Chains or caps?

[Aussiebushman]

Not the first time I have addressed this issue but the problem does not go away.

I have a Ford 6000 Diesel (6 cylinder selctashift) in reasonably good nick but the rear tires are about 50% worn and are fitted with chains. On the dozed/graded gravel road it is reasonably OK sometimes I need to go into the fairly steep, rough bush where there is a mix of stone. fallel branches and earth. There reversing is near impossible and if a wheel gets bogged in the soft stuff, getting it out is not easy.

At my advanced age and due to the tractor spending 10 months in the shed, I just cannot justify the $3 grand (or more) for new rear tires The current chains are not adequate to provide sufficient traction for the off-road conditions noted above. The options are therefore:

a) Replace or add to the existing chains - probably in an H pattern so they do not sink between the treads - see picture. This would be fairly cheap fix with 8mm chain and shackles and no need to remove the wheels

b) Cross bars - The ones I made some time ago - (in the picture) were not successful. The alternative is to fabricate steel "caps" to fit right over the treads and be held in place with screws. I have looked for old pallet uprights that might be suitable but it will not be an esy job and no guarantee of success.

c) add studs to each tread - moderate cost and doable.

Any practical suggestions welcome

 

[seville009]

My vote/choice would be “(a)”.

I wouldn’t think studs would work, because they wouldn’t dig in deep enough. If those bars you made did not work, then studs definitely will not do you any good.

 

[Gee Ray]

Have you tried to call the salvage yards for tractors? Might be able to find a decent set of used tires.

 

[LD1]

IF you have 50% tires AND new chains I dont think there is any easy answer.

No matter what you do....you will always be able to find an area to get stuck in. Just got to know the machines capabilities and limitations and dont put yourself in that situation

 

[LouNY]

Not the first time I have addressed this issue but the problem does not go away.

I have a Ford 6000 Diesel (6 cylinder selctashift) in reasonably good nick but the rear tires are about 50% worn and are fitted with chains. On the dozed/graded gravel road it is reasonably OK sometimes I need to go into the fairly steep, rough bush where there is a mix of stone. fallel branches and earth. There reversing is near impossible and if a wheel gets bogged in the soft stuff, getting it out is not easy.

At my advanced age and due to the tractor spending 10 months in the shed, I just cannot justify the $3 grand (or more) for new rear tires The current chains are not adequate to provide sufficient traction for the off-road conditions noted above. The options are therefore:

a) Replace or add to the existing chains - probably in an H pattern so they do not sink between the treads - see picture. This would be fairly cheap fix with 8mm chain and shackles and no need to remove the wheels

b) Cross bars - The ones I made some time ago - (in the picture) were not successful. The alternative is to fabricate steel "caps" to fit right over the treads and be held in place with screws. I have looked for old pallet uprights that might be suitable but it will not be an esy job and no guarantee of success.

c) add studs to each tread - moderate cost and doable.

Any practical suggestions welcome

The chain pictured in your middle pic will provide good traction and ride I perfer the studded version of those.

These are an aggressive heavily lugged and studded chain;

These old fashioned double ring chains will dig real good in mud and deep snow, however the ride is terrible on anything else, especially hard packed gravel and such,

I would not recommend these types of chains for anything they ride terrible and the traction isn't that great,

This is the style of chain that I use they have excellent traction as well as good highway manners and the ride isn't much worse the just tires.

 

[Egon]

Rebuild your present chains to a style that rides well ( constant chain road contact ) on hard surface yet also has some v bar grip. Proper chain fasteners are readily available as well as chain.

Studs will not help in your situation.

 

[Aussiebushman]

Thank you - all comments appreciated.

GRay - tires in the size I need ( 23.1.26) are like finding Rocking Horse ****. I did get one a few years ago but had to drive half way across the state and pay far too much anyway

LD1 is dead right - there will always be somewhere to get stuck, but avoiding that is easier said than done. Traction is fine on the actual road but getting into the bush means avoiding trees, negotiating slopes and soft patches to push in a track for accesss to fallen trees for firewood with my old Pajero and trailer.

I agree that studs will not solve the problem and that chains will be the best solution. The existing ones are sloppy so adding more chain to simulate the ones in the last picture will be what I'll do. I'd love to find some of that studded chain but do not like my chances - we shall see

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

I'd just improve the chain situation. Seems the easiest and most doable. Chains like you are running now can drop between the cleats and are useless. Put some between the cross bars and you'll be lots better off.

 

[Aussiebushman]

Yes R - the existing chains do not sit "proud" enough of the lugs to provide much extra grip. The current arrangement has a single run right around each tire, with chains running laterally per picture. It is a poor solution

I purchased 50 shackles online today and will get chain when next in town. Would have preferred studded chain that seems to be commonly available in the US but none of the suppliers herein OZ have it so I'll have to make do with conventional D link chain. I should be able to create a ladder pattern a bit like those in the left-hand picture

 

[Egon]

Many years ago I converted a set of ladder chains to a more comfortable ride by putting on more cross links at an angle. Worked well.