Chains Tire chains on AG (R1) tires??

[Doc_Bob]

My question is pretty simple. How are AG tires in snow? Is it possible to use chains on AG tires? Some times in Wisconsin, we can get a layer of packed snow (ice) about 2 inches thick over a gravel road. I have never used AG tires on this kind of surface. If the AG tires need more traction on this 2 inch layer of packed snow/ice, can I put chains on the rears? With FWD, do folks put chains on all four tires? Or do you just use chains on the rear tires only? We get snow on top of the ice pack, requiring snow blowing, plowing, etc. Will traction in this scenario work with AG tires without chains?
Bob

 

[jjcc246]

i've used ag on snow and you can spin them. for ice i have put chains on the rears (not front, even on 4x4) without any problem. i don't know if there is a specific chain made for the ag tire, but i had a set that fit, put them on and never had a problem. also keep them on for the spring in the muck and they worked great. hope this helps.

 

[PineRidge]

Bob unless it turns out that you really need them I would recommend that you save your money. Give your new TC-40DA the benefit of the doubt and try it 1st. We have never used or needed them yet and with the exception of getting carried away with the speed once and doing a 360 degree spin never felt like we needed them. Good luck.

 

[jbrumberg]

Doc Bob:
I had chains on my old Ford 1100's rear weighted R-1's which helped increase traction in mud, snow, and ice. I asked the dealer about putting chains on the front R-1's and he told me he would not sell me front chains as with 4WD the front tires needed some "slippage" which front chains would tend to prevent. I agree with Mike ("PineRidge") in trying out your tractor without chains first. When I upgraded tractors to my NH TC29DA with CaCl filled R-1's I found no need for chains in the conditions my smaller/lighter tractor needed them. Jay

 

[beenthere]

Ag tires on 2" of ice will get better traction with chains, but still slip some. Without chains, won't get any traction at all, unless it is sub zero temps. Then the ice seems to be a little stickier.
Four wheel drive is better than two wheel drive on ice. But still, the ice will win and chains will be necessary (if the stones in the gravel drive are coated with ice).

 

[db2]

Bob........I agree with Pineridge. Last fall I did an extensive search for chains for my TC40DA with R4's. I wanted chains to add a margin of safety for the wife. We have a few hills to contend with. As things turned out I found a limited supply of chains for the R4's and had issues with limited fender clearance. I decided to forgo the purchase and instructed the wife to avoid snow blowing the hill if icey. As Pineridge said try your tractor first. You will probably be pleasantly surprised. The Ags on my old Ford are better than my R4's on the new NH but the 4WD makes up for the difference. Search for threads on tire chains. Lots of good info on the forum.

Hope that helps

 

[KJO]

I have tried to use my 4000 Series Ford (2wd) with the front end loader and no chains and with a bucket full of snow, it is entirely useless as far as traction is concerned. I have fluid in the tires. With your 4wd..it might be a different story, but I would imagine that most of your traction is going to be coming from the front wheels unless you hang something pretty heavy on the back of it. I have been checking on getting chains for the ag/bar type rear tires. I don't know if you have checked yet, but the prices on tire chains has climbed substantially over the past three years. All due to the price of steel I have been told. So..if there is some way you can get along without them, great, but from my experience, once you get your tractor hung up in deep snow...you will wish you had bought them. By the way...there are at least two types of tractor tire chains...highway type and ag type..you would want the ag type with X style cross links.

 

[daTeacha]

Doc - You can easily invest several hundred dollars in tractor tire chains. Search the site and you will see that the normal ladder type chain is of minor help on R1 tires. There are some made specifically for tractors that resemble a coarse chain mail -- more of a web effect that work better at not getting in between the lugs. You will likely find that the MFWD will handle most of the things you encounter. Solid ice is another matter. Listen to Mike (pine ridge). I'm not sure where he is, but it's probably north of me a bit. I grew up in what is called the snow belt east of Cleveland. That area can get some serious snow -- 50" overnight a few years ago -- and he probably deals with more of it than I do. The only problem with not getting them up front is the concern that you might need them and not have them. How important is it for you to be able get somewhere immediately rather than waiting a day or so? If that degree of mobility is not a real high priority, I'd wait and see how things without them. Chains are not cheap.

 

[db2]

Some threads with on winter chains.

Chains for TC40DA


Winter Chains (TC40DA)

The links within the threads may be of use.

 

[Doc_Bob]

I am going to thank everyone at once. I have been gone for a few days. Just got home and read all of your wonderful answers. WOW!!!!! Looks like chains cost $$$$, I should give the R1 a try before I buy chains, and if I buy chains, get AG chains. Also, 4WD will help. Finally, if ice is on the ground, be patient and wait a few days.
Bob