Chains Which chains?

[jaybrad]

After coming very close to being very stuck last year (and almost doing so tonight), I am again considering chains, but more seriously than in the past. My tractor is a GC2310 with a rear snow blower and FEL.

I found a couple of web sites mentioned by others on TBN, but that then raises the question of which style? 2 link? 4 link? v-link? other>

We have a paved driveway, which is no problem. The problem comes when I try to clear a path so that we can get heating oil delivered. To do that there are a couple of points where I have to negotiate a couple of corners where the land slopes enough that the front wheels start to spin and head downhill. Once that happens, it become iffy as to whether I will be able to get out, or not.

So what I am seeking is a chain that I can leave on all winter that won't tear up the driveway, but that will give me the added traction I need to maneuver a couple of corners on a slight slope.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Jay

 

[Egon]

The two link may serve your purpose.

Four links may ride rough.

v- bars may leave marks on the pavement.

 

[Steve C]

After coming very close to being very stuck last year (and almost doing so tonight), I am again considering chains, but more seriously than in the past. My tractor is a GC2310 with a rear snow blower and FEL.

I found a couple of web sites mentioned by others on TBN, but that then raises the question of which style? 2 link? 4 link? v-link? other>

We have a paved driveway, which is no problem. The problem comes when I try to clear a path so that we can get heating oil delivered. To do that there are a couple of points where I have to negotiate a couple of corners where the land slopes enough that the front wheels start to spin and head downhill. Once that happens, it become iffy as to whether I will be able to get out, or not.

So what I am seeking is a chain that I can leave on all winter that won't tear up the driveway, but that will give me the added traction I need to maneuver a couple of corners on a slight slope.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Jay

Get some garden tractor rear tire chains and put them on the front wheels. The problem will go away at very little cost. I got some at our local farm supply store for around $15 on a clearance table.

 

[escavader]

JAY,
HAMMOND TRACTOR keeps them in stock,and they aint real costly.Ive got them on my rear ags and i have a real steep drive-no problems
ALAN

 

[DEWFPO]

The V-bars will scratch up your pavement and they wear down quickly if you spin them allot so I wouldn't go V-bar.

DEWFPO

 

[PILOON]

I'd suggest 2 link for smoother ride.
Not V or studded as they will mark pave.( dewfpo is correct)
Rear rather than fronts as front diff is weaker differential and U don't want to work it hard.
If steering is difficult, use your differential braking to help the turns.

I use 2 link on turfs and they work great! (rarely need front assist)

 

[LBrown59]

The problem comes when I try to clear a path so that we can get heating oil delivered.

Do you use the heating oil in your tractor too ?

 

[jaybrad]

Do you use the heating oil in your tractor too ?

No. I did in my JD755 many years ago, but at that time I had an in ground tank and needed more fuel.

Now my tank is in the basement and I don't use nearly enough of it to go through the hassle.

But it's what keeps our house warm, so I have to keep the fill pipes clear so the nice man can deliver it to us. Which inevitably will happen a few days after we get a lot of snow.

 

[jaybrad]

I went to the dealer and bought a set of 2 link chains for the rear tires only.

The guys at the shop said that they really did not recommend using chains on the front of a small 4wd like mine because it can cause significant damage to the front differential, and the clearance is pretty close.

So I decided to take their advice and give this setup a try.

Jay

 

[jaybrad]

FWIW, just wanted to add that I installed the chains today and what a difference it made!

No problems in some of those traditional trouble spots around the house.

The biggest problem will be that since I can more easily get around, when I do get stuck (probably just a matter of time), I am more likely to be *very*stuck.

Fortunately for me, I have several neighbors with tractors (most larger than mine).

Unfortunately (for them), they are all orange....