Chains New chains...Does this look right ???!!!

[MikePA]

Evening BigDave, one thing I couldn't help noticing is that you're getting ready for winter by putting the chains on but I think you have something backwards. In winter, it's the mmm you take off, not the FEL. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

 

[RedDog]

I'm curious as to the need for the chains. I have never had to use chains, unless on a garden tractor.

With most of these tractors on here being 4 wheel drive, I wouldn't think you would need them, unless it is because the tractor is not heavy.

RedDog

 

[frank_f15]

not a chain expert, but they seem way to big for your tractor. u sholud not have to mess around other than using the tensioners

 

[beenthere]

<font color=blue>""any suggestions? ""<font color=black>

We're full of suggestions.
Can you jack up the rear tires? If so, do it just enough to be able to rotate the tire and the cross links don't drag on the ground. Then remove the tighteners. Then roll the tire around and around and let the chains just flop for a few revolutions. Then disconnect the connectors and roll the tire around 'til the connectors are at the bottom. Then start at the top, and adjust the cross links so they are uniform spacing, going from top to bottom on the front (or back) first, then the back last. Keep the side chains in about the same location down the side of the tire as you adjust the cross link spacing. Then hook the inside connector so the inside side chain is about the same location on the side of the tire all the way around, and re-hook it one link shorter. This will give you an idea how much the side chain is "too long" and how many links you will need to cut off.
Then hook up the outside side chain in the shortest link that you can. Now rotate the tire again and see how the entire chain seems to behave on the tire. I think now you should be able to add the tightener.

I hope this makes some sense. Others may have other techniques that work, but this works for me. I don't try to get the chains real snug. I prefer to let them have some slack so when I go at road speed, the cross links raise up about 3" above the tread. I don't worry about the cross links appearing to nestle in between the lugs either. It never seems to cause a problem.

 

[BigDave]

Mike,

You win...I was wondering how long it would be before someone noticed the MMM. /w3tcompact/icons/clever.gif The chains are already off, I was just making sure they fit, since this thread caused me to have some worry. The MMM is still installed since there are still a few leaves yet to fall off the trees, and that's my leaf removal system. The loader is off, since my shed is too small to keep it installed, but I'm getting real good at installing & uninstalling the loader. /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Well dang Beenthere, ya saved me a lot of typing. The technique you described is one of my favorites, on machines that can be jacked up.
For machines that can't be jacked up, I lay em out on the floor, drive over the chain, and attach one end of the chain to the tire with a bunji or rope and back the chain onto the tire. This works pretty well especially if you have a helper to keep the chain taught. When you get the chain about 2/3 on the tire, stop the machine and link the chain up. Move the machine back & forth to get the slack out, retighten the side chains, and go to work. Usually, after a mile or so, you can pull the rest of the slack out of the side chains.

 

[ronjhall]

Dave
You have just experienced how well focused TBN members are. /w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif Even with your wife’s smile /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif, they stayed on the true subject. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[Anonymous Poster]

HI,

Posted the result of my call to tirechains.com in a new thread Have I been suckered...</font color=blue>.

And the saga continues...Hopefully in the right direction!

Bill

 

[Trev]

Dave,

Very nice addition to the tractor!

Bob

p.s. The chains look good too! /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[bphillips]

Ice ... under the snow - on a slope - just glad I didn't crash into the barn !

Brad in NH

 

[BigDave]

Well we ARE talking about tire chains...ya know. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[hayden]

From what I can tell you should just always assume you will need to cut new chains the first time you fit them. If my some miracle, they just fit our of the box (or bag), then it's your lucky day.

In my opinion tirechain.com's biggest mistake is not just saying right up front that you may need to trim the chains to fit. It's really not a big deal to cut them down, but catching people off guard turns it into a big deal.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Well, I shortened the chains. Not a big deal, but probably took an hour and a half to do it. I had no idea what to take off, so I took off one cross chain, then put the chain on the tire and saw that I needed to take two off...

What you do is bend open the hooks at the ends of the cross chains and then remove them from the side chains. I have a large vise and that made the job easy. I first tried to spread things with a hammer and chisel...not an easy task.

Here's a shot to show the difference after the first cross chain was off...could not get things tight yet...but now only one quart of oil would fit in...

 

[Anonymous Poster]

AFter taking the second cross chain off, and getting both chains back on the tractor and tightened up...you can see they are quite tight now...I took a sort test ride.

Kind of bouncy! I notice the difference as compared to no chains...tensioners were not here yet...

 

[hayden]

looks much better. If you can tighten one more link's worth on the side chain you should be all set.

Mine are a tight fit getting one, and even once they are on and settle in I still need tighteners to keep them from wacking the fenders since the clearance on the 2910 is very limited.

 

[hayden]

You've got it!

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Here is a shot of the chains with the tensioners on...

 

[Anonymous Poster]

A final shot...for what it's worth...

Things seem to be quite tight and all around OK...

Bill

 

[hayden]

Very nice, and I don't think that cross-chain gap at the coupling point will make any real difference.

 

[beenthere]

They look good, and I assume you will either cut the extra tail off the side chains or fasten them back so they do not hang out and hit your fender.

Also, for what it is worth, I would do without the side tensioners. I like the cross chains to have some slack as they move about and clean themselves off. With the tensioners, it appears the cross chains will just stay hunkered down between the lugs, and not clean themselves off. But that is just a different way to accomplish the same goal - get traction and don't get stuck. I only mention this (not to make you feel bad) because others may want to first try just the chains, and if needed (like keep them from hitting the fender) add the tensioners. The chains won't come off the tires either way.

Have fun, as it looks like nothing can slow you down now.