Tire Chains for R4 Tires ??????????

[mcd176]

Ok guys after spinning on ice recently I have decide to look into chains for my L4200 4x4, I remember how well tire chains worked on my 8N but it had R1's on it. I need to know what you guys recommend?

1. Do I buy chains for the rear or front? I have seen alot of machines that had them on the front only, I am assuming to save $$

2. I have R4 tires and have heard that traditional "ladder" type chains do not work well with R4's because the chains fall in between the treads, I was looking into the ones that are in the attached image.

I also found this great site, and am lucky that it is close to my home so shipping would be 1 day www.tirechain.com

Thanks as always,

Mike

 

[MikeInEburg]

You may want to search a bit as there has been a lot of discussion on chains in the past two weeks. The type that you have shown are great for dirt/gravel but offer a very rough ride on paved surfaces. If pavement is a part of your world, consider 2-link type ladder chains. I'd just put chains on rear and see how it goes.
Mike

 

[mcd176]

Mike,

Thanks for the reply, I agree that the chains would be rough on the pavement, i am just concerned that the "ladder" type chains would go in between my treads on my R4 tires, My lane is a gravel road and I only clear out my parents and grandmothers driveways that are on the pavement, I am torn as of now.

I am still leaning toward this type since they should provide excellent traction in the woods for skidding out logs.

More input from all of you is appreciated.

-Mike

 

[MikeInEburg]

The 2-link ladder type have a cross-piece every two links on the end chains - as opposed to the more standard 4-link type. These are generally a bit easier when using on pavement and won't drop between the lugs. I agree that the duo-grip/tru-grip style will provide better dirt traction. It's all about priorities and needs.
Good luck!
Mike

 

[jaybrad]

I had the same question for my little Massey 2310 with R4 tires, and after talking with the dealer went with the 2 link chains on just the rear wheels.

They strongly discouraged using chains on the front wheels - I think it had to do with both tight clearances and strain on the differential in 4wd. There are several others on TBN who said the same thing.

In my case the chains haven't fallen into the tread on the tires, and having them on the rear has, so far, given me just the right amount of added traction.

I put them on tight and had to tighten them after the first time as expected, but so far they have done exactly what I was seeking.

Now if we would just get some snow instead of this freezing rain mess, I could go out and use them!

Good luck,
Jay

 

[ChuckinNH]

I bought a set of the duo grip chains for my small Kubota. They have plenty of traction, but they really ride rough on any kind of pavement, etc. If I were doing it again, I would buy the duo grip with the extra cross links, or just two link ladder chains....... with, or without the vbars depending on your needs.

 

[DHD]

For the past 4 years I've been using the 2-Link Ladder on my B7800 when I snowblow.
My first concern was not to screw up the cement floor in my garage and 2 link Ladder
work very well for that.
While snowblowing, on very rare occasions I have had to engage the differ. lock when backing up small icy hills. My B7800 is not very heavy, I have no loader and there is no liquid in my tires, but I've never got stuck, and have always been able to snowblow my
driveway and my neighbors hilly driveway.

 

[beenthere]

Mike,

Thanks for the reply, I agree that the chains would be rough on the pavement, i am just concerned that the "ladder" type chains would go in between my treads on my R4 tires, My lane is a gravel road and I only clear out my parents and grandmothers driveways that are on the pavement, I am torn as of now.

I am still leaning toward this type since they should provide excellent traction in the woods for skidding out logs.

More input from all of you is appreciated.

-Mike

The ladder type will not hide out between the treads. Especially if you don't put them on so tight they can't walk around a bit, and don't put on tighteners. But you do what makes you feel most comfortable.
I have R-4's and use the ladder type, and most of the time, leave them off. But they for certain do not stay between the treads. Mostly just need them for the slippery slush underneath a wet snow. When all is below freezing, not much need for chains.

I use chains on all fours for deep snow and working in the woods.

 

[jdgreg]

I just put a set of 2 link ladder chains on my JD, and it has R4 tires. The ladder chans are quite large and do not hide between the treads. I have chains on all 4 now, wished I done it a long time ago.

 

[jas67]

I'm looking to buy a set of (probably 2-link ladder) chains for my B7610's rear R4's (12-16.5). Tirechains.com has an installation tool for tensioning:
Snow Chains Install Tool

Is this tool necessary, or helpful?

What about spring tensioners?

Thanks,
Jay