Chains Tire chains

[starbrightsteve]

I sold my farm and tractors and bought a BX2380. The dealer cautioned me about using chains on the front wheels and said it was best to just use them on the rear. When I had a chance I inspected the rear wheels and slid my hand flat across the tread. The top of my fingers rubbed a cable or hose of some sort. I don稚 think there is any room for chains. I did use the tractor for clearing snow, we just got 24? The turf tires worked ok because it痴 mostly flat at this new place. I知 planning to put chains on the front if I ever/ or when we have ice. How have others dealt with this lack of clearance above the rear wheels?
Steve

 

[DIYOrangeDave]

I have the previous version. It is a 2015 Bx25D (Bx2370-1). I have run chains every year only on the back and I have never had any issues. I have considered chains for the front but with the snowblower on the 3ph they aren’t necessary.

 

[redharley]

I have run chains also on the rear with no issue's, I would suggest using correct size chains and also use some sort of tensioner on them.

 

[MHarryE]

My tractor is larger than yours but I’ve only used chains on the fronts. Not having a blower, I have front and rear blades. Both try to steer the tractor. For many years I only had the rear blade, the tractor would be in a crab position going down my driveway, about 450 feet. Sometimes it would kick the front wheel over the edge. By the time winter was over the fields on either side of my drive had these interesting circles as I needed to clear a path circling back to where I could climb onto the drive. I finally bought front chains, cut plowing time after a storm in half, and no more sliding off the drive. I’m not sure why the advice against front chains but my dealer says it’s what customers want and only chains he stocks.

 

[sandyc]

I have a 2380 with turfs and run rear chains with no problems. Use a tensioner and tywrap any loose link

 

[oosik]

I used V-bar chains on my first tractor. They were very heavy tractor chains. Provided extreme traction - rode like a COB.

 

[Fallon]

I ran front only chains on my L3200 & now on my L4060. No problems. The L3200 with R4s had no room for chains without wheel spacers pushing the tires out a couple inches. 60" track & 60" implements made that something I wasn't interested in. So I never could put rear chains on.

72" track on the L4060 with adjustable width R4s. I haven't even checked to see if there is room for chains that I can remember. I think I can adjust them a notch or 2 wider, but haven't looked recently. Chains would help, but it hasn't been worth the time, effort or cost to get some big heavy awkward chains for the rears.

 

[NH TC25D]

Have a new SCUT! BX2380 with R4s and 2 inch wheel spacers. Only real concern about chain clearance on the rear wheels are on the driver's right (starboard) side. There is what looks like a plate to protect a bunch of hardware related to the controls located inside the right side of the fender towards the front (~2 o'clock position). See attached image. ~3cm/+1 inch of space. Would like to go with the square chain design that tire chains dot com sell, but the links if sitting on the tread ribs could project 1/2" above those treads. Bad idea? Heavy duty standard 2 links provide the most clearance, but guessing less effective on really ice hard surfaces? Plan are chains on the rear only with chain tensioners. If steering issues or too much front wheel spin will add some iGrip studs. 3pt mounted snowblower and FEL bucket or snow blade in front for snow removal.

Those tiny SCUT front wheels and tires seem to provide minimum and maybe not enough clearance for the steering hardware. Long time ago I was told by the dealer of my NH that chains on front only was a bad idea. Potentially too much load on the front drive once the bare rear wheels start to spin.

Question for BXxx80 owners. What type chains have you been using?

 

[Henro]

...When I had a chance I inspected the rear wheels and slid my hand flat across the tread. The top of my fingers rubbed a cable or hose of some sort...

My son in law uses chains on his BX23S rear without issues.

Perhaps you should look under the fender and see what actually was touching your fingers? Perhaps something that came lose or could be rerouted?