Tire Chains.

[Thomas]

How many tractor owners use tire chains?
What are your pro & cons of tire chains.
/w3tcompact/icons/cool.gif

Thomas..NH

 

[gordon]

I use tire chains on the rear tires in the woods when necessary. Or for the small amount of snow we get in this area otherwise its just bare tires for me.

For snow I have often thought of getting just a set in the front but never have. That way better turning and with 4wd I don't think you would even need rear chains but as I said I've never tried this just thought about it.

Pros are of course better traction, cons can be to much traction at one time have to keep a close eye on logs when in the woods. The chains must be the proper size this can be done by adding afew or removing some links of chain and must fit snug on the tire so they won't spin on the tire causing much damage. Hope this helps
Gordon

 

[Thomas]

Gordon,
I heard many pro & cons about using tires chains on the front.
Examples, not good for the 4wd,/w3tcompact/icons/frown.gifgreat tractions,/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gifharder to steer./w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif
I haven't yet tried tire chains on the front,and I wonder if someone else might be able to shed a little light on this./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Take care and stay/w3tcompact/icons/cool.gif

Thomas..NH

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I use tire chains on the front of my Cub Cadet 7260 during the winter months while plowing snow. Big improvement in traction, and with them on I can actually steer the tractor. I have chains for the rear tires also, but have never used/needed them with chains on the front. As far as effect to the 4wd is concerned, I can't see that they have any effect. I can put the tractor in and out of 4wd without ever feeling any binding (keep in mind this is on snow covered ground...).

Along this same subject, here is a tip that may save some of you folks some $$. Here in Vt our town crews run tire chains on their plow trucks most of the winter. I asked them what they do with their old chains, and they said they just throw them out. They gave me several worn out sets that were due to be thrown away. I bought a pair of tire chain pliers from Gemplers, and made up a good set of chains for all 4 tires from their worn out stuff. It took me 2-3 hours on a Sat morning. They work great, I have lot's of spare parts, the guys at the town garage were happy to get rid of them, and the price was right!

 

[TomG]

Two dealers told me that's it's not good to run front chains only. Their notion was that it's hard on the front-end, especially on frozen gravel. On the other hand, some people on these forums have said they've run front only chains for years without problems.

Don't know about the front-end issue, but I find some extra steering would be good to have. I do most removal with a 3ph blower, but I use the loader too often to get more steering by carrying a bucket of sand. I had enough traction last year using turf tires on gravel, but if I get chains, I suppose I'll take the dealers' word on it and get rear chains as well.

 

[Rowski]

I talked to a guy who logs his own property. He runs chains on the rear only. He says front chains cause to much stress on the drive line. When he can't steer the tractor due to lack of traction in the front he uses his brakes on one side, just enough to bring the front to where he wants it.

I'm getting chains for my tractor (rear only) this winter for commercial snow removal and loading our sand truck.