Chains Plows Here...Chains?

BruceW · Dec 13, 2001

Hey guys I haven't been around the last couple of months as a little thing like bow season got in the way.

My dealer recently picked up my tractor, installed my Curtis Snow Plow (which I bought with the tractor last spring) and returned the tractor. I am about to put on my new chains which are double ladder style and thought I would ask if there is anything different between installing these and truck chains (besides the weight 90lbs @), and yes I did get a good set of chain tighteners.

thanks
bruce

beenthere · Dec 13, 2001

Should be no different, they hang the same and hook up the same (other than different size links and fasteners). I don't put my chains on until I get ice. Original snow will clear off just fine, and traction should not be a problem that 4wd can't handle. But after some thawing of the snow, and rain, and then cold - the ice layer that results is when I put on the chains. Some years don't need them at all. Last year they were a must.

RAllen · Dec 13, 2001

I would put the chains on now if you have any hills or grades. If not, you can wait. If you have even a slight hill, go ahead and put them on NOW. My 2910 will slid sideways down a couple of hills where I plow and that is not fun!

Rick

Anonymous Poster · Dec 13, 2001

Hi Bruce. I am installing a Curtis blade on my b7500 as we speak. I bought the 5' all angle and so far it looks like it is going to work find. As far as chains go I have consulted 3 dealers and one has advised me not to use chains at all. He says(and this does make sense)that chains on the back will change the diameter of my rear tires and create a problem in time with the drive train. The tires are sized so that they both rotate the same in 4 wheel drive. I have loaded back tires and have decided to try plowing without chains. I also have a rear box scaper if I need additional weight.

Boondox · Dec 14, 2001

If you're gonna use chains, put them on before the weather turns cold. Nothing worse than cold metal sticking to your skin...and so far I've not managed to keep my gloves on through the entire process. /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif Riding between the lugs and sinking into the ground, chains won't change the diameter of the tires much, if at all; the dealer who said that ought to chat with the hundreds of satisfied chain users here in New England before spouting off such nonsense!

Pete

www.GatewayToVermont.com

MDNick · Dec 14, 2001

Jethro,

I'm with Boondox on this one. I think the dealer is a bit short on common sense, though book smart he may be, as he is technically correct. HOWEVER, generally the very need for chains (heck 4 wheel drive for that matter) means traction ain't all it could be. DUH! Those front wheels are going to slip and slide just fine (which means enough to keep the system from binding) on any terrain that you will have the need for chains and engaged 4 wheel drive. If you are on dry pavement or such, you shouldn't have 4 wheel drive engaged anyway, irrespective of chains. Disclaimer: I am strictly speaking of snow/ice situations, not FEL work in dirt, that is different, and the tires do need to match. Although I agree with Boondox that the difference with chains is pretty minimal.

Nick

Farmer kid usetabe, Farmer Wannabe

gerard · Dec 14, 2001

I agree w/ boondox about putting them on before the cold sets in!! Don't know how other put them on but I found jacking the rear tires off the ground, hooking the end on a lug and spinning the wheel was the easiest way to put them on. Gravity keeps the chain tensioned and puts them on nice and uniformly without getting hung up on the lugs.

BruceW · Dec 14, 2001

Thanks, I will give your method a try. I tend to agree that I want to put the chains on before it gets any colder (although I have the option of installing in a heated garage or barn). I will experience a circumference increase as I have pillow die turfs but I agree that snow and ice will provide plenty of slippage when I am in 4WD. My blade is a 6 1/2 foot and I am looking forward to using it.

Thanks for the advice.

bruce

Anonymous Poster · Dec 14, 2001

I agree with all of you on chains verses no chains. I can't imagine the rear diameters changing a whole lot on snow and ice. I intend to put them on my rig if I'm not happy without. Jethro