Favorite chain suppliers?

petebert · Jan 23, 2018

Need some chains for a 14.9-24 tire. Finally getting tired of this.

Figure chains would make a huge difference. Any particular supplier you like more than the other? I'm in a pretty decent agricultural area and thought about seeing if anyone local had them. Aside from that I seem to end up on tirechains.com every year via google. Anywhere else I should check out?

mcfarmall · Jan 23, 2018

You already found the place I'd recommend. The problem with the desire to "buy local" is the response you typically get is "We have them at the distribution center in Indianapolis, and we can have them here tomorrow." Might not be a big deal for tire chains but when you go to your local bearing supply house for some JD 260 mower spindle bearings and they don't have them on the shelf, it gets to be a pain.

I have abandoned the self-righteous mantra of "Buy local." If you can't find it on-line then your chances of finding it locally at a price you can afford are very very slim.

By the way, go for the Duo-Grip Combos!

oosik · Jan 23, 2018

I bought my tractor chains at a local tire distributor - Les Schwab Tires. Got a great deal on some really HD chains - don't know if this dealer goes as far east as you are.

George2615 · Jan 23, 2018

Check your local tractor supply store. I was in my local TSC a few years ago and found chains on a shelf in the back of the store covered in dust. I asked about them and the manager sold them to me at a closeout price because they had been there so long.

snonut · Jan 23, 2018

Looks like some rear ballast is needed as bad as chains!

petebert · Jan 23, 2018

You should see me with a round bale on the front! Yes some weight on the rear would be great. The tires are full of fluid. I thought about attaching the PTO tiller all winter just for the weight.

crreed67 · Jan 23, 2018

mcfarmall said:
You already found the place I'd recommend. The problem with the desire to "buy local" is the response you typically get is "We have them at the distribution center in Indianapolis, and we can have them here tomorrow." Might not be a big deal for tire chains but when you go to your local bearing supply house for some JD 260 mower spindle bearings and they don't have them on the shelf, it gets to be a pain.

I have abandoned the self-righteous mantra of "Buy local." If you can't find it on-line then your chances of finding it locally at a price you can afford are very very slim.

By the way, go for the Duo-Grip Combos!

Yes sir. What this guy said.
Tire Chains-Duo Ladder-Tractor

LouNY · Jan 23, 2018

I found a local dealer for mine, but they seem to come and go. I use the euro studded chains they are more expensive but they work so much better then any other style.

The traction and ride quality is amazing, they are the best you can get for a tractor unless you are strictly going into the woods and use skidder ring type.

The duo grip type are almost as poor riding as the old double ring type every time that top link hits hard ground it is link running over a bump, so it's bumpity bump all the time.

petebert · Jan 23, 2018

Should I get the chain tensioners or will I need any of the installation tools they sell?

Tractor Tire Chains-14.9 24

LouNY · Jan 23, 2018

The euro style, the lower ones on the page do not need tensioners the instructions with mine wanted them to be able to move about some on the tire, they are the only ones I haven't used tensioners on. As far as installing the chains the easiest method I have found is as follows;
1) lay the chains out on the ground, studs or outside up, behind the tire,
2) attach a rope (small, baler twine or under a 1/4 inch) to the chain ends (inner on euro) to make a V =>
3) lay the V up on the tire and hook it to the tire treads,
4) start moving forward, letting the rope bring the chain up onto the tire,
5) stop and make sure your chain is hanging centered on the tire,
6) repeat 4 and 5 till the chain is wrapped around the tire stopping where the ends are accessible
7) make your connections
8) drive back and forth a few times to make sure they are seated and see if you need to adjust them.

I can put mine on the rears in 20-30 minutes per tire, this method works quite well for me and my brothers, mine are going on 18.4-30's
some of his are 20.8-42's they are heavy and awkward to install in any other method, such as throwing them up on top and trying to gather the ends up and then fasten them.
Good luck