Tire Chains

TractorBob1529 · Dec 29, 2010

Does anybody know if the any other size chain will work for an R4 size R15-19.5?

whistlepig · Dec 29, 2010

You might want to check these folks out.http://www.tirechainsrequired.com/shopping/shopdisplayproducts.asp?Search=Yes&sppp=9999

RoyJackson · Dec 30, 2010

TractorBob1529 said:
Does anybody know if the any other size chain will work for an R4 size R15-19.5?

Depends on if you're willing to modify them. 15-19.5 is a very common R-4 tire size.
Did tirechains.com have any other types of chains in that size? 2-link ladder chains might work for you. Also, if your drive is asphalt or concrete, you might want to reconsider the v-bars.

TractorBob1529 · Jan 5, 2011

All gravel road...mostly mud right now. TireChains.com has been out of stock right now. Been checking back and hoping that I get an order in before the next big snow. Here's a picture of my driveway of an attempt of scraping the snow.

TractorBob1529 · Jan 5, 2011

And that's only half way up the driveway!!!

TractorBob1529 · Jan 5, 2011

Would a ladder style chains work good enough to pass over the V-bars for my driveway?

wedge40 · Jan 5, 2011

TB1529 - How have you dealt with the driveway in years past? If it were me I'd stick it, place the order for the V-Bar, if they come in this year great. If not then you will be prepaired for next winter. Just my 2 cents. Which now days might be worth a wooden nickel

Wedge

davygp38 · Jan 5, 2011

TractorBob1529 said:
All gravel road...mostly mud right now. TireChains.com has been out of stock right now. Been checking back and hoping that I get an order in before the next big snow. Here's a picture of my driveway of an attempt of scraping the snow.

I was in the same boat your in, last year. I did not get my chains till April. That being said, The chains were great, and the price was right. I went with the Duo, style. You might get lucky, but I would not count on getting those chains in the next three months.

RoyJackson · Jan 5, 2011

TractorBob1529 said:
Would a ladder style chains work good enough to pass over the V-bars for my driveway?

The ladders would be better then no chains, but I'd suggest you go with wedge40's advice to go with what you have this winter and pick up the v-bars come Spring.
If you do go with those ladder chains, the 2-links would be better then the 4 link (with that sloped drive) and learn to use your brakes for steering (as well as the 4WD, if you have it).

If you are determined to get chains, don't put it off too long. Reckon they'll be out of stock pretty soon.

SARG · Jan 5, 2011

The cheapest place I've found this year for simple 2 and 4 link chains is Amazon....especially with the free shipping.

Amazon.com: Security Chain Company QG0271 Quik Grip Garden Tractor and Snow Blower Tire Traction Chain - Set of 2: Automotive

beenthere · Jan 5, 2011

TractorBob1529 said:
Would a ladder style chains work good enough to pass over the V-bars for my driveway?

Ladder chain would work fine for you. V-bars work good for ice, but ladder will do 95% of your chain needs.

TractorBob1529 · Jan 8, 2011

Thanks for the replies. We're getting another round of bad weather here. The V-bars just became avaible on tirechains.com, wouldn't be here for this round, but I'll be ready next time. Thanks ya'll!:thumbsup:

check · Jan 8, 2011

beenthere said:
Ladder chain would work fine for you. V-bars work good for ice, but ladder will do 95% of your chain needs.

I just can't see how ladder chains would do anywhere near the job of V-bars (which I just ordered). The ladder chains only stick up a little bit out of the grooves on R4 tires, and in any case a straight link chain is a rather slippery surface, whereas the V-bars are made to viciously attack the ice, and the H-link structure keeps them up on top of the lugs. It just seems like it would be night and day to me.

whistlepig · Jan 8, 2011

check said:
I just can't see how ladder chains would do anywhere near the job of V-bars (which I just ordered). The ladder chains only stick up a little bit out of the grooves on R4 tires, and in any case a straight link chain is a rather slippery surface, whereas the V-bars are made to viciously attack the ice, and the H-link structure keeps them up on top of the lugs. It just seems like it would be night and day to me.

The H pattern does keep the chains with contact on the ground all the time. I think this gives a better ride and better traction. A chain with V-bars is going to give better traction than a smooth chain. On ice and everything else.

beenthere · Jan 8, 2011

check said:
I just can't see how ladder chains would do anywhere near the job of V-bars (which I just ordered). The ladder chains only stick up a little bit out of the grooves on R4 tires, and in any case a straight link chain is a rather slippery surface, whereas the V-bars are made to viciously attack the ice, and the H-link structure keeps them up on top of the lugs. It just seems like it would be night and day to me.

There may be a big difference, but I've never found the ladder chains not doing the traction job at hand.
So hitting something with a bigger hammer when it isn't necessary seems to me to be a waste (or overdoing it).

I just want to help out with the information and experience I have accumulated over 40 years keeping the drive and lower roadway open in southern WI winters. And the slope of the drive is 12% in one section, has often been iced over and drifted in with 3-5' snow drifts and ice underneath. Also, the ladder chains work in 12" of snow in the woods which is a hillside. The ladder chains properly fit do not drop off the top of the lugs.

Only trying to be helpful here. I don't have a problem with anyone waiting and spending their money for the v-bars on their chains.

Not one iota.

check · Jan 8, 2011

beenthere said:
There may be a big difference, but I've never found the ladder chains not doing the traction job at hand.
So hitting something with a bigger hammer when it isn't necessary seems to me to be a waste (or overdoing it).

I just want to help out with the information and experience I have accumulated over 40 years keeping the drive and lower roadway open in southern WI winters. And the slope of the drive is 12% in one section, has often been iced over and drifted in with 3-5' snow drifts and ice underneath. Also, the ladder chains work in 12" of snow in the woods which is a hillside. The ladder chains properly fit do not drop off the top of the lugs.

Only trying to be helpful here. I don't have a problem with anyone waiting and spending their money for the v-bars on their chains.

Not one iota.

Holy smokes, beenthere, you really have helped out! How the heck did you ever get to over 8,000 posts? And thanks for so much contribution to TBN - folks like you make all the difference, and so many have been helped, including me.

Meanwhile, maybe I did splurge on the V-bar chains, but my motto has always been "good enough....isn't!" So, when I saw the killer V-bar chains on canadian chains.com, I just couldn't resist! And I had already bought and returned ladder chains, after trying to fit them on my BX25, so.....

TractorBob1529 · Jan 9, 2011

Know is half the battle. And I rather know too much then jump in blind. Order some V-bars all the way around. If I can't get up and down my driveway now...I'm going to move! Thanks everybody for all the input.