Chains Do Tire Chains Damage Garage Floor?

[Fjord]

I was thinking of getting a set of tire chains for my B7800 this winter. I've noticed at the local rink that the studs in the Zamboni tires really chew up the cement floor, and was just wondering if anybody had experienced damage to their garage floor fom driving in with the tire chains on.
Thanks.

 

[Harvey7]

Fjord

I don't think 'ring chains' would do much damage but the 'cross chains' with the nipples may do a number on concrete.

 

[simonmeridew]

I have the boron studded chains for my L4400 and they will mark the cement floors, and if the tire happens to spin as in an icy area or slippery place they are agressive and will gouge out blacktop driveways. But they work great.
simonmeridew

 

[themichelob]

I have the "v-bar" chains and they have pitted my garage floor slightly even though I don't spin 'em and back in real slowly. They work great, though, so I guess that's the trade-off.
Regards, Mike

 

[RoyJackson]

A buddy of mine uses rubber matting on his garage floor when the chains are installed. Actually, once he bought the matting (which I think was made for horse stalls) and laid it out...well, it's been there ever since.
He say's it washes off nicely too.

 

[john_bud]

Chains will mark cement as noted, but they will do a nasty number on asphalt!

jb

 

[Fjord]

Thanks for all the responses everybody. My garage is only 4 years old and I really value the nice smooth floor in it , so I think that if I do get a set of chains I will look for some old rubber conveyor belt to put on the floor. I got some a few years ago to put on the centre aisle of our barn, so now I'll just have to find some more. Great thing about this site- you can get your questions answered AND a solution all at once. Thanks again
Fjord

 

[Northland]

I have a 1 year old garage (26x28-should have been 30x30) and I put v-bar chains on my rear B7800 tires-no marks on my cement floor yet. I am going to look for the old conveyor belts too!

I regret buying the v-bar over the 2 link types. The ride is very bumpy with the v-bars and I am not convinced they are any better for my use then the 2 links' would have been.

They are an aweful fight to put on too.

Having said all that I am going to put chains on the front tires this winter as well. I am planning on keeping my main trail open all winter and I can't get up my hill with only the rear chains on once the snow flies up here in the north!

 

[RobJ]

No harm if you garge floor is dirt!!

Look for Baler belts to.

Rob

 

[design]

Install the chains with the with a very low tire pressure. Then fill the tires back up to tighten the chains.

-Design

 

[JoeL4330]

Tire Chain dot Com: check out no. 6 ...same warning from every mfr/vendor

Rules for using tire chains:

Important: Pre-fit chains prior to actual use!
For your convenience and safety:

1. Consult your vehicles owners manual to see if chain can be used on your vehicle.
2. Make certain your tire chains are properly sized for your tires. A proper fit is key to performance
3. Follow directions installing tire chains.
4. Apply as tightly as possible by hand for maximum chain life.
5. Be sure to pull off highway to safe place before installing, servicing or removing tire chains.
6. Do not deflate tires to install tire chains.
7. Drive approximately 1/4 mile. Stop & retighten.
8. Extra links may be cut off or preferably retained on the fastener arm.
9. Do not drive at high speed. Accelerate or decelerate slowly. Avoid spinning or locking of wheels.
10. If a cross chain should fail, stop immediately. Repair. Do not drive with a broken chain.
11. Avoid hitting curbs with tire chain.
12. Tire chains are not designed for towing vehicles.

 

[Northland]

thanks for the clarification Joel.

I do know all the tricks for getting them on now (after reading up on TBN and countless hours tugging on them) but they are still a pain in the butt to put on.

 

[Harry c]

I think that if I do get a set of chains I will look for some old rubber conveyor belt to put on the floor.

I'd think a few of strips of scrap plywood would be easier to find than conveyor belting. Use a seperate strip for each side. Probably would be easier to lean the plywood up against a wall than to roll up the belt for storage too. Or just toss it every summer.

 

[Red55]

I would be careful with plywood I've seen that stuff take off like a rocket with a spinning tire. Costco had garage mats for a little over a $100 and it was made to cover a decent size area (about a bay) not a good as free conveyor belts, but one piece.

 

[Harry c]

I would be careful with plywood I've seen that stuff take off like a rocket with a spinning tire. Costco had garage mats for a little over a $100 and it was made to cover a decent size area (about a bay) not a good as free conveyor belts, but one piece.

I guess I must be the careful type! I don't remember ever spinning my tires in the garage. Once I get inside it's not very steep!
Actually, I have access to all the big rubber mats and wide conveyor belting I want for my personal use. FREE! I still wouldn't fight with either to get it out of the way for clean up or storage. Stuff's heavy and bulky. It's great stuff if you don't intend to move it. If you're going to need to move it around, the plywood's so much easier to me. I guess it shifting around some might be an issue if you had to drive in and out every day. I don't need to worry about snow chains though. Just love it here south of the Mason Dixon!