Chain tensioners - suggestions

[Jay4200]

I settled on a set of chains to get for my tractor via tirechain.com - I'm going with 2-link ladders in the back, and 2-link ladder V-bars in the front. I also planned on getting 2 sets of their spring tensioners, but would like feedback on their use. The site suggested an ATV/Lawn Tractor tensioner for the front ($11), but the description claims use up to 14" rims - mine are 15". The other option is either the truck tensioners (which might be too big) or rubber tensioners. I suppose I could just string up a few bungees too... The rear tensioners ($45) seem like a no-brainer. They also sell mini load-binders ($11) to crank on the tensioners - are they worthwhile?

Any opinions, suggestions, or recommendations will be appreciated.

thanks - JayC

 

[CharlieS]

just pick up several rubber tarp straps of the appropriate length, stretch and loop 2 or 3 of them through the side chains. They are as effecient as any commercial tensioner and just as effective.

 

[Jay4200]

just pick up several rubber tarp straps of the appropriate length, stretch and loop 2 or 3 of them through the side chains. They are as effecient as any commercial tensioner and just as effective.

Even for the big rear chains?

JayC

 

[themichelob]

I don't have front chains, but I've used the rubber straps/bungees for the last five years on my big rears and they work great at a fraction of the cost. I put a couple (or three) on the outside and the same on the inside and get perfect tension. Regards, Mike

 

[Mace Canute]

Just make sure the rubber bungie cords are made in the USA or Canada. A friend bought some a few years back for the chains on his tractor, but he went with the cheaper made in China (read no UV prevention) ones. They barely lasted a few weeks before the sun's UV destroyed them. Sad thing was, I even warned him not to buy them, but he wouldn't listen. (And yes...I did tell him "I told you so!...several times even! )

 

[RoyJackson]

I bought the tensioners for mine, but bungees should be OK....just make sure you're wearing safety glasses when you use them. I had one let go (yep, cheap chinese) and I've still got the bruise (hit my forearm, not my eye, thank goodness!)

 

[Gordon Gould]

I bought a pair of spring tensioners for my truck chains from Tirechains.com and they were Chinese also. The springs had no temper in them. Stretch then out and they just stayed that way. Threw them away in discust and went with black rubber bungies.

 

[RickB]

Tire chain tensioners are a crutch for the novice tire chain user and a cash cow for chain sellers. In the vast majority of cases, proper sizing and installation of tire chains makes tensioning devices an unnecessary waste of money.

 

[JCB]

Go with bungee cords. You don't have to worry about remembering where you put your tensioners next year.

 

[First one]

I just got my tractor last year and ran chains on just the back tires, Was told I could do damage to the front running gear if I spun the rear tires and the front grabed.:confused3: I guess the reason is that at that point the front tires are trying to pull the whole weight of the tractor . Could be a bunch of bull ,but i'm not going to take the chance. There are some that do. I ran chains all winter without any problems and no tensioners.:thumbsup: