Chains Chains...opinions

[whistlepig]

I have studded chains and use them on a gravel driveway. I have read that they will tear up asphalt. The studded chains will chew up concrete. I have to park mine on rubber horse mats in the garage.

 

[RoyJackson]

I've been considering chains for my JD4100 4WD Hydro. There are several types I can use on the rear tires, but a very limited choice for the front. Basically just a cross chain type.

Do I really need chains on all four wheels, or just the rears? I can see where front chains would help with steering.

Tirechains.com recommends the 2 link ladder type for front tires.

As far as what you need, only you can determine that in your particular circumstances.
However, I suggest getting the rear chains first (for maximum grip), then determine if you need the front chains. You can also learn to use your steering brakes.
You'll also want some kind of ballast on your 3PH unless you're using a rear blade or 3PH snow blower.

 

[First one]

These came with my tractor when I bought it . I don't know what you would call them but studded chain's. They seem to work pretty good in snow . I've used them pulling a few logs
out down back and had good traction there as well.

 

[Royboy]

I have regular ladder chains from TireChain.com and they make a night and day difference in the snow. I only have them on the rear tires though because there have been so many comments about how the gears (or something) in the front wheel system do not support chains very well. I am not sure if this is true, but I have read it so many times in so many places (including on this board) that I have resisted the temtation to try front chains on my Kubota B2410.
Roy

 

[whistlepig]

These came with my tractor when I bought it . I don't know what you would call them but studded chain's. They seem to work pretty good in snow . I've used them pulling a few logs
out down back and had good traction there as well.

These are Tellefsdal chains or Aquiline Talon chains. They both look very similar.

 

[crazyal]

They look like the Aquiline chains. The Tellefsdal chains use one continuous length of chain around the outside of the tire. You can see the links where the cross chains tie into the lengths of chains going around the tire doesn't have studs (not that it matters).

 

[whistlepig]

These are Aquiline Talons:

 

[Mean Jean]

You can stud your own tires although I've had mix results.
I used self tapping hex bolts, grounded the heads just a bit.
Screwed them into the lugs, used a bit of construction adhesive.
The traction was dynamite but some of the studs pulled out.
I yanked them all because I don't need a pile of bolts on my driveway.

Switched to chains, just installed them today.
I bought a set of chains which came off a semi. $50 on kijiji
One set would cover 2 tires.
I moved the rungs over so I have twice as many rungs on each set.

I had to change tires. My tractor came with rice tires and the chains would ride between the kugs.
Turf tires were $700...forget that!
I bought a pair of tires plus rims which came off a milk truck. $50
Had 2 new plates fabricated and welded them on to the rims. $125
Drilled new holes.
Done.
$275 all said and done.

 

[First one]

These are Aquiline Talons:

crazyal and whistlepig,
Thanks, I googled Aquiline chains and they sure do look like the TALON chains they showed:thumbsup: . I never thought that there would be so many different styles of chains out there.

 

[crazyal]

crazyal and whistlepig,
Thanks, I googled Aquiline chains and they sure do look like the TALON chains they showed:thumbsup: . I never thought that there would be so many different styles of chains out there.

There's a whare house for Tellesfdal chains in New Hampshire. My local dealer has the salesman bring chains up with him to avoid shipping charges. That was the deciding factor as they weighed over 200lbs. If you're thinking of buying chains then you may want to call a few local dealers and see if they handle Tellesfdal brand, could save you some money.

 

[Maine_Polack]

How have the chains ordered through Wallingfords worked out? I am considering a single diamond style purchase made by american chains but sold through Wallingford. Do the studs tear up asphalt? I will use them for skidding out wood during the winter season and should help me to clear the driveway. thanks

Sorry for the late reply. I was trying to find some pictures of the chains and the tighteher I also purchased from them. Had puter problems a while ago, and I can't seem to locate the pics.

The chains are fine and rugged, as is the tightener. I use a impact wrench with the tightener to make things go faster. It is a job to put them on, until one learns the ins and outs...then it is still quite a job. I think they must weigh a few hundred pounds.

I would imagine they would tear up asphalt pretty good. I purchased chains for ice. It was/and still is, a toss up between those and ring chains.

I will continue to look for the pics.

 

[whistlepig]

There's a whare house for Tellesfdal chains in New Hampshire. My local dealer has the salesman bring chains up with him to avoid shipping charges. That was the deciding factor as they weighed over 200lbs. If you're thinking of buying chains then you may want to call a few local dealers and see if they handle Tellesfdal brand, could save you some money.

Good point. I paid $160.00 in shipping charges for 165 pounds of chains. I just couldn't find any around here.

 

[Jay4200]

See a bunch of different versions here. Just wondering if anyone has experience with any of these stlyes. V-bars look good but if they flip over the advantage is gone. Opinions/thoughts welcome!

I have 2-link V-bars on the front of my tractor - nothing on the back. Hasn't even shown a hint of slipping. They seem to stay upright, for some reason. They do want to be tight - like let out pressure, mount, then re-air-up. I bought 2-link ladders for the back, but haven't felt the need to install them yet.

JayC