To chain or not to chain?

[jgayman]

For the past 15 years I've been plowing with a rear blade on my Ford 9N and more recently a '54 NAA. In the beginning I tried it without chains and found that anytime there was an icy base to the snow, despite 800lbs of iron weghts I would just spin. Worse, when it was icy I would slide all the way down my driveway with both wheels locked. I've learned the hardway that chains are a must. I also use a 38" walk-behind blower and have always had chains on its tires.

I'm fast forwarding 50+ years and just bought a JD 2720 with a 54" front-mounted blower. I told the dealer I intended to run rear chains on the R4 tires and they said I won't need them with 4WD. I'm pretty sure that the 4WD will not help me stop when it's icy. It is my intention to run loaded rear tires and chains.

You can never ever have too much weight or traction.

 

[silvertramp]

Icey & hilly here. plow truck is chained all around. Yanmar 4x4 is chained in the rear. It's the ONLY way things get done. Ice is a game changer.

 

[joeyd]

V-bars on all 4 tires during the winter! Hills + packed snow or ice = white knuckle rides if you are not chained up.

 

[Bigturk]

I went through the same debate myself and eventually ordered and installed Dual Ladder chains on the R4 rears of my DK40. They only stayed on the tractor for 1 day. The ride on pavement was unbearable with severe vibration. Traction with the chains was excellent. I would have chains on if I was only clearing my drive and didn't travel on the road. My dual ladder chains are for sale, like new, only used once. :thumbsup:

 

[Phil48]

I went through the same debate myself and eventually ordered and installed Dual Ladder chains on the R4 rears of my DK40. They only stayed on the tractor for 1 day. The ride on pavement was unbearable with severe vibration. Traction with the chains was excellent. I would have chains on if I was only clearing my drive and didn't travel on the road. My dual ladder chains are for sale, like new, only used once. :thumbsup:

View attachment 268400

Are your tires at the maximum pressure? 35 psi?!?

I usually keep my rear tire in the surrounding of 25 psi during winter time, lugs are level with cement floor. They do allow smoother ride with chain. I tried many configurations, with and without chain with my front snow blower. But without chain I cannot do a proper job. If I could, I sure would do without.

Have you tried those chains? 7mm Trygg / very light / They do offer a less bumpy ride. As they offer continues contact with road, they don't kick your butt as your work. They are in a class by themself.:thumbsup:

Phil

 

[mjym]

i use mine for the first time last winter and they work great just in the back its not the same tractor ill put them back on the firs snow storm

 

[Dick]

Personally I have not used chains. However, I generally need to get my pickup to pull my tractor out of trouble at least once a season. Operating in snow isn't a huge problem but ice is a game changer. Chains would make a huge difference there. Recommend you thouroughly check for loose hanging electrical wires before chaining up or you won't have loose hanging electrical wires for very long.