Kioti DK50 / Bobcat CT 450 Front chains or NOT?

[PaulP]

I have a Bobcat CT450 (rebadged Kioti). 4x4 with cab.

I was inquiring about chains and the selling dealer advised "no way put chains on the front" "you'll tear your tractor apart."

This is not what I've heard from others in fact, many suggested only put the chains on the front for our sometimes icy, slick blacktop roads that I maintain.

What's the ground truth here?

Thanks

 

[Wild and Free]

I have a CT 450 FWA and have ballast and chains on the rear and rarely ever have to engage the FWA unless I am on too much of an incline with ice under me to get backed out of the ditch I am pushing snow into. I would not put chains on the front axle personally for the reason that the front axle is definitely the weak spot in the drive train especially on he bobcats that are know to drop snap rings off the bearing retainers in the final drives and tear things up and then add chains to that where the inconsistent pulling during spin outs and during tight turns could shock load things and then the rough ride i think it would give to boot wouldn't help the axle oscillation pin any either. Hard packed blacktop road would be the worst scenario for chains on the front IMHO.

 

[lilranch2001]

I have heard multiple times not to chain the front's......

Ask the guys at Michigan Iron, they seem to be very knowledgeable and straight shooters

 

[Avondale]

I have had front & rear chains on my 2006 DK35 (4x4) every winter since new. Every year, I clear the bush roads in my maple bush and also do many driveways and farm lanes. No problems so far.