Snow Equipment Owning/Operating new tires or chains?

[Kosmo]

Hi all,

I've got a decision to make. I've got a NH 1715 I use for many chores occasionally at my part time cabin. So it doesn't get a lot of use during the year. Snow removal on my 3/4 mile hilly gravel driveway is important 2 or 3 times a year with significant snow. I've just replaced my front tires with new (r1) but my rears have only about 10-20% tread remaining. With that said, I usually have no problem doing other chores but they don't do so well in deeper snow. Should I spend the money now and get new tires (lots $) or buy chains ( less $). Which perform better in snow? New tires (r1) or chains on old tires. Thanks for any input!!

 

[silvertramp]

Chains... Especially if you have ice.

 

[JB4310]

I don't have experience with r1's but if it were any other tire I would say chains for sure.
Especially if it's not a 4x4, the chains would make working in the woods much more productive.

JB.

 

[Gods Country]

If your current setup works for you the rest of the time I vote chains.

 

[MMagis]

Chains for sure.

 

[Kosmo]

Thanks for the input guys. Because of the $ I was leanin' that way. Just needed some push.:thumbsup:
By the way. Any chain type do you guys prefer for snow? Any reommendations where to buy online? Thanks again.

 

[Jay4200]

Thanks for the input guys. Because of the $ I was leanin' that way. Just needed some push.:thumbsup:
By the way. Any chain type do you guys prefer for snow? Any reommendations where to buy online? Thanks again.

Chains on old tires will definitely work better than new tires.

I recommend getting 2-link ladder chains. You can also get them with V-bars if you really want to be able to climb anything, anywhere. With R1s, you might be better off with Duo-grip chains, but I still like the ladders myself.

I got mine from tirechain.com. Almost half the cost of the local guys, and received about 3 days after order.

JayC

 

[crazyal]

A good set of chains will cost you but would last a lifetime. If you choose a set that just falls between the lugs then you've wasted money. Mine were very expensive but after a winter of use, about 40 hrs they still look new. They cost as much as a set of tires but the design will never fall between the lugs and they offer unbelievable traction.

 

[Kosmo]

Being a DIYer I think I'll buy a set of v bar Ladder chains at half the cost of new tires and link the ladder rungs (every other one) together with my own chain. Will help heep the chain out of the lug valleys and save me a little $.

 

[JerryK]

If you drive on concrete or blacktop, think twice about V bars... I have a set of standard chains, and they work pretty good on ice. I have a V bar set, and they chop up the concrete pretty bad, even if you try to be carefull. Some guys lay plywood down to drive on in their barn. The V bars and small link logging type chains work great, but they just don't care what they bite into. Just a thought....