Tractor tire Snow Chain Install

[Billrog]

Powerscol I have 100' of square ice chain i bought from when I made up a set for the back tires of my first backhoe & I may just use it to do as you suggest with this set of chains.

 

[Rubberducky]

This is my first attempt at using chains. I actually don't have them on my tractor, but my gator since I will use it to plow. My question is do you guys take the chains off and on or leave them on for the season. I do use the gator to pick the kids up from the bus and run around the neighborhood. Could I do that with the chains on or should I take them off when not needed?

 

[Fallon]

Running them dry or on pavement will tear up pavement & chains quick. Take em off in that use case.

 

[powerscol]

Success......... I trimmed the width by one link and shortened the lead in links and got a very good fit. Pictures tomorrow. Just want to mentioned the folks at Quality Chain stand behind their sales. Give them a call.

 

[powerscol]

First I went and remeasured the tread with on the front tires, and realized I only needed to take one cross link of of the long side. I say long side as the H pattern had 2 cross links to one side chain and 3 to the other side chain, so I shortened the three side to center up the pattern. I started working on the floor, but decided to set up and old door on some saw horses to make things easier.



Took me about two hours to modify each set once I got used to the tools. On think I did have to watch for is how I attached the cross link hook to keep the cross chains from twisting. Once I learned the trick things went quicker. Quality Chain had supplied me with a supply of cross link hooks when made this job much easier. I save the old ones for use with the tensioners. One thing I did learn is the chain material is pretty tough. Took bit of effort to cut the cross links out.

 

[powerscol]

Once I had them trimmed down I took them out to the tractor in the barn and went to adjusting. The only shortening I did was the extra tail lengths. I connected the inside S hook first and them made sure the pattern was centered all around the tire. This time do to the pattern being narrower the inside side link set high enough on the sidewall to not interfere with the steering ball joint. I then went about tightening up the outside and adjusting the cam lock. Took about 30 minutes of tugging and turning to get things centered and the slack equalized. I ended up with the cam lock in the last link, but left 3 so I could get them on next time as I adjusted through the last 3 links in getting things to fit tight. Pictures are of the final fit and after running them for about 1/2 hour. I have some minor tweaking to do but I am very happy with the outcome. I can actually turn now while pushing snow. :thumbsup: I may or may not fill the gap. We will see after clearing the snow were supposed to get today. Thanks for the help folks

 

[powerscol]

Well we did not get the 4" to 8", system went a wee bit north, but plowing out the wet 3" we got was a dream. I can turn now and push a whole lot more. I am still going to get the rear chains to help in side hill slippage on the ice. These chains work perfect and have not moved. Tensioners are working great.

 

[Billrog]

Darn nice looking set of chains you'll be able to go logging now that you have a skidder .

 

[GPintheMitten]

Good set of chains.

I still think it is a lot of work and you have to buy tools to make the product work. Too bad we can't just buy chains that fit, instead of buying a "project".

But you persevered.

 

[skyhook]

Good set of chains.

I still think it is a lot of work and you have to buy tools to make the product work. Too bad we can't just buy chains that fit, instead of buying a "project".

But you persevered.

My thoughts, exactly.