Chains??? Too many choices!

[ctfjr]

So with my snow removal experiences the last two days I've come to the conclusion I need a set of chains. My tires are 15-19.5 NHS (on a L3800HST). I see 2 link and 4 link but don't know if 4 link are adequate or any difference in ride comfort. I see Euro and V-link and have no clue if they are worth any premium.

My driveway is gravel so my back blade has shoes keeping it up an inch or so. There is a fairly steep grade at the 1st turn. I found out there is no dropping the blade while going up, especially with the blade loaded with snow.

Suggestions on what works?

 

[SDT]

So with my snow removal experiences the last two days I've come to the conclusion I need a set of chains. My tires are 15-19.5 NHS (on a L3800HST). I see 2 link and 4 link but don't know if 4 link are adequate or any difference in ride comfort. I see Euro and V-link and have no clue if they are worth any premium.

My driveway is gravel so my back blade has shoes keeping it up an inch or so. There is a fairly steep grade at the 1st turn. I found out there is no dropping the blade while going up, especially with the blade loaded with snow.

Suggestions on what works?

Read the recommendations on tirechains.com.

You will learn everything that you need to know.

SDT

 

[Henro]

Read the recommendations on tirechains.com.

You will learn everything that you need to know.

SDT

Those look like R4 tires that you have. Some here have spent time to adjust chain length AND cross chain length, to make ladder chains work with R4 tires. I did not do that, and just used the ladder chains as I received them from tirechains.com.

I had less than optimal results. Problem being half of most of the cross links end up falling between the lugs. Still, better than no chains though.

I think a chain style different than ladder would be better for R4 tires, out of the box anyway. AND worth the extra cost if you want to maximize traction.

 

[JimsF]

I just got some Aquiline MPC chains for my R4’s and they are working great on snow & ice over pavement. GP Outdoors video using studded V groove on gravel roads.

 

[JoeBabbs]

I have the same tractor with the same tires (R4), and also a steep gravel drive. My first use in the snow was yesterday. The double ring chains on the rear kept me moving up hill, while the fronts with no chains were slipping a bit. The ring chains stand proud on the tire and don't fall into the treads.

I did not try to drag snow uphill, I push it down.

 

[BAP]

As others said, go to www.tirechains.com. Enter your tire size and many choices will come up. I would choose either their Diamond or Diamond Studded for the best results for your tractor.

 

[Ikc1990]

My personal preference is icsnpicks you will never have an issue. My kubota 2710 didn't have space enough with out big wheel spacers and bigger bucket and bigger snow blower etc to much cost so I live in northern vt i need chains on the farm and for snow removal. We are above 2000 ft above sea leval and on a mountain by a big lake we get winds and snow. So I needed up buying a set of low profile grabbers. They are built like ice picks but instead of the round studs its square blocking. Got good price good results I'm happy and was even cheaper than tire chains.com bought locally from logger supplier. And had them in 2 days. If you want a good ride make sure that you. Get chaaaaaiiins that have the radials on tread. Good ride and wont fall in luggs of tire causing possible spin or slippage. That's my 2 cents.

 

[ctfjr]

Thank you all for your comments. I really appreciate you sharing your experiences. Narrows down the decision making considerably. I'm ok with only dragging downhill.
After the wife bitched that I didn't make the plowing wide enough I used the offset on the blade so I felt more comfortable getting closer to the edges
One issue I realized though and don't know if there is anyway around it is when I drop the back blade two things happen. I add a lot of drag and I unload 450 lbs of ballast off the rear wheels - not good and all the more reason for chains.
Now if there was some way to put a steerable wheel on the fel and lower it down to put some real down pressure on the front

 

[JimsF]

The Aquiline MPCH’s pattern keeps them on top of the tire

 

[SDT]

The Aquiline MPCH’s pattern keeps them on top of the tire
View attachment 52295

Great traction chains but not at all suitable for pavement.

SDT

 

[doublebass73]

I got these from tirechains.com, they are diamond studded. My tractor is only 2wd with a pull type snowblower on a steep driveway. My tires are loaded and I can blow snow going uphill no problem with these chains. I've yet to even have to use the diff lock, the tires haven't slipped at all. Chains are worth every penny, buy the best you can afford and get studded no matter what. I haven't had any problems with studs causing damage on my asphalt driveway or my concrete garage floor.

.

 

[mcfarmall]

My personal preference is icsnpicks you will never have an issue.

What are icsnpicks? I did an internet search and nothing came up.

 

[JimsF]

Great traction chains but not at all suitable for pavement.

SDT

That’s not how they’re advertised ... my experience so far on asphalt driveway/road and concrete garage would appear to support the the advertising. I am concerned with the latest wet weather in the northeast, where we’ve lost most of our snow, of doing too much driving over over dry pavement with them or any any chains. Thinking of taking them off until the snow returns as Ive got ~ 20 rdtrps (5mi total) to pickup neighbors trees over asphalt ...

 

[jajiu]

That’s not how they’re advertised ... my experience so far on asphalt driveway/road and concrete garage would appear to support the the advertising. I am concerned with the latest wet weather in the northeast, where we’ve lost most of our snow, of doing too much driving over over dry pavement with them or any any chains. Thinking of taking them off until the snow returns as Ive got ~ 20 rdtrps (5mi total) to pickup neighbors trees over asphalt ...

Taking chains off is easy, putting them back on is a royal Pain in the A**! I have very little pavement to drive on and leaving the chains on for the winter is no problem except the lousy ride I get. I hate the snow, ice and cold here and should move to Florida, but I hate Florida!