Tire Chains for Traction on Turf Tires - Areas Beyond Snow?

319Quahog · Dec 29, 2023

Mirage276 said:
Mine is 11/16 (17 mm fits better) the second tang doesn't quite reach but it's not rotating with the way it's clamped in there. They checked measurements for me and recommended this one, they have a few different models.

Thanks

RidgeHiker · Jan 3, 2024

If you look up logging skidders on YouTube you will see that they often run full sets of chains for working in mud, soft soils, etc. Whole other types of beasts but principles are similar. People that work in the woods with compact tractors often use chains as well for those conditions.

Buggs67 · Jan 25, 2024

therooksatchickadeefarm said:
So, we're new to tractor ownership. Just purchased a little CS2220 with a FEL and mid-mount mower. It has the turf tires, which I think will be fine for most applications and I don't want to tear up the ground if I can help it since we only have a couple open acres right now. All that said, my question is, what would be some recommendations for improving traction when working in the less developed parts of our property? A bit of mud and timber. I was wondering if you could use snow chains on the rear to help in soft ground/uneven terrain? Or is there some other option (besides swapping out the tires). Our main activities will be a little bit of clearing, putting down chips on trails, moving down/cut wood for firewood. The tires are ballasted with beet juice and the tractor is 4WD. Thanks in advance!

Nice tractor. I agree with the others - see how it goes. Chains, especially the Euro type (which you commonly see on forestry tractors/log skidders) are expensive.

On a separate note; after mowing for a while with the FEL on I was frustrated by the lack of maneuverability. I removed the FEL (a quick simple matter) and the difference was amazing. Better sense of balance and easier to move about between trees. I ended up getting a ZTM as the finish mower was graet for large open space but not the lightly wooded front/side yards.

BubbaSam · Jun 3, 2024

UPDATE on Chains for Turf Tires for Snow Blowing...

I went to a local Kubota Dealer to purchase a set of chains for my rear tires on a B7500 I had just purchased used with turf tires. Honestly I couldn't even move in the snow this past winter.

They were out of the twisted link type chains and the ONLY ones available were a loose link type (not sure what the real type is called) manufactured in Austria and another type that had "spikes" on them. I almost choked when they told me the price of the loose link, over twice as much as the twist link I had purchased for my larger tractor. The biggest issue was the size of the tire the were going on BUT... I bit the bullet and purchased them.

I have to say these are the most unbelievable chains I have ever used. No problems now with going up and down the hills as well as snow blowing LOTS of heavy snow that packed when compressed.

LouNY · Jun 3, 2024

BubbaSam said:
UPDATE on Chains for Turf Tires for Snow Blowing...

I went to a local Kubota Dealer to purchase a set of chains for my rear tires on a B7500 I had just purchased used with turf tires. Honestly I couldn't even move in the snow this past winter.

They were out of the twisted link type chains and the ONLY ones available were a loose link type (not sure what the real type is called) manufactured in Austria and another type that had "spikes" on them. I almost choked when they told me the price of the loose link, over twice as much as the twist link I had purchased for my larger tractor. The biggest issue was the size of the tire the were going on BUT... I bit the bullet and purchased them.

I have to say these are the most unbelievable chains I have ever used. No problems now with going up and down the hills as well as snow blowing LOTS of heavy snow that packed when compressed.

Good looking set of chains. I had to get 3 more sets this past winter also. It does hurt the pocket book a bit.

Runner · Jun 3, 2024

I have used tire chains on a lawn tractor while mowing and they didn't tear up the grass, however, no experience with using them on a compact for mowing. My guess is they would tear up the grass. That being said, if I needed the traction for other areas, I wouldn't hesitate to use chains if chain-less doesn't work. I got my chains from this place and the process and price was great: