have had a problem with cross chains sliding between the lugs and staying there, even with the R-1's. Leave them just loose enough so they fall out of the lugs when coming around. They will do the work when needed for traction.
And for sure, I don't put the chain tighteners on, as some do. Just get torn up with ice chunks, or snow, or sticks if in the woods. They are not needed on properly fitted and adjusted chains. IMO

 

[ovrszd]

My chains in that picture I posted were BRAND NEW! I took the pic right after I had them on, because I was just drooling over how awesome they were.

If your driveway is Gravel, these chains will do 3 times as much as my R4's did with no chains. In my opinion these R4 tires are at their worst in snow. The chains and some rear weight, and LOOK OUT. I never run front chains, and steer with the brakes if it wants to slide.

Mine came from tirechain.com I believe. (everyone suggested them on here). I LOVE my chains. They are fairly easy to put on, but they are HEAVY. (like 100Lbs or maybe more EACH!)

I've got a set like Deadman's too. I will say the tractor chained in 2wd will do three times the work it will do unchained in 4wd. Almost so much difference that it's unfair to even do a comparison.

 

[123rday]

And for sure, I don't put the chain tighteners on, as some do. Just get torn up with ice chunks, or snow, or sticks if in the woods. They are not needed on properly fitted and adjusted chains. IMO

My grandfather never used chain tighteners either and always left the chains a little loose on the tractors but snug on the trucks.

 

[gogreen]

Hey beenthere, what is the snowplow setup on the front of your tractor? I see it is a western blade. Have you fabricated a truck blade to work on your tractor? Maybe a picture of the front if you have time?