Tire chains on all four wheels?

[mtk51]

What's the general consensus on tires chains on a Bobcat?

The previous managers put chains on all 4 wheels for pushing snow.
Seems like the rear wheels are doing the lion's share of the work, since there is usually downpressure on the scoop while pushing. Are the front chains necessary?

Also, what do you think of this idea: Skid loader Ice Tracks chains

 

[PILOON]

Quite honestly since the majority of smaller tractors (CUT's etc) are primarily front ASSISTED vs dedicated 4WD I think we might just be overworking the frailer front mechanisms.

Now a skid steer is full 4wd as is a forestry log skidder.

That being said, snow is easier than compacted soil or stone (gravel) to push around.

Guess it is a judgement call.

For shure I would not chain fronts only but maybe frt and rear.
Mine is rear chained only.

 

[RodNH]

It depends on how you use you use your skid and under what conditions. In any case, the most bang for the buck comes from chains on the rear due to the skid's normal weight distribution. You can get some incremental additional traction if you add them to the front also, but only if you keep the front wheels down with no significant down pressure on the scoop. I use a Fisher truck blade on gravel and do want any downpressure at all except for the weight of the blade itself. I therefore chain all four wheels. The same situation exists for my snowblower.

I wouldn't expect those Ice Track chains to be that great on ice. They appear to have smooth steel surfaces. I've always had excellent luck on ice with the V-bar style of chains. But all my work is on gravel. No pavement. Here's what I use on the rear of my S650:

I use regular 4 link ladder chains on the front.