tire chains on ag tires?

[davedj1]

I picked up a set of chains for my old Ford and want to install them today. They are standard cross link chains or ladder chains. My tires are brand new 13-6-28 ag tires. Is there anything I should know special? You'll have to excuse my ignorance as I've never had to put chains on an ag tire before.
Thanks,
Dave

 

[RedNeckRacin]

Yupp, those cross chains are going to fall down in between the lugs and you may be disappointed in how well they work. I would suggest buying some cross chains and modifying the ones that you have by linking the cross chains together to get them to ride on top of the ag tire lugs. Also, make sure the hooks on the cross chains are facing out. If they are really heavy, lay them out behind the tractor and use some baler twine around the wheel and tire to pull them up onto the tire as you drive forward. Much easier than trying to man handle them on!

 

[rScotty]

I picked up a set of chains for my old Ford and want to install them today. They are standard cross link chains or ladder chains. My tires are brand new 13-6-28 ag tires. Is there anything I should know special? You'll have to excuse my ignorance as I've never had to put chains on an ag tire before.
Thanks,
Dave

Ladder style automotive chains tend to fall between the lugs of the Ag tires. They will still work somewhat, but "ladders on lugs" are difficult to put on and get to fit right.

An inexpensive solution that may work - depends on how long and wide your ladder chains are - Is to go to the hardware store and buy some malleable chain links. Use one link to connect the center of each adjacent pair of ladders.
This will change from a ladder chain to a diamond pattern chain which works better with lugged Ag tires. Each pair of ladder rungs uses one or two links, and makes half that many diamonds. The overall chain will be about the same length, but slightly narrower.
Here is how your chain will change:

I I I I I I I I I I => X X X X

 

[LouNY]

Good luck with your chains,
the suggestion to add the chain link and make your cross links into x's will make the chains work better then the stock ladders,
you will feel a definite hop when you roll upon the x and off it.
If you haven't installed them and can return them I would strongly recommend this style they will provide much more traction then the ladder
chains and a smoother ride, I have run mine down the road a few times and didn't notice any extreme damage to the pavement.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

I run the same chains as LouNY suggests and I will vouch for their effectiveness. They are more pricey, but well worth it.

 

[Phillip w]

I run "ladder chains" as the op has suggested. I get by and make them do with out to much trouble. One thing I do is make a bungy cord "+" on the outside of the tire. Then I use 4 bungy cords on the inside the tire. On the inside of the tire the bungy cords form a square about the axle such that the axle will not get tangled up with axle. This bungy cord trick will help secure the chains and give you a less chance of "throwing a chain". I used to use a modified bungy cord trick on 18 wheelers when I drove a truck out in Wyoming. The bungy cord trick really helps.

 

[oldnslo]

Run standard ladder style chains on our farm tractors for years with R1 ag tire with no problems. This was 99.999% used on gravel roads and farm fields so ride wasn't that important.

 

[davedj1]

Thank you all for the suggestions. To be clear these are a used set I paid $75 for and ride is not of a concern, the tractor will only be used off road.
I was thinking putting some links of some sort across two cross links, I may look into that. Me and my buddy did put them on yesterday, took our time and got them pretty tight but I see they will not stay on top of the lugs. To be honest, if it gets that slippery or icy I will stay off the tractor.
Now I'm no the hunt for some links...lol

 

[mcfarmall]

Also, make sure the hooks on the cross chains are facing out.

Can you explain why this makes a difference? I see in LouNY's pictures the hooks are facing out also. I didn't realize that it mattered which way they faced. I just helped a buddy put his chains on his tractor yesterday and he wanted the curls facing toward the tire. Looking to learn something here!!

 

[LouNY]

Can you explain why this makes a difference? I see in LouNY's pictures the hooks are facing out also. I didn't realize that it mattered which way they faced. I just helped a buddy put his chains on his tractor yesterday and he wanted the curls facing toward the tire. Looking to learn something here!!

If by hooks or curls you are referring to the cross chains where they attach to the side chains, you will want the smooth side of the hook next to the tire, if the open side is against the tire the hooks will eat at the side walls of the tire as it flexs and works. Now I'm hoping that we don't need chains this winter I haven't put mine on the tractors yet.