Which Chains are best for R4 tires?

[check]

I ordered what I thought were ring chains, but the dealer brought in the wrong kind. They would be good for turf tires I guess, but the straight cross links would just get caught in between the lugs of my R4 tires I fear.

So what type of chains would be best for R4 tires?

Amy thoughts would be appreciated!

 

[kennyd]

What surface are you running on? 2-Link chains, nice and tight work just fine on R4's, if you have asphalt or concrete you want to stay away from the v-bars as they will ruin it.

 

[pat32rf]

I just made up "ladder" chains with good sized cross links out of an old set. With enough cross links they do OK up here in Bancroft where we get DEEP snow....plus they are easy to repair when a cross link wears thru and still light enough so I can install them myself (with a little thought and planning)
JD 4300 with R4s, about 900' of hilly driveway

 

[lungdoc]

I use duo-ladder syle on the rears and V-bar ladder on the front. The front lugs aren't big enough to lose the chains in. tractor tire chains for farm tractors

 

[flowerfarmer]

What surface are you running on? 2-Link chains, nice and tight work just fine on R4's, if you have asphalt or concrete you want to stay away from the v-bars as they will ruin it.

I had these VERY tight as recomended by the chain dealer. I've since loosened them a bit based on suggestions from the good folks on this board. They stay out from between the lugs a little better but if I had it to do over again I'd have gotten Duo grips.

 

[check]

Hey, lungdoc, thanks - that's the kind I would like, but they don't seem to have them in a 26 X 12-12 for my Kubota BX25. Also, I see you are in Canada, so how easy was it to get Trirechains.com to send them to you? (I live in Toronto.)

flowerfarmer, thanks for your photo - it looks like you had EXACTLY the problem I was worried about, and the chains in your photo look just like the ones that my dealer mistakenly ordered for me from WALCO here in Ontario. (Good thing I didn't take them!)

BTW, my surface is gravel, and I pack the snow down at the beginning of the season because I am now running a rear mount Kubota B2789 snowblower. I do, however, park the tractor in my garage so if I end up with aggressive chains I can just park the tractor on a piece of plywood in order to protect the concrete floor. I will be driving over the paved county road for about 200 yards or so to get to my neighbours, but that shouldn't be a problem - the road surface is so old it needs replacing soon anyway.

UPDATE: Called WALCO this morning and they don't make any other patterns in my size, so I'm screwed. Will have to go elsewhere or modify them myself, perhaps by just adding a connecting link in the middle, joining adjacent pairs of cross-links.

 

[lungdoc]

I live very close to the border so I get stuff shipped to usaddressinc just across the Queenston-Lewiston bridge. I do use plywood on garage floor.

 

[Zork]

I had these VERY tight as recomended by the chain dealer. I've since loosened them a bit based on suggestions from the good folks on this board. They stay out from between the lugs a little better but if I had it to do over again I'd have gotten Duo grips.

Can't you put 2 X 2 links between each ladder and make your own Duo Grip?

 

[flowerfarmer]

Can't you put 2 X 2 links between each ladder and make your own Duo Grip?

My plan exactly. I'm thinking maybe just using quick links. Any thoughts?

 

[beenthere]

I ordered what I thought were ring chains, but the dealer brought in the wrong kind. They would be good for turf tires I guess, but the straight cross links would just get caught in between the lugs of my R4 tires I fear.

So what type of chains would be best for R4 tires?

Amy thoughts would be appreciated!

I have R-4's and straight cross link ladder chains. No problem with "caught in between the lugs". Far as I can see, it is a myth for properly fitted chains.

 

[AKwelder]

look up PEWAG chains. they are the most aggressive chains i have ever seen

 

[crazyal]

There are much nicer styles of chains out there but they will cost you. My Tellefsdals Supers cost me well over $600 for 14.9x24 but they will climb up the side of Everest. There's no way they can fall between the lugs no matter what style of tread you have. They do make another style that's a little cheaper. Aquiline also makes a chain very similar. If you do a search for either one it could give you some options on how to modify your chains or if you don't mind spending the extra money your dealer might be able to get them.

 

[whistlepig]

I have Aquiline Talons on my R4s. These are very similar to Tellefsdal chains. As crazyal says my tractor is pretty much unstoppable with these chains. Not for use on asphalt or concrete surfaces.

 

[JimP]

I used 4 link ladders on my 2410 with R4s. The chains were installed tight and some of the chain would fall between lugs, BUT there was always chain contacting the ground and never a problem with sliding or traction. The 4 link ladders gave a rough ride. I am going with 2 link ladders on the new tractor (also R4s) to try and get a smoother ride.

 

[check]

whistlepig, those look like amazing chains, but unfortunately $600 is too much for me. I did get the WALCO 2 link straight ladder chains (with the proviso that the dealer would take them back if they were not suitable), and brought them up North with me to try them out on the BX25. The good news is that they R4 treads on the BX25 are not deep enough to completely hide the chain, but on the other hand there may be a clearance problem, since the tractor frame comes very close to the inside edge of the rear tires. (Front are fine.)

Will try installing them and post the results later.

 

[arrow]

I have ag tires with ladder chains and there is no problem. I do not tighten as far as one can go but just enough to connect them by hand. What they look like on top of the tire as opposed to what's going on at ground level are two different things.They work great. I was doubtful at the beginning just like you but had the opportunity to talk to a gentleman who was making all kinds of tire chains for every tire under the sun including large skidder chains for 50 years. He said any chain is a great improvement over a chainless tire with traction increasing by as much as 80%. I'd say even if I got a 20% improvement, I'd be thankful. I got more than that and so will you. Night and day in some instances. You really have nothing to fret about but some people need the proof and believe me,you'll get it with the chains you have.

 

[whistlepig]

Whatever chain you go with will be well worth the time and expense. This is the first year I have used chains and the difference in traction cuts my plowing time by at least 50%. It makes the job so much easier. I have a 1200' long driveway and I also clear snow around our horse barn and out buildings.

 

[logan97]

I have ag tires with ladder chains and there is no problem. I do not tighten as far as one can go but just enough to connect them by hand. What they look like on top of the tire as opposed to what's going on at ground level are two different things.They work great. I was doubtful at the beginning just like you but had the opportunity to talk to a gentleman who was making all kinds of tire chains for every tire under the sun including large skidder chains for 50 years. He said any chain is a great improvement over a chainless tire with traction increasing by as much as 80%. I'd say even if I got a 20% improvement, I'd be thankful. I got more than that and so will you. Night and day in some instances. You really have nothing to fret about but some people need the proof and believe me,you'll get it with the chains you have.

2 link or 4 link ?

 

[arrow]

2 link or 4 link ?

They are 4 link chains and have helped me log in conditions that would have made it impossible with bare tires.

 

[logan97]

They are 4 link chains and have helped me log in conditions that would have made it impossible with bare tires.

Have you noticed a rough ride on gravel or chert surfaces ?