Tractor tire Snow Chain Install

[powerscol]

I thought I would start a new thread on my install. I have a Bobcat CT 235 with filler 15x19.5 rear and 25x8.5x14 front. Both are R$ tires. I ordered an H-bar set from Quality Chain after a long search and from past experience. I wanted something stronger than the typical garden tractor tire chain category that the front tire size usually showes up in.
First pictures are of what I bought.



First picture shows the weight of the chain the rest are of the order including the tensioner and chain repair tool I got.

Next post will be the install

 

[powerscol]

I knew the chains would be long based on the other tire sizes they fit. I jacked up the front using the bucket and draped the chains over. I wanted the inside high to clear the steering ball joint. The S hook with into the cross link chains at the proper length, but the outside seem a bit long, even with the tensioner. The photos were taken after about 300 yards of running. I also temporarily tied up the excess length to check the adjustment.



I also will look into filling the gap where things are connected.



So far I am considering shortening the cross links an inch (one link) so they ride a higher and take out some of the side slack. I can locally get extra chain at Tractor supply to fill the gap using shackles and pin connectors.

I have worked with truck chains and garden tractor ones, but I am learning here.

Any other help would be appreciated.

 

[jgayman]

I thought I would start a new thread on my install. I have a Bobcat CT 235 with filler 15x19.5 rear and 25x8.5x14 front. Both are R$ tires. I ordered an H-bar set from Quality Chain after a long search and from past experience. I wanted something stronger than the typical garden tractor tire chain category that the front tire size usually showes up in.
First pictures are of what I bought.

View attachment 453995

I could use some tensioners like that. Can you tell me the part number of the green tensioner you ordered? I looked on the Quality Chain website and did not see any green one's listed. Unfortunately they do not show which tensioners are for which diameter wheels.

Thanks!

 

[dragoneggs]

Looking good! My attentive wife bought me chains first xmas after I bought my BX and we haven't had appreciable snow accumulations since. I have found them to be very effective. :laughing:

 

[skyhook]

I don't understand "why" these tire chain company's can't seem to get their act together when it comes to chain "sizes" for specific tires. Don't these places have "molds" to ensure proper fitting of chains, I mean, we pay enough for these chains, they should fit like a glove when you get them, but NO, they always seem to have to be modified...sheeeesh.

 

[powerscol]

I could use some tensioners like that. Can you tell me the part number of the green tensioner you ordered? I looked on the Quality Chain website and did not see any green one's listed. Unfortunately they do not show which tensioners are for which diameter wheels.

Thanks!

Part # is 0213 picture #32 page 81 of the catalog. If you give them a call they are very helpful

 

[powerscol]

I don't understand "why" these tire chain company's can't seem to get their act together when it comes to chain "sizes" for specific tires. Don't these places have "molds" to ensure proper fitting of chains, I mean, we pay enough for these chains, they should fit like a glove when you get them, but NO, they always seem to have to be modified...sheeeesh.

I believe it is more cost effective to have them fit various sizes for production. I don't mind adjusting, but before I cut I want to know a bit more of what I am doing. For my rear tires I am getting a quote on a custom job for an exact fit. Even with custom, depending on tire pressure you will get a different fit too.

 

[Billrog]

I sent the chain guy the size of my tires and the chains came perfect no extra links took 1/2 hr. to install they were nice and tight and after 4 tanks of fuel still no necessary.

 

[GPintheMitten]

I sent the chain guy the size of my tires and the chains came perfect no extra links took 1/2 hr. to install they were nice and tight and after 4 tanks of fuel still no necessary.
View attachment 454090
View attachment 454091

Where did you get your chains?

Putting chains on is a PITA. If I were to buy chains I want chains, not a project.

 

[powerscol]

Does anyone have any fitting tricks they have learned. As I had the front end lifted by the bucket, I draped them over each tire and got the S-hook to latch. I think I should have paid a bit more attention to make sure the chain was centered before doing the font cam-lock. Thoughts?

However the good thing is I had to upgrade my bolt cutters - my 18" one would not cut the hardened steel used in the 3/16 side chain so I upgraded to a 24" model rated for 3/8" hardened steel (grade 8 bolts). If it does not work I can take it back.

 

[powerscol]

I sent the chain guy the size of my tires and the chains came perfect no extra links took 1/2 hr. to install they were nice and tight and after 4 tanks of fuel still no necessary.
View attachment 454090
View attachment 454091

From your photo it appears you running fairly high on the sidewall. Could you please measure how far below your tread block the side chain sits? Might help me fine tune my adjustments. Thanks

 

[Billrog]

Maybe this will help.

 

[Winmac]

Installed a set this weekend 16.9x30 tire,

 

[powerscol]

Maybe this will help.

Excellent fit Thanks - this helps a lot. I'm going to shorten my cross link dimension first as I am a lot further down the sidewall then you are. A photo is worth a thousand words - more in this case.
Thanks again
Keith

 

[powerscol]

Installed a set this weekend 16.9x30 tire,

Thanks - while I don't have this pattern I am close. How do you connect the center pattern up? Are you using some sort of shackles or quick links?

 

[TomSeller]

Looking good! My attentive wife bought me chains first xmas after I bought my BX and we haven't had appreciable snow accumulations since. I have found them to be very effective. :laughing:

From what I have seen of the slope of your place and recall about your climate, it would be good to get the wood stove going with a pot of soup, good coffee and wait it out for a few days.

 

[dragoneggs]

From what I have seen of the slope of your place and recall about your climate, it would be good to get the wood stove going with a pot of soup, good coffee and wait it out for a few days.

Sage advice!

 

[Coyote machine]

To the OP: the Billrog chain set on the rears is NOT on a R4 tire and consequently your fitment will be somewhat if not totally different. If I were you, I would get what I bought for your rear tires. Aquiline MPC chains fit my R4's well, and provide excellent traction, and are a lower clearance chain than many brands/types. The issue with R4's is most chains get lost in the lugs and traction suffers. These have a bar welded into the traction area for superior grip on ice and snow. I've had mine for three years, rears only, no complaints at all. Why buy custom when these will do the job for you? Check 'em out.

Here's a link to installation and pic #5 shows the install completed on an R4 tire, with no tensioners installed, though you could add them...

http://www.chainandcable.com/cmsAdmin/uploads/TCR_MPCChainINSTALL.pdf

 

[dragoneggs]

To the OP: the Billrog chain set on the rears is NOT on a R4 tire and consequently your fitment will be somewhat if not totally different. If I were you, I would get what I bought for your rear tires. Aquiline MPC chains fit my R4's well, and provide excellent traction, and are a lower clearance chain than many brands/types. The issue with R4's is most chains get lost in the lugs and traction suffers. These have a bar welded into the traction area for superior grip on ice and snow. I've had mine for three years, rears only, no complaints at all. Why buy custom when these will do the job for you? Check 'em out.

Here's a link to installation and pic #5 shows the install completed on an R4 tire, with no tensioners installed, though you could add them...

http://www.chainandcable.com/cmsAdmin/uploads/TCR_MPCChainINSTALL.pdf

Thanks for sharing Coyote, that is a very good one page chain installation/instruction with photos.

 

[skyhook]

I believe it is more cost effective to have them fit various sizes for production. I don't mind adjusting, but before I cut I want to know a bit more of what I am doing. For my rear tires I am getting a quote on a custom job for an exact fit. Even with custom, depending on tire pressure you will get a different fit too.

I hear ya, but not everyone feels the same, the chains that came with my machine were new, matched for my tire size. The previous owner never used them and I now see why. Mine were "H" pattern chains, when installed they only covered one inch of the side of the tire, and were one pattern "H" too long:confused2:, I then noticed they were 5 links spaced as opposed to 3 ( which I had to re-open all links to shorten them back to 3) then and only then did the extra "H" link fit and the overlap on the tire was correct. Paying $400 for these, I shouldn't have to do this nor anyone else. It took me better of a day to re-size these. Luckily, I had the skills and tools to do so.