Snow Attachments Tire Chains for my tractor?

[RayJavu]

Not really an attachment but I still hope you can help.
I'd like to put tire chains on my tractor because when I plow my road, I get some slipping going uphill. I thought I'd just try chains on the front to start with and if they solved my slipping problem I wouldn't have to spend the big money for rear chains. Any thoughts? Experiences?
Thanks,
Ray

 

[tractchores]

I would do the rear only. They will solve the slipping problem. Chains just on the front will have traction problems when pushing and stopping on ice could get very exciting (tractor will want to flip around). The rears are what you really want as that is where all the weight is. I think front only will be dissapointing.

 

[Wolfy]

Yes, the rears are much better. I have a Kubota that has been leaking out of the front axle seals since new. I think front tire chains ruined it. The dealer has replaced the seals 3X and they still leak.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

Yes, the rears are much better. I have a Kubota that has been leaking out of the front axle seals since new. I think front tire chains ruined it. The dealer has replaced the seals 3X and they still leak.

HAve you replaced the front axles fluid with gear oil instead of hydraulic fluid? JD and Kubota put hydraulic fluid in the front axles and hubs. I had a dealer suggest to me to change it before it starts leaking.

I ran front chains on my L3400 for a couple years now for some snow plowing and I have had no problems. I do think that the traction will be much better chaining up the rears, just be prepared to use the split brakes to steer.


Ray, there are a ton of tire chain threads, I'd start browsing them to see what you think.

 

[RoyJackson]

I'd also suggest putting chains on the rear tires only. The drive axle and gearing is more robust then the front gear.

As far as keeping the tractor straight...use the split brakes (if your tractor has them). A tap on the left or right steering brake is about all you need.

 

[Ole Orange]

Yes, the rears are much better. I have a Kubota that has been leaking out of the front axle seals since new. I think front tire chains ruined it. The dealer has replaced the seals 3X and they still leak.

Sorry off topic but...I can try to find the part # they make a front axel vent that stops pressure in the from axel I installed one this summer and not one leak since!! Had been leaking both sides as well as drive shaft seal. You would think Kubota would let us in on these things part was $20.00 bucks from Kubota.

 

[Wolfy]

RedNeckRacin, I think the owner's manual specs 80/90W gear oil. I will have to dig that out and check. And Ole Orange, I did not know there was a vent available. My drive shaft seal is dry, at least. The fluid level does not go down very fast. The front tires are always oily, more than anything.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

RedNeckRacin, I think the owner's manual specs 80/90W gear oil. I will have to dig that out and check. And Ole Orange, I did not know there was a vent available. My drive shaft seal is dry, at least. The fluid level does not go down very fast. The front tires are always oily, more than anything.

I know that my JD and Kubota manual both spec Hy-guard and UDT to be put in. I'm swapping them out when the temps allow free flowing again with gear oil.

 

[Boondox]

I have Norse ice chains on the rear of my L3240, and they provide excellent traction on my steep often icy road. The front, however, skitters around quite a bit, especially at the end of my driveway where I go from flat and level to a 28% downslope. I've been thinking of adding V-chains to the front just to help those R4s get a bit of a bite in those conditions.

 

[joeyd]

I run 4-link v-bars front and back with no issues other than a bumpy ride until I get a little base down on the driveway. My driveway and portion of the community road I take care of can get icy and the front end used to move around quite a bit until I chained it up. Most of my work is with a 3pt 68" Meteor snow blower but I do use the FEL from time to time.