Tire Chains & Fender clearance

[mangus580]

So I am debating tire chains for plowing snow this winter (I wouldnt worry if I didnt have a hill to climb). I have been against them due to concerns about them hitting the fenders...

Does anyone have any experience with them on the R series tractors? (or similar)


I was originally thinking of grooving the tires, or even looked at studs... but I think chains are the smartest option at this point.

 

[whistlepig]

How much clearance do you have between the fender and inside wall of your tire?

 

[mangus580]

Looks like about 4.25" on the sidewall - and 3.5" at the tread (which is where I am most concerned.)

 

[whistlepig]

We'll see how this goes. I have 2.5" clearance between the inside wall of my tire and the fender. And 3.25" clearance between the tread on my tires and the fender.

There are two schools of thought when mounting chains. Some say they should have a reasonable amount of slack in them. Some say they should be tighter than a banjo string. I'm a banjo string type guy.

Takes a while to get 'em tight and tucked. Loose ends have to be safety wired. A wrong mount will rip a fender off. After 4 years I still have my OEM fenders. Unscathed.

This is around the house, outbuildings, and driveway chains. Driving down the road in high gear on the road for a long while would greatly change this picture.

These are my chains:

 

[CobyRupert]

Whistle: Did you buy those chains with that pattern or make them?

 

[whistlepig]

I bought them. These are Aquline Talons chains.

 

[LindenBruce]

Good question here. I have been looking at the Branson 5220R and noticing that the fenders are nearly touching the R4 tires. Not a good thing if anyone needed to use chains on this particular tractor. Fortunately I'm in the central valley California and would not ever need tire chains. This is prolly one of those things a person doesn't even think about when looking for a tractor. B.

 

[mangus580]

I bought them. These are Aquline Talons chains.

How much were they?

I am looking at the V-bar chains from Tirechain.com

 

[whistlepig]

Depends on the size of the tire. I bought them here:

10-16.5 AquilineTalon Tractor

 

[mangus580]

Ouch!! $750 for my tractor.... I think I will pass on that one!

I think I will just go with the V-bar ladder... They are only $280.

The Talons look great though!