Tire Chains

[jcmseven]

I have a John Deere 3720 tractor. In the JD forum, we have been discussing the benefits and detriments of the R1 tires v. the R4 tires. My machine currently has R4 tires, which I like. I have been thinking about changing them to R1's, though, in part to help my traction in winter weather. I have not used my tractor, save once, in the snow for plowing. It did fine, and the MFWD was helpful. If I decide to keep the R4 tires I will likely consider tire chains. The problem I have is the steepness of the terrain. The roads in my nieghborhood, some of which I plow (for me and neighbors) are very steep (20-25%) in some cases, twisty, narrow and with sheer edges and long associated falls. Recently, we have not gotten much snow, but usually get one or two 10+ inchers at my house at least yearly. I am investigating tire chains. Does any poster know of a set of rear and or front chains that are easy and quick to mount by one person (I frequently have to plow in a hurry), give a decent ride and are slim enough not to rub a rear fender when the wheel fender interface is tight? I currently have the Galaxy R4 41x19.5x15 tires on the rear of the tractor. Thanks for the help.

John M

 

[Destructo_D]

I have a John Deere 3720 tractor. In the JD forum, we have been discussing the benefits and detriments of the R1 tires v. the R4 tires. My machine currently has R4 tires, which I like. I have been thinking about changing them to R1's, though, in part to help my traction in winter weather. I have not used my tractor, save once, in the snow for plowing. It did fine, and the MFWD was helpful. If I decide to keep the R4 tires I will likely consider tire chains. The problem I have is the steepness of the terrain. The roads in my nieghborhood, some of which I plow (for me and neighbors) are very steep (20-25%) in some cases, twisty, narrow and with sheer edges and long associated falls. Recently, we have not gotten much snow, but usually get one or two 10+ inchers at my house at least yearly. I am investigating tire chains. Does any poster know of a set of rear and or front chains that are easy and quick to mount by one person (I frequently have to plow in a hurry), give a decent ride and are slim enough not to rub a rear fender when the wheel fender interface is tight? I currently have the Galaxy R4 41x19.5x15 tires on the rear of the tractor. Thanks for the help.

John M

Go to your local tractor dealer or look online for "Duo-grip". It is a h-pattern chain designed for tractor tires.

 

[dirtworksequip]

John, get me the R1's in trade for my R4's and I'll give you a set of brand new never used V-bar chains for your front tires that I just bought at tirechains.com.

 

[Boondox]

My land sounds a lot like yours except that we get a LOT of snow most years. I run R1s because of the seasonal mud, with Norse ice chains in the winter. Destructo_D is on target when he suggested something with a design that maintains continuous contact with the ground. Other designs work, but the ride is exceptionally rough on hard or frozen ground.

As for the easy part, that's a relative term. I've never found a chain that gives sufficient traction that didn't also give me a wrestling match during mount and dismount. It only takes me 15 minutes per side, but it's 15 miserable minutes. I mount mine in October and take them off in June just to avoid the trouble of trying to deal with them in inclement weather.

Pete

 

[Oleozz]

Tirechain.com sells the 4 link and 2 link. The 2 link is recommended for R1's because the chains don't have as much chance to slip down into the lugs. I just put a pair of 4 link road chains on the R1's of my Kioti 45, I put them on the front. The 2 link is twice as expensive, have a good friend who does lots of plowing with the 4 link road chains and he's never had any problems. I had rear chains for my Ferguson 30 but never bothered with them on the John Deere and they had turf tires. I think it's important to get the chain tensioners/adjusters, they really help keep the chains tight and snug.

 

[scott_vt]

Other designs work, but the ride is exceptionally rough on hard or frozen ground.


Pete

I have standard link chains on my R1 tires, and Pete is correct, on hard or frozen ground the ride is terrible ! I like the R1 tires when the fields are wet in the spring but this time of year with these chains on these tires I wouldnt reccomend these to anyone !

 

[Oleozz]

Tire chains have been a fairly hot topic on this site. There have been lots of discussion as to what tires (front or back) they should be on, two link or four, will it ruin your 4WD system, who to get from, etc. I have posted a pic of the chains I bought from Tirechain.com. They were easy to put on, no snow here so don't know if they will bump me to pieces when I go to use them.

 

[Opti-Mist]

I plowed snow in similar conditions with turf tires w/standard chains. Never had problem, even on ice.

 

[JJT]

I run double ringed chains on the rear of my L3710. Outstanding traction in the snow, ice and mud, (and being double rings they self clean). I can mount them in 10 minutes per side, I jack the rear axle up and wrap the chains around the tires. I use a ton of short rubber straps to keep the chains tight, (inside and outside). I've seen guys tear fenders off with loose chains.

 

[scott_vt]

Tire chains have been a fairly hot topic on this site. There have been lots of discussion as to what tires (front or back) they should be on, two link or four, will it ruin your 4WD system, who to get from, etc. I have posted a pic of the chains I bought from Tirechain.com. They were easy to put on, no snow here so don't know if they will bump me to pieces when I go to use them.

Mornin Oleozz,
My chains are quite similar to yours other than your center springs, I have a couple of rubber bungee cords on each tire and I get bounced around pretty good on frozen ground ! I kind of wish I had bought the skidder style chains.