Ballast Clearance for snow chains? (XR4000/4100) series

[RSR]

Another sizing question.

There seems to be very minimal clearance between the fenders and the rear tires on the XR4100 that would allow the useage of chains.

Has anyone with an XR4000/4100 series successfully run chains, or have any insight on this matter?

I've heard putting spacers on to move the tires out can help some with clearance, although it's not exactly clear to me how that does. Regardless, if I go the LS route, the dealer has confirmed I can out 2" spacers on, and it won't void any warranty. I'll be doing this regardless to increase stability.

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[LouNY]

I had looked at the LS lineup a few years ago, I believe it was P series.
I was looking for 65-90 hp and I liked several items on the LS, the transmission had a multitude of gears and the power shuttle
I wanted, the pto had a good selection of speeds, the cab was decently appointed and the tractor ran good handled good,
I liked everything about it except it did not have the clearance to the tops of the fenders for chains,
the dealer was talking about 2 inch spacers on the cab mounts to allow for chain clearance to the cab fenders,
I got to looking at all the potential issues with that, that it ended my looking at the LS's.
I would not even consider a tractor that I could not chain up as I consider them a necessity not an option for winter use.

 

[RSR]

I had looked at the LS lineup a few years ago, I believe it was P series.
I was looking for 65-90 hp and I liked several items on the LS, the transmission had a multitude of gears and the power shuttle
I wanted, the pto had a good selection of speeds, the cab was decently appointed and the tractor ran good handled good,
I liked everything about it except it did not have the clearance to the tops of the fenders for chains,
the dealer was talking about 2 inch spacers on the cab mounts to allow for chain clearance to the cab fenders,
I got to looking at all the potential issues with that, that it ended my looking at the LS's.
I would not even consider a tractor that I could not chain up as I consider them a necessity not an option for winter use.

That's the exact position I'm in. It would be a deal breaker if I can't swing it.

 

[LouNY]

That's the exact position I'm in. It would be a deal breaker if I can't swing it.

That was why I ended up with a Branson 8050 rather then the LS of the same size,
I actually liked the LS better but not having the ability to chain it up took it out of the process.

 

[RSR]

That was why I ended up with a Branson 8050 rather then the LS of the same size,
I actually liked the LS better but not having the ability to chain it up took it out of the process.

I'm currently debating various tractors. In the LS, I'm looking at the XR3140 and XR4140. I don't think the 3140 would have any problem, but I like the larger frame and weight of the 4140 a lot more. It would be a shame to have to pass on it over such a simple design decision/flaw.

 

[LouNY]

Unfortunately many tractors have that issue, on the farm we can only chain up one rear and the fronts on the NH 6050 and the IH Puma 125.
They have plastic fuel tanks right in front of the tires and very close to the tires.

 

[Avenger]

Yes, you can put chains on the XR41 series. I do. Check out my videos, specifically
LS XR4145C - January Update, Chains and Logging Operations - YouTube

Being my first time chaining up a tractor tire, I really didnt know what I was doing. After doing it, I suspect it will take me much less time this winter.

There is clearance for chains between the fender and tire. Not much when installing, but enough to get them on. Make sure the chains are tight so they don't whip and hit the fender.
I didnt do any spacer modifications or anything. These are on R4 tires, not sure of the clearance with ag tires.

 

[RSR]

Yes, you can put chains on the XR41 series. I do. Check out my videos, specifically
LS XR4145C - January Update, Chains and Logging Operations - YouTube

Being my first time chaining up a tractor tire, I really didnt know what I was doing. After doing it, I suspect it will take me much less time this winter.

There is clearance for chains between the fender and tire. Not much when installing, but enough to get them on. Make sure the chains are tight so they don't whip and hit the fender.
I didnt do any spacer modifications or anything. These are on R4 tires, not sure of the clearance with ag tires.

Avenger, thanks for the info, and the video! That's good to know, as well as some great advice on the chains, and a great vent hack.

If I can ask, how do you like the XR4145 in the woods? How is it in terms of stability? I'm looking at the XR4140/4145, but in HST. It looks like I can order 2 inch spacers for the rear wheels, but I'm trying to decide if they are needed or not.

 

[Avenger]

I have the tires loaded with beat juice, which really helps out in the traction and stability areas. Being in the woods, on the side of a mountain where there is not flat ground, I gotta say, the tractor does well. I try not to 'side hill' anything too steep, but rather go up and down, but sometimes that not possible. However, there have been some times where I felt as if the tractor will tip on a side hill, where I got nervous before the tractor ever thought about rolling. That said, keeping loads low, and knowing my limitations, is key.

Driving though the woods, I had to take off the mirrors. Branches will fold the mirrors in and block the door. I got trapped inside the cab twice, once I actually had to drive to the house and call my wife out to help get me out! So I took the mirrors off.
If you like to wash and wax your tractor, keeping it clean and pretty, then driving around the trees will drive you nuts. scratches, sap, scrapes, etc, will occur. But so far, knock on wood, no broken glass, which was my fear when I was shopping. I dont have spacers.

Love plowing snow with this thing. I am planning on getting a snow blower or pusher for this winter. But being able to start it up, crank on the heater, 30 minutes later, come out and plow the driveway during a blizzard, is great. I often end up taking off my coat in the cab and turning down the heater!

The tractor really has been great.