trying to save some $$ on tire chains

[onelostdogg]

Hi all. Looking for rear chains for 15-19.5 tires. I've read a LOT that truck chains are much cheaper than tractor chains- so I measured. Height of tire is 35". Width at tread 14.5". Rim 19.5". Would a truck chain for 14.5/35" work? $110 per pair vs. $225/pair. If they would fit, is it worth a try? These are square-link boron chains.

 

[Ed of all trades]

I don't know the answer to your question but check the price at tirechains.com. My chains were less than 1/2 of the price I could get local. Ed

 

[silvertramp]

I don't know the answer to your question but check the price at tirechains.com. My chains were less than 1/2 of the price I could get local. Ed

I aggree, check them out.

 

[joeyd]

I'm not sure of the reason you need the chains, hilly, icy or snow too deep. If you go cheap and they don't work you have to buy the tractor chains and you are out the cost of both sets. If you buy the right chains the first time you are saving money. Some things, like safety, don't have a price tag. That being said a neighbor of mine uses truck chains on his front tires and tractor chains on his rears and it has worked well for him for the 7-8 years he has had his tractor.

 

[varmint]

If you check out a tire chain company, like Laclede, you'll find charts showing the length of the side links and cross links for their various types. You should be able to figure out how long you will need by measuring your tires, and doing a little math, and start looking for something that will work. It is not too hard to shorten side links, or even cross links, with a vise and some prying tools. One important factor is what type of tires? If you have R-1 or R-4, whatever chains you get will have to have cross links that ride above the tire's lugs to be useful. I don't recall tire chain nomenclature, but a little research will make you an informed consumer.

I ran across a former Kubota dealership owner who had a stash of Laclede chains, and scored a great set for $100 ($300+ otherwise) so deals are out there. Craig's list was where I found him.

 

[Billrog]

I paid $300 for these delivered with heavy side rails and cross links every other link. All my roads are steep so I don't want much space between the cross links. With anything other than turf tires you need H pattern or a different still of chains.

 

[Ed of all trades]

I paid $300 for these delivered with heavy side rails and cross links every other link. All my roads are steep so I don't want much space between the cross links. With anything other than turf tires you need H pattern or a different still of chains.

I have the same style of chains on my Industerial tires and they work fine. Ed

 

[DK35vince]

I have the same style of chains on my Industerial tires and they work fine. Ed

I have the same style 4 link on my R-4's and they work fine.

 

[Ed of all trades]

View attachment 452862
I have the same style 4 link on my R-4's and they work fine.

That is what I was trying to say. Ed

 

[DK35vince]

That is what I was trying to say. Ed

I know.
I was in agreement with it is why I used your quote for my reply.

 

[onelostdogg]

The Laclede website has a bunch of great information. Thanks for the recommendation. I have R-4's too so I'm thinking 2 link would be better than 4 link right? Craigslist is pretty thin on tractor chains around here. Has been for the 6 months I've been looking. But lots of heavy truck chains so maybe modifying a set (or 2 sets) might be an option.

 

[onelostdogg]

Ed and Vince, sorry! I just figured that part out...:laughing:

 

[pat32rf]

I grab used truck chains whenever I find them and have made a couple sets of tire chains over the years. Most times you can get them for $20 or less. We have a lot of loggers around here and they all use truck chains so old sets are common.

 

[Billrog]

If you can find a set of doubles ( truck chains) you'll have plenty of good side rail and cross links to make a good set of chains. Using them I made up a set for my last tractor, the 580 backhoe & my forklift.

 

[onelostdogg]

If you can find a set of doubles ( truck chains) you'll have plenty of good side rail and cross links to make a good set of chains. Using them I made up a set for my last tractor, the 580 backhoe & my forklift.

Kindof what I am thinking now too. Around here it's starting to look like it may even be a moot point this season. (Jinx) I may take my chances, buy the 33" tool from tirechain.com, and keep trolling CL. Also, auction season will be here soon too.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Free shipping and 20% off for the month of January by using coupon code "Snow Will Come" at TractorSnowChains.com

 

[oldballs]

IIRC, truck chains are 5/16" and tractor chains are 3/8"...........usually........?

 

[Wyobuckaroo]

My older JD855 has 33-12.5x15 turfs.. I lucked out and found a set of JD (it said JD on the bag) 2 link ladder chains on sale (summer time)....

I think the problem most often encountered when trying to convert/recycle truck chains, is finding chains wide enough.. If they are wide enough, then length is usually a problem.. Length seems the issue more easily overcome..
One or the other of these problems seems to be encountered by most everyone who tries this in my area of the frozen north..
But imagination and ability can make things work..

Good luck..