Tire chains; narrowed my choices down

[David P]

I've been looking around online and checking prices locally on tire chains for my 2wd tractor (1981 International Hydro 84) and have narrowed my choices down to a couple of online dealers. One is a name that most of you have probably seen tirechains.com and the other is tirechainsrequired.com.

My setup and need: My tractor has a loader, rear tires that are 14.9-30(loaded) and I need to get up some fairly steep grade in the ice/snow but also in the mud for maple sap collection in March.

In order to get up the hills on our property I will need a fairly aggressive chain. I have narrowed my choices down to the duo-ladder combo on tirechains.com ($732 plus shipping) or the Single Fores Trac studded on tirechainsrequired.com ($733 includes shipping).

The chains sold by tc.com are made in China and seem to be a slightly smaller chain than the fores trac chains on tcr.com, which are made in Maine. They are a 1/2" chain with 9/16" studs.

I'm leaning towards the fores trac chains. Has anyone purchased from tirechainsrequired.com in the past? Anyone used these particular chains? Also, is there any advantage to the slightly larger size of the fores trac chains? Any comments or other suggestions are welcome.

Links:

14.9-28 Tractor Tire Chain

http://www.tirechainsrequired.com/shopping/shopdisplayproducts.asp?Search=Yes&sppp=9999

You can download a brochure for the chains on tirechainsrequired here:

http://www.americanchains.com/

Thanks!

David

 

[daveinnh]

I bought the V-Bar Duo-grip model from tirechains.com several years ago for our Kubota L4310. It does bite the ice well. I did see some verrry aggresive chain patterns made in Sweden or Norway, but they where kinda pricey.

Also consider the tensioning kit with springs (vs. bungee cords) and get the ~$12 tool to spread the tensioning chains. Plan on a learning curve the first time mounting; unless you have a knowledgeable friend.

 

[Gordon Gould]

You may have seen these already and discounted them but in case you havent and you need an aggressive chain you cant beat these. They are made in Norway by Tellefsdal. I think Aquiline is the same. They come 8 mm (5/16") and 10 mm (3/8" +). Mine are the 8 mm ones.

 

[David P]

Thanks for the replies! I've seen differing reports on how tight the chains should be on the tire. Some suggest to have it quite tight but I did see at least one manufacturer who recommended a fair amount of slippage. In fact, it may have been Tellfsdal.

I didn't discount the Tellefsdal chains but I don't believe I could locate a dealer. I'll try looking again as your chains look pretty aggressive. How do they do in the early spring mud, especially on hills?

 

[Gordon Gould]

I have not run them much in real soupy deep mud so I cant say there, But if you have just a slick slimmy surface layer they are great. Tellefsdal is the one who recomends that you should be able to place your balled up fist between the tire sidewall and the chain. I got mine thru my tractor dealer.

 

[David P]

Gordon, PM inbound. Thanks for the info.

 

[Chilly807]

I got mine from the dealer as well, mine are Tellefsdal, the same as Gordon's.

Simply the best tire chains I've ever seen, the grip is very good on ice, snow, pretty much whatever. Also very smooth running on pavement, provided you run them loose as Tellefsdal suggests. I've never had them come off, it's virtually impossible if they're sized right.

I think Whistlepig has the Aquiline Talons, very similar to ours.

They're not cheap, mine were $550 Cdn a couple years ago.

Sean

 

[Oldpath05]

"I'm leaning towards the fores trac chains. Has anyone purchased from tirechainsrequired.com in the past?"
I have the same question because my Talon tire chains bought in (07) are starting to break already on the studded cross chain part. They say on there web site those chains need 4" clearance between fenders, I have about 3", on my Kubota L3400, why do those chains need 4"?

 

[Agvg]

Thanks for the replies! I've seen differing reports on how tight the chains should be on the tire.

To tight and they will start to wear on the tires, not a big problem at low speed and light use but if you have a lot of driving at topspeed 30 - 50km/h they will make deep marks on the tire.l

 

[Oldpath05]

https://www.youtube.com/edit?video_id=dInPWZuyGAU

My daughter came out for a visit yesterday, and made a video of me getting firewood, she makes it sound so easy, now I'll try to get it on this forum.