Snow Attachments I installed my snow chains today

[twinjayhawks]

Figured that I would rather do this on a sunny 70 degree day than waiting until there is a foot of snow on the ground and 20 degrees.

It took me 2 hrs to do both back tires. I am sure we won't get any snow now... that would be just fine with me.

 

[grsthegreat]

i just ordered 4 for my tractor...not looking forward to installing them..... shipping ticket shows 330#... yeiks

 

[JB4310]

Figured that I would rather do this on a sunny 70 degree day than waiting until there is a foot of snow on the ground and 20 degrees.

It took me 2 hrs to do both back tires. I am sure we won't get any snow now... that would be just fine with me.

Chains look great, but it should not take that long to install. First time?

There are some tips and tricks to making it easier, you can search this site or google it.

JB

 

[twinjayhawks]

Yes, first time. I am sure it will be easier next time. Wow those things are heavy and hard to move around on the tire. I have by backhoe attached so I used it to lift the back tires off the ground... that helped.

 

[JB4310]

Well it looks like you did a good job, nice and snug.

Some will tell you that you don't need tensioners and chains work better a little loose, but I prefer mine as tight as I can get them.

JB

 

[lhfarm]

I can mount my chains in about 5 minutes per side. Position the chains behind the wheel and use a rope or bungee cord to connect the ends through the wheel. Drive forward slowly, checking to be sure the chains are riding up the tire. Stop as the front of the chain is just about to touch the ground.

I learned of this method here and have used it for 5 winters. Sure saves my back!

 

[123rday]

Those chains look good. :thumbsup: I unfortunately don't have a holes to put bunggie cords through so I use my 10 ton jack to lift the rear wheels off the ground to install the chains. I think i'm down to less then 20 min a tire now. :laughing: The front I just push the fel down to lift the front.

 

[Jay4200]

I have by backhoe attached so I used it to lift the back tires off the ground... that helped.

That's cheating. You're disqualified.

JayC

 

[RoyJackson]

Figured that I would rather do this on a sunny 70 degree day than waiting until there is a foot of snow on the ground and 20 degrees.

It took me 2 hrs to do both back tires. I am sure we won't get any snow now... that would be just fine with me.

It does take a while the first time...heck, I bet I spent 30-40 minutes just untangling mine and getting them laid out straight on the floor!

 

[Jim in ICT]

You guys around Tulsa don't get snow, you get ice! Lots of ice!

 

[twinjayhawks]

You guys around Tulsa don't get snow, you get ice! Lots of ice!

I wish that were true. Last year I had 43" of snow in 10 days. I welcome the ice compared to that kind of snow.

 

[CTMassey]

I'm in the process of shopping for rear chains for my MF 1529, thinking about getting 2-link ladder style.....I was under the impression I could just back over the chains then lift the slack over the top and attach the 2 ends.....is that a fair assumption??

 

[RoyJackson]

I'm in the process of shopping for rear chains for my MF 1529, thinking about getting 2-link ladder style.....I was under the impression I could just back over the chains then lift the slack over the top and attach the 2 ends.....is that a fair assumption??

That's pretty close to how I did it...however, I suggest you try to work it so the ends are at the 3 O'Clock position (as you face the tire). That way, you will have more access at the rear of the tire.
2 Link ladder chains are heavy (!!!) and quite costly...almost double the cost of 4 link ladder chains. You may want to reassess your needs.

 

[CTMassey]

thanks Roy, I've got a steeeep hill from tractor shed to upper driveway.....also heard the 2 link rides nicer..??

 

[RoyJackson]

thanks Roy, I've got a steeeep hill from tractor shed to upper driveway.....also heard the 2 link rides nicer..??

Yeah...bit smoother.
If your drive is paved, ladder type chains are your best bet...if gravel, you might want to consider a more aggressive chains.
www.tirechains.com has good explanations of the chain types.

 

[JIGBUILDER]

I wish that were true. Last year I had 43" of snow in 10 days. I welcome the ice compared to that kind of snow.

I'm in northest OK also and would add we only average approx 9" of snow annually. So the 40-43 inchs of snow in this area was a shocker.

 

[Jim in ICT]

Southeast Kansas had quite a bit last year, I think.

 

[roman]

I cut a 2x4 into six pieces about 10 inches long. Lay the chains out at the correct spacing and place 3 of the 2x4 pieces on each side in the open sections of the chain pattern. Drive the tractor onto the chains and stop when directly on top of the 2x4's. Tires ride up on the 2x4's and the chains can then be lifted up onto the tires.
Works well for me.

 

[Gizmo2]

I cut a 2x4 into six pieces about 10 inches long. Lay the chains out at the correct spacing and place 3 of the 2x4 pieces on each side in the open sections of the chain pattern. Drive the tractor onto the chains and stop when directly on top of the 2x4's. Tires ride up on the 2x4's and the chains can then be lifted up onto the tires.
Works well for me.

Good one!:thumbsup:

 

[JB4310]

thanks Roy, I've got a steeeep hill from tractor shed to upper driveway.....also heard the 2 link rides nicer..??

No noticeable difference in traction, but a huge difference in ride!! get the 2 link if you can afford them, especially if you have to ever drive on a hard surface, not just paved, but any compacted surface. 4 link will rattle your teeth out of your head, as well as parts off your tractor.

I cut a 2x4 into six pieces about 10 inches long. Lay the chains out at the correct spacing and place 3 of the 2x4 pieces on each side in the open sections of the chain pattern. Drive the tractor onto the chains and stop when directly on top of the 2x4's. Tires ride up on the 2x4's and the chains can then be lifted up onto the tires.
Works well for me.

That still leaves alot of wrestling with the chains. Though I guess all methods require some bull work, in odd positions.

I just jack the wheels off the ground, so I can roll them around. Pull one end of the chain under from the back, catch it on the tire lugs and rotate the wheel, pulling the chain up and over the top. Bring the 2 ends together around the 9 or 3 o'clock position (to the rear), hook the inside lock first, then the outside. The good thing about being able to rotate the tire, is you can work most of the slope out and get them as tight as possible. No need to go back and fool around with them after you drive the machine.

JB