Cheaper tire chains

jjmarotz · Dec 21, 2007

Here is an option to save everyone some much needed cash. I had 2 sets of v-bar chains left over from my 4 wheeler, guess what, the rear set fits like a dream on the front of my JD 3203. The real kikker here is that you can buy ATV chains on e-bay for $20-30 per pair plus shipping. Now go to tirechains.com and price the same size for a "TRACTOR" and check out the price difference. Amazing how much money they want for (Tractor) vs. ATV. I tried this out to see if it would work on my 3203, and today was a night and day difference. Yes they might be lighter duty, but I don't drive highways or super high speeds when chains are on. Still should last a long time. The only reason to chain the front was I was not able to steer once there is a layer of ice on the ground. (All 4 tires are loaded with 100 gallons of cc, and extra ballast added wherever I can put it.) I cannot say enough about added weight to ANY tractor, (AG or CUT). Also check out my weights on the blower to add to overall weight of the blower to cut thru hard pack drifts. Simple and easy to find lifting weights are so easy to move and to store. I find that each job has different reqierments for ballast and ballance.

jjmarotz · Dec 22, 2007

Forgot the pic of chains installed

john_bud · Dec 22, 2007

ATV chain is either case hard or else not hardened at all. I would guess yours are case hardened. As you say, they won't last as long, but hey, you're not using them all day every day!

Good tip.
jb

JB4310 · Dec 22, 2007

They look better and more HD than these that I put on my 4310, for the same reason as you, needed a little extra traction when on packed snow/ice.
Mine were salvaged from old garden tractor pcs, you can see that mine are a little to narrow but they do help alot, what size wheels/tires do you have and what size are those chains called.

jjmarotz · Dec 23, 2007

The tires on the tractor are 25x8.5-14 and the chains were from a 28x10-12 rear ATV tire. I used these on my wheeler for 4 years (when that was my only means of snow removal), and they barely have a scratch in them. I did end up with 4 extra links hanging out after snugging them up so I use some old S hooks from broken bungee cords and held the extra links out of the way.

pat32rf · Dec 25, 2007

I've gotten into the habit of watching at yard sales, auctions etc for old sets of tire chains from tractors, trucks etc. I then buy the long-link side chain and go to my pails of used cross chain. Even if I have to lengthen the cross chains by a coupla links its a LOT cheaper than buying new tractor chains, plus you can build exactly what you need sizewise. I started doing this 35yrs back with my 4x4s then my ATVs. (Now the JD is the only thing that I have chains on.)