Tire Chains

[woodyacres]

Okay, I am looking to buy chains, but do I really need tensioners? Can't I just use bungee cords or something? I am cheap, but practical if tensioners are definitely the way to go. Thanks for any help. Sorry to steal the thread!

 

[bubbacuse77]

I have had excellent luck using the good old black rubber bungy cords and a metal ring from the hardware store to loop them through.

fellas, any answer to my last questions on page 4?

 

[RoyJackson]

Okay, I am looking to buy chains, but do I really need tensioners? Can't I just use bungee cords or something? I am cheap, but practical if tensioners are definitely the way to go. Thanks for any help. Sorry to steal the thread!

Bungees work fine...
I have the tensioners now, but I used bungees last year.

 

[Chilly807]

Okay, I am looking to buy chains, but do I really need tensioners? Can't I just use bungee cords or something? I am cheap, but practical if tensioners are definitely the way to go. Thanks for any help. Sorry to steal the thread!

I don't use tensioners at all on my Kubota L3400 with R1's. If the chains are the right size they won't slap, and mine are run LOOSE, as suggested by the manufacturer. I started with about 2-3 inches of clearance, and other than an occasional slap the first year until I got the adjustment right, they've been fine.

Tellefsdal recommends that you should be able to get a clenched fist between the side chain and the tire, and that the whole chain should rotate around the tire about a foot for every km you drive.

Sean

 

[whoodle]

How are those chains for bumpy ride. I've goy V-bar ladder on the front and they are a killer on the frozen drive.

 

[Chilly807]

How are those chains for bumpy ride. I've goy V-bar ladder on the front and they are a killer on the frozen drive.

If you mean mine, they're quite smooth. That's one of the benefits of having them loose, they can move around a bit and not create a high spot tight against the tire. I run on pavement a bit from one house to another at full speed, and they're not much worse than bare tires.

Sean

 

[whoodle]

Sean,
Do you have those on the front as well? And where did you get them?

 

[Chilly807]

I only have them on the rear, other than a tendency to sideslip a bit when plowing with the rear blade angled, the tractor really doesn't need front chains. Being able to steer with brakes if I have to helps.

I got them from Nova International, my local Kubota dealer. They're made by Tellefsdal (Norwegian), and Aquiline makes or sells a chain called the Talon that's very similar.

Sean

 

[whoodle]

Thanks for the info.