Chains and Tire sizes

LouNY · Mar 7, 2020

Wyobuckaroo said:
I have run two kinds of 2 link ladder chains on turf tires.. Both V bar and non V bar.. The plain cross links worked well, the V bar works better..

I got the plain set from John Deere, which fit fine the first use.. The V bar set came from a custom maker who works with lots of logging and mining equipment.. They fit well also..

It is always best to use tighteners on any kind of chain set.. I have had a lot of trouble with bungee and all types of rubber tarp tighteners and chain tighteners.. They seem to want to break and the pieces fly past you head.. My best luck has been with homemade tighteners made from a spring, light chain and S hooks..

Many of the Euro style studded chains do not need tensioners some are even recommended to be run slightly loose.
I have several years use of my Aquiline Talon chains on more then one tractor with no tensioners,
also the traction from this style chain will far exceed any thing from ladder chains.

greenrider1 · Mar 8, 2020

LouNY said:
Many of the Euro style studded chains do not need tensioners some are even recommended to be run slightly loose.
I have several years use of my Aquiline Talon chains on more then one tractor with no tensioners,
also the traction from this style chain will far exceed any thing from ladder chains.

I actually have to loosen mine a little after driving it around for a bit. I had the recommended slack in the side chain (1 fist worth) when I installed them, but they actually tightened up to no slack after driving around. I think it's due to the center section of studded chain slowly working it's way around the tire, and the side links are catching on the lugs, causing them to tighten up a bit. I'll try loosening one link and see how that works out. Definitely don't need any tensioners with this style chain, or any of the fancy (and expensive) chain stretching tools to install them. I've run ladder bar chains before, and it was always a bear trying to get them tight enough to stay on the tires without tensioners. These Euro style chains are literally the easiest chains I've ever installed. My 13 year-old daughter could probably do it with a little guidance. I was hoping the ground would freeze back up so I could get out in the woods to cut some firewood, but it's way too soft now, and I don't want to tear everything up. Now that I have the chains on the tractor, it will guarantee we won't get any more snow. Forecast is in the 50's today, 60's tomorrow, and 40-50 for the rest of the week here in central NY.

ovrszd · Mar 8, 2020

No offense intended.

Anyone that needs tensioners on their chains doesn't know how to install chains.

Tensioners are a marketing wet dream for the makers of such things.