Tractor tire chains still on....

[Looking4new]

plus you miss the fun of putting them on and off......

That is exactly why I am not taking them off. The rears are really heavy. Besides, I work in summer and don't get to play with my tonka tractor until the fall/winter.

 

[rd_macgregor]

This thread brings up a question I've had about chains. Other than the slightly rougher ride, is there anything wrong with leaving chains on all year? I never drive on pavement, so I don't imagine the life expectancy of the chain would be reduced enough by summer use to matter. Do the chains damage the tires enough for a few extra months each year to matter?

 

[Looking4new]

If the chains were properly installed/mounted then I can't see any reason why they can't be left on.

 

[k0ua]

This thread brings up a question I've had about chains. Other than the slightly rougher ride, is there anything wrong with leaving chains on all year? I never drive on pavement, so I don't imagine the life expectancy of the chain would be reduced enough by summer use to matter. Do the chains damage the tires enough for a few extra months each year to matter?

I kept chains on my old B7500 full time for about 8 years. The chains are still good, and there didn't seem to be significant tire wear. My chains for my Kioti are more aggressive and the ride is rougher so I take them off as soon as I can. They came off weeks ago, and I didn't really need them this season at all, so it was a waste of time putting them on. We did not have any significant snow this season.

 

[FatTire]

Are you guys talking rears only, or front and rear?

 

[k0ua]

Are you guys talking rears only, or front and rear?

On my old B7500, I had chains on both front and rear for 8 years. Experts will say no, but I did it, with no apparent damage and increased traction on our extreme slopes here with a small wheeled tractor. I don't run them now on my much larger much heavier, much larger tired tractor, but the little one seemed to benefit from the chains on all the time.

 

[mcfarmall]

I used to run mine year round on the C. Took them off due to lack of winter use and they were getting worn more than I'd like to see.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

Just took my 4 chains off the 5083 yesterday, I sure like taking them off alot more than putting them on!

 

[fried1765]

I usually have my tire chain off by now but not this year. I'm late getting next seasons firewood out so I'm still dealing with a little snow, icy spots and to make it more interesting/aggravating, mud is added to the mix. On one ice patch today, left tire goes down and if it wasn't for chains, would have had to drop 6 trees, possibly even a re-hook but the tractor clawed threw.
Might make me the winner of the last one to have chains on in the US, Thanks you all can sit back down now. I wonder when my trophy will arrive.. Probably Canadians still have their chains on. People down Florida dont know what they're missing not messing around with tire chains......

I have a nearly new set of chains for one of my old Ford my tractors.
They are hanging on the wall in barn#1.
For me, they work just perfectly there.
Have been in Florida since Nov. 4th.
Going North in 10 days though.....sure hope it starts to warm up soon.
I lived in Minnesota for 22 years! I DO know what I am missing!

 

[arrow]

My last tractor, had chains I never took off in 20 years but once. Present tractor is 4 years old and has been chained ever since. (4 link ladder) which seem to actually get better grip wise as the years go by.