Tire Chains vs Concrete

[Stmar]

Have a set of chains, combination of cleats, some fairly aggressive, front and back. Problem is we got a nice concrete pad poured this year in front of the garage. I am thinking that the chains would do a number on the concrete unless there is a cover of snow or ice. Any ideas/experiences with chains and concrete? Definitely do not want to damage the pad so may have to depend on 4wd without the extra traction of chains.

 

[hedgerow]

I have pushed al lot of snow on concrete with chain on but I am not running anything with chains on it on my concrete. A green slab like that and chains are not going to play nice. Back before FWA tractors I always had a set of chains on a tractor to feed cows and push snow on the rock drive way and the lot. That tractor stayed in a shed plugged in with no concrete. If that tractor needed to go into my shop the chains came off. Some folks don't mind chains on there concrete I am not one of them.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Yea chains are hard on Concrete, If i need to pull them into the garage, I use stall mats to keep the chains from digging in.

 

[Stmar]

Thanks for reinforcing my thoughts, really don't want to mess up the new pad $$$$$, concrete is not cheap. Took chains off, expecting snow this weekend and if I don't get carried away 4wd will do just fine. Chains were more for security going downhill when icy but I can usually mitigate that with enough patience and care.

 

[OntheRidge]

I put a set of these on my L47 at the end of last winter. Off for the summer, so I cannot say how well they work. I will find out Monday, if the weather reports are correct. An option if you find you still need chains. Good Luck!

https://www.rubbertirechains.com/

 

[pigdoc]

My immediate thought is to visit your local dairy farm and ask them if they have any "cow mats" that they are discarding. Or, get some beat up rubber belting that has been replaced. Maybe from a quarry? Tractor Supply sells new cow mats, but you don't need that, you want the sh_t that's on the trash heap.

-Paul

 

[rc51stierhoff]

Have a set of chains, combination of cleats, some fairly aggressive, front and back. Problem is we got a nice concrete pad poured this year in front of the garage. I am thinking that the chains would do a number on the concrete unless there is a cover of snow or ice. Any ideas/experiences with chains and concrete? Definitely do not want to damage the pad so may have to depend on 4wd without the extra traction of chains.

Good day.

I have same concern and interest.

I’ve actually thought about studding my tires because I think it would be less aggressive but add some needed additional traction. Been planning to do it for going on 3 years…still not ordered.

That been said there are some pat threads on studs maybe worth a search if interested in some middle ground.

Either way chains or studs, I think if get too happy with throttle it’s going to leave a mark.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

The 20x24 pad(smoooooth finish ) in front of garage is 30+ years old, NO damage due to 1,000 # rider with loosey chains. Mind you it's taken a beating from the 7,000# forklift for 15 years. Mix was 3500#, think I should have gone 5,000. Also guys didn't put the base down I wanted.... oh well...next time.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Although not an "apples to apples" comparison, I keep some aggressive chains on my Rhino 660 year round and I park it on my concrete floor in the "barn".

I have never noticed any damage yet. but it sounds like hell.

But I am also just pulling "into and out of " the barn, not "working" on it. I also realize that the Rhino is way lighter than you tractor.......

Just an observation....

 

[mikester]

Go slow, don't turn your steering wheel, and pray.

 

[b454rat]

just "driving" on concrete with chains will be fine. It's when you spin the tires the damage can happen. My parents house had a concrete garage and blacktop driveway, my old man got mad when spun the tires on either, to the point we took em off.