Tire Chains

[DieselEngineer]

I would like to pick up a set of chains to help with mud and snow, mostly snow, though. This was my first winter with the tractor and there were several occasions when I would have been much better off with chains.

I have a DS4510. My driveway is about 300' long and dirt. In addition to my driveway, I want to be able to clear out the barn, coop, and a pathway back to the pasture to aid in putting the animals out.

My current tires are 10x16.5/6 (front) and 14.9x24/6 (rear).

But, I don't know much about chains. I have been looking at www.tirechains.com and they list multiple types. What are the different types best for? Should I go for rear chains only or front and rear?

The link above is to the page I am looking at. Double-ring? Duo-grip? Duo-ladder? Ladder? Any advice you can provide is appreciated.

 

[beenthere]

Simplest are the ladder, and I go that route.
There are multiple threads and much written about chains. Do some searches and some reading for extra info.

When you say you want to "clear out the barn, coop, and a pathway back to the pasture..." are you talking of using a blade? I think if so, you would be happy with ladder chains. I am, but others thoughts vary.

 

[VictorW]

I have a CK30hst with Industrial/R4 tires and use chains in the Winter. Huge difference with traction. It's like on working on dry ground even without the diff locked. I use the two link ladder, 3/8 inch, on the rear and two link ladder, 1/4 inch, link on the front. With the R4 tires they ride on top of the tread and bite into snow and ice but would want to pack with mud. They will give you the smoothest ride too. The front chains give much steering improvement on hard pack or snow. If I was going to need chains for mud or if I had Ag/R1 tires, I would go with the Duo Grip first and then the Double Ring second. They would stay on top of the tires, especially with Ags, and not pack with mud as bad. Tire Chains.com was the best price I could find when I looked for chains.

 

[DieselEngineer]

Clear the barn and coop translates to remove snow from the vicinity of... Also, I'm thinking of the spring and fall mud seasons and avoiding slipping/sliding while performing general chores and working the land. I have a couple of spots that get a little greasy during thaws and rains. I have a little drainage work to take care of in those areas, but that will come in time.

I have the industrial/R4 tires, as well. The mud is why I was thinking about double-ring as the website mentioned self-cleaning. Double ring are not available for my front tire (not made in that size). Of course, I missed the line that said not recommended for plowing. Haha.

It seems like the duo-grip will win out. Any other thoughts?

 

[JJT]

Clear the barn and coop translates to remove snow from the vicinity of... Also, I'm thinking of the spring and fall mud seasons and avoiding slipping/sliding while performing general chores and working the land. I have a couple of spots that get a little greasy during thaws and rains. I have a little drainage work to take care of in those areas, but that will come in time.

I have the industrial/R4 tires, as well. The mud is why I was thinking about double-ring as the website mentioned self-cleaning. Double ring are not available for my front tire (not made in that size). Of course, I missed the line that said not recommended for plowing. Haha.

It seems like the duo-grip will win out. Any other thoughts?

Double rings on the rear only. I seriously doubt you need to chain up all 4 tires. Try the double rings on the rear, you'll be amazed at the difference.

 

[VictorW]

I only run front chains because when I push snow with the fel bucket or front blade in float, the front is lighter and I lose some steering control especially when the snow is hard packed or icy. Your DS4510 is heavier on the front than mine and you might be fine without front chains as JJT mentioned. You now how your tractor reacts to what you do. I had duo-grip on an older two wheel drive tractor and they worked great on the R1 tires. A bouncy ride if the ground is hard and they would still try to pack a little with mud. Maybe the double ring would be better for mud if they move a little and clean themselves. I've never used that style. Maybe somebody that has will post their thoughts. If you can't find chains for the front, you can always buy for a taller tire and cut them down. It's easier if the cross chain is the correct size and you just have to shorten the side links. Shortening cross chains is a pita.

 

[whistlepig]

I think these are what are called ladder type. The two runners that go around the outside diameter of the tire prevent the chains from falling between the lugs of the tire.

 

[beenthere]

This is what I call ladder type as well.

 

[PILOON]

This is what I call ladder type as well.

Agreed; but I added second crosses, ie every 3 rd link= awesome, do believe they are then called 'double ladder'
The advantage is that there is always at least one or two cross links in contact with the ground. Makes a much smoother ride without the slip/grab slip/grab effect.
Also not very much costlier than single cross but much cheaper than other configurations.

In my case all my crosses are studded style and that sure is a plus.
Just yesterday I was plowing up a decent grade on pure (unwalkable) blue ice to clean up things.
Steering was via differential braking technique.

 

[VictorW]

Whistlepig's chains are different than the normal ladder like beenthere's. They have the two extra chains running the circumference of the tire which should make them very nice. When I ordered from tirechains.com, I got the two link ladder which would be like Piloon's.