Tire chains-looking for opinions.

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Thanks for the additional info.
I almost always carry the logs/tops in my FEL grapple, so of course sometimes there is a fairly heavy load which will make the rears slightly less effective. However with filled rears there is still a good amount of weight back there.

The one thing I was a bit concerned about was hurting the pavement when I have to travel a couple hundred yards on it to get to one logging area. I called the tire chain sales company and they said that as long as I don't have an extremely heavy load in the FEL, and I keep it in 2wd only whenever on the pavement, it won't hurt the road at all. There is a chance I may notice a couple scratches on the pavement but I'm not worried about that. The chain company guys are correct: These chains hardly make a mark on asphalt or cement.

For the most part, It will be very rare for me to travel on pavement with the Talon chains on my fronts, but is wanted to make sure that it would be okay once in a while as long as I'm careful.

I still haven't made the final commitment (I.e. Haven't actually purchased them yet) but I'm getting closer and closer. It's a lot of money to spend on chains so I'm going to think about it some more and go from there.

I understand and went through the same process. As the front 2 links were just a bit over a hundred bucks for the pair, I took the chance on them and forwent the expense of the Aquiline/Talon type chains figuring if they didn't do the job, I'd sell them and then go with the Talons and if they did do the job, I lucked out and saved quite a bit of money. I was pleasantly surprised as they turned out to be quite the little grabbers even on ice. I kept them. The chain company guys are correct: the ladders hardly make a mark on asphalt or concrete.

 

[mcushing]

I understand and went through the same process. As the front 2 links were just a bit over a hundred bucks for the pair, I took the chance on them and forwent the expense of the Aquiline/Talon type chains figuring if they didn't do the job, I'd sell them and then go with the Talons and if they did do the job, I lucked out and saved quite a bit of money. I was pleasantly surprised as they turned out to be quite the little grabbers even on ice. I kept them. The chain company guys are correct: the ladders hardly make a mark on asphalt or concrete.

I looked up the Mahindra 3016 on tractordata.com, it weighs 2,460 lbs without a loader. My JD 3520 weighs 2,900 lbs + FEL is ~1,700 lbs = 4,600 lbs. Should I protect my garage floor at that weight with 2 link chains? UPS just dropped them off I will have them on tonight.

 

[arrow]

I looked up the Mahindra 3016 on tractordata.com, it weighs 2,460 lbs without a loader. My JD 3520 weighs 2,900 lbs + FEL is ~1,700 lbs = 4,600 lbs. Should I protect my garage floor at that weight with 2 link chains? UPS just dropped them off I will have them on tonight.

My tractor comes in close to #4000 with loader and loaded tires. I cannot answer your question M because I do not know you as a person. Some would go nuts for even the slightest scratch. Myself could give two craps about the slight marks they leave. I do suppose you could mount them and back up a couple of feet to see what you can tolerate. Another factor is the grade of concrete you may have in your garage. Some contractors like to cut corners and produce a softer product. My flooring seems real hard. If you have misgivings; a couple sheets of plywood or rubber stall mats would do you quite well.

 

[dragoneggs]

Me thinks one could throw down a couple of 'cheap' sheets of plywood or chipboard. A simple temporary solution to protect your cement while chains are on.

 

[k0ua]

Anyone heard much about these tire socks for road use? You would have to take them off before the snow melts or you would have wet socks.

New 'Sock' For Tires Could Replace Chains - YouTube

Car Snow Socks | Snow Socks | Auto Sock | AutoSock UK

Tom from all reports I have read, they work very well. Of course they are a temporary solution to get out to a cleared road, or up your driveway or maybe pull you out of the ditch or something like that. I can tell you this, from personal experience. when walking on ice around here, if I put an old pair of socks over my shoes they increase traction a bunch on even ice that is melting. I learned this trick from my wife.. :ashamed:

 

[TomSeller]

Tom from all reports I have read, they work very well. Of course they are a temporary solution to get out to a cleared road, or up your driveway or maybe pull you out of the ditch or something like that. I can tell you this, from personal experience. when walking on ice around here, if I put an old pair of socks over my shoes they increase traction a bunch on even ice that is melting. I learned this trick from my wife.. :ashamed:

I have a car that does not have enough clearance on the FWD for chains and was looking for an alternative. I don't have socks big enough to fit over my shoes, I will have to see if I can find a store catering to Bigfoot. Interesting idea, similar to when they mixed walnut shells with the rubber on snow tires. The tires did not last long, but they got good traction.

 

[GPintheMitten]

Attached is a picture of my driveway from my house. The steep part is at the end of the driveway. I'll take another picture there soon and post.

View attachment 352663

You're going to need those tire chains to pull that stuck red and yellow car out of the snow bank!

 

[mcushing]

You're going to need those tire chains to pull that stuck red and yellow car out of the snow bank!

Its a lost cause, I think my car will be buried all winter.

Attached is a pic at the bottom of the steep hill on my driveway. It doesn't look steep in the picture really. If you take a look at the trees at the top of the hill that gives a little perspective.

By the way, I am originally from Pinckney, MI somewhat near Flushing.

 

[Gaterader]

You can also fill the rear tires 3/4 full of a solution of water and calcium chloride or alcohol for ballast. I found this information in the operations manual of my Yanmar YM2200. A friend of mine said you could use a combination of anti freeze and water also.

 

[Looking4new]

You can also fill the rear tires 3/4 full of a solution of water and calcium chloride or alcohol for ballast. I found this information in the operations manual of my Yanmar YM2200. A friend of mine said you could use a combination of anti freeze and water also.

Calcium Chloride will rot your rims.
Rim Guard is what you need for ballast in the rears. It wont rot the rims and weighs about 12 LBS to the gallon.

Rim Guard - Liquid Tire Ballast