Tire chains from Costco for less than $130

[Brant]

I bought a set of tire chains from Costco online. See here. With shipping and tax they were less than $130. They fit my 11.2 x 24 rear tires quite well and are actually a little longer than required. They are made for heavy trucks like semis and such and I got the largest size. The cross chains are square 5.5-mm manganese alloy. Cam tensioners are included. Overall I'm pleased with the quality and you can't beat the price.

I tried them out in a recent snow and they work pretty well. There are some problems with the chains falling in the lugs but they definitely help with traction and stability. I run 2-link ladders on the front too. I run my chains pretty loose without tensioners and apply the rule of being able to get a fist between the side chains and tire. I think this is by far the best way to go with low-speed tractor chains on ag tires. All the banjo-string-tight tensioning that people do is pretty silly IMHO.

Anyway, I thought I'd share my tire chain solution for less than half the cost of most anything I've seen.

 

[JJT]

I run double rings and keep them as tight as possible. There's not a lot of clearance between the tire and the fender.

 

[JB4310]

Yup I'm one of those chains snug as possible types also. Just don't like things loose and sloppy, not sure if the traction is any better or worse but it's not hard to do and some of these modern machines have sensitive components not far from the minimal clearance inside/near those fenders.

Anyway that's a good deal for the chains at Costco, just not sure about those rears with the link parallel to the rotation? I know any chain is gonna be a big help but that doesn't seem like the max traction. Maybe that makes for a smoother ride?

I have 2 links on the fronts and 4 links on the rear, 4's on the rear are way to bumpy, I've got to splice in more cross links to smooth it out, I think I have enough surplus chain around to do it.

JB

 

[teg]

...They fit my 11.2 x 24 rear tires quite well...

So you bought the "DB2151" set for your tractor? Can anyone tell me if these would fit 15-19.5 (R4 tires for an L2800)

Or what would be close to the large truck tires on the CostCo chart (at the very bottom of the third page) here: http://www.costco.com/Images/Content/Misc/PDF/11177090_APP.pdf


edit: I see that I don't have enough information "indeterminate height" without the third number and I have no idea when I'll get to my tractor so I can measure (still not sure that would help figuring out what set would work).

So do I take a chance, and just plan to modify a set?

 

[JB4310]

So do I take a chance, and just plan to modify a set?

I had a tough time trying to figure what size I needed, I was lucky since I had a chance to pick through a bunch of surplus chain and just using hand measurements, found the closest one.

Still had to mod some anyway.

JB.

 

[Brant]

Yes, I did buy the DB2151 size. I suspect that most R4 tires, including yours, will be too wide for the chains. Truck and R1 tires have more similar profile. I took a bit of a chance too after doing some calculations with the size chart. I figured I could always return the chains to the local Costco for a refund. Best of luck.

 

[teg]

...I figured I could always return the chains to the local Costco for a refund...

I didn't think about that... thanks. I'll look into it a little more...

 

[SARG]

Two link are around $70. at Amazon with free shipping.


Amazon.com: Security Chain Company QG0277 Quik Grip Garden Tractor and Snow Blower Tire Traction Chain - Set of 2: Automotive

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Interesting...Never thought about getting tractor stuff at Costco...

 

[RoyJackson]

Probably made in China...cheap steel.