Do tire chains help much on sub compact tractors?

[MAXA]

I once owned a B3350 ROPS model. The 3350 is very similar to the 2650 aside from the engine.

I used tire chains on the 3350 without wheel spacers before I added wheel spacers for other reasons. Yes, there is adequate clearance but just enouth and you will need to install the chains tightly as should be done in any case.

I also had a 72" MMM that I could mount with or without wheel spacers.

FWIW, the Kubota wheel spacers that I had are 1 3/8" wide. There is a reason for this, and all bets regarding MMMs are off if one goes wider with wheel spacers and/or optional, oversized tires, which cannot be used with chains, cab or ROPS.

So any spacers over 1 3/8 and you can't use the MMM? What spacers did you buy?

Seems like it would also depend on the chains you get....thicker.

 

[SDT]

So any spacers over 1 3/8 and you can't use the MMM? What spacers did you buy?

Seems like it would also depend on the chains you get....thicker.

As previously stated I bought the Kubota spacers. These spacers are available in 1 3/8" only.

They are a PITA to install but you need do so only once.

 

[Blue2Orange]

SCUT with R4s and no chains would be a no go up and around the curves on my driveway. Only on the rears right now. Ideally all 4. Plan is to purchase some 2-link ladders with the "studs/v bars" for the front to improve traction and steering. Minimal vertical clearance on the rears limits to non-studded chains. 2 inch wheel spacers provides adequate clearance for any design. As noted on another thread. Should have gone with euro diamond on the rear. More chain to ground contact points.

One other thing to consider with the studded chains are maybe some wear on any concrete or asphalt surface. Especially if you spin the wheels.

 

[MINICUP28]

Sure they help, A must have on my steep road that is usually covered with ice when it thaws. Fortunately, my tractor has adjustable wheel spacing and they are way out wide.

 

[MAXA]

As previously stated I bought the Kubota spacers. These spacers are available in 1 3/8" only.

They are a PITA to install but you need do so only once.

I have read that the kubota ones are a pain to put on do you know anything about the bro-tek spacers? You can buy them at 1.5 inches up to 4 inch. I would much rather use theirs as the install is easy.

 

[MAXA]

Sure they help, A must have on my steep road that is usually covered with ice when it thaws. Fortunately, my tractor has adjustable wheel spacing and they are way out wide.


View attachment 168943 View attachment 168944

What chains are you using?

 

[Tim Horton]

On 2 compact tractors with loaded turf tires I ran 2 link V bar ladder chains.. These from a local company that made custom chains for logging equipment to exact tire size..

I made a set of chain tensioners from S hooks, heavy dog leash chain, and old trampoline springs..

Like said, worked very well..
My 5 cents of experience..

 

[SDT]

I have read that the kubota ones are a pain to put on do you know anything about the bro-tek spacers? You can buy them at 1.5 inches up to 4 inch. I would much rather use theirs as the install is easy.

I've never used Bro-Tek spacers but have viewed such on the web, and know that they are popular as they are less expensive.

Before buying, verify that the 1 1/2" versions do not require stud replacement as do the Kubota spacers. Replacing the studs is the time consuming part.

 

[Blue2Orange]

I have read that the kubota ones are a pain to put on do you know anything about the bro-tek spacers? You can buy them at 1.5 inches up to 4 inch. I would much rather use theirs as the install is easy.

Take a look at your user manual. My little BX has a max of 2" spacers. Needed to have decent clearance on the inner side. Wish I had at least 1 more inch of vertical clearance to run euro diamond pattern with V bar studs. Left wheel no vertical clearance issue. Right side there is a shield plate that reduces clearance to less than couple inches.

 

[MAXA]

I've never used Bro-Tek spacers but have viewed such on the web, and know that they are popular as they are less expensive.

Before buying, verify that the 1 1/2" versions do not require stud replacement as do the Kubota spacers. Replacing the studs is the time consuming part.

They have the install directions on there website, i see nothing about replacing the studs that is one reason why i would rather use the bro-tek ones.

https://bro-tek.com/files/Kubota_M16_WS_Instruction.pdf