Tractor tire chains

[kennyp2339]

Just a few questions on tractor tire chains, I have 4 wheel drive compact tractor industrial tires fronts are 27x8.2x12 rears are 15-19.5
our last storm dropped 5" of snow with a very heavy layer of sleet then a top coating of freezing rain, I had traction issues using the pusher on my paved driveway, once the pusher box got filled i would just be spinning my tires, also it was a little difficult to steer (machine weighs 3,200lbs w/ fel and rear blade)
I want to add chains to the arsenal both front and back, I just don't know whats the best type for additional traction while not destroying the pavement
I've checking out reinforced net style, duo-grips both in regular link and v-bar (I think v-bars will mess the pavement up) also whats the difference between these regular ones and "ladder" chains?

 

[Kevin Weis]

I have a smaller Kubota BX and have just regular chains on the rear wheels and that seems to work okay. I have a loader on the front that I float on the pavement to push or scoop up with no real issues on this set up. You likely would have to have the chains custom made for the front wheels.

 

[heavy hammer]

Check out Tire chains.com, they should be able to help. I have been looking into chains as well give them a call they should be able to get you what you need.

 

[Bad LP]

Any chain on any tire will scuff up the pavement if you slip the tires. I wish I had better news to share.

They make snow tires for tractors. You can look look over on Plowsite.com but tires and rims obviously come at a cost

 

[kennyp2339]

Yea I think im going towards regular chain rather than v grips, I like reinforced net style, also getting the rear tires tubed and filled with calcium.

 

[heavy hammer]

Instead of calcium have you looked at beet juice? It is supposed to be better for the tire rim, it won't freeze unless it gets real cold ( I can't remember if it was -20) check it out, and better for the environment. I do think it costs a little more, but if you need your tire changed or replaced there are benefits there. There are chains that would help your problem but like Bad LP said any chain on the tire slipping will do some sort of scuffing on the surface the tractor is on.

 

[SpaceBus]

The beet juice also won't damage the wheels like the calcium. My local dealer, from which I'll be purchasing a tractor, offered to fill the tires with beet juice for winter.

 

[kennyp2339]

I looked into the beat juice but its just not available here, actually theres only one place in the whole county that does tire loading to, tractors are not a priority thing in NJ, I am going to my dealer for chain advice, one of the issues when buying chains is knowing if they will fit with the rear fender, so I'm going to look for his recommendation.

 

[SpaceBus]

Good idea, I think I'll do the same thing. Thanks for making this post

 

[Kevin Weis]

Once that calcium leaks to the rim it will be eaten out in no time.

 

[heavy hammer]

I talked with my dealer just the other day about chains it is a good idea. I haven't done it but there are video's on how to fill the tires with windshield wiper fluid. It is cheap and good to some pretty cold temps and not hard on the tire rim or the environment. I believe it is a fairly easy process just something new if never done before.

 

[kennyp2339]

I talked with my dealer just the other day about chains it is a good idea. I haven't done it but there are video's on how to fill the tires with windshield wiper fluid. It is cheap and good to some pretty cold temps and not hard on the tire rim or the environment. I believe it is a fairly easy process just something new if never done before.

I saw the windshield wiper deal on youtube, to me it just doesn't seem like it adds enough weight (density of the liquid) A co-worker has his tires filled and never had any issues, although the same coworker told me to look into foaming them (I guess that's the new better idea)

 

[SpaceBus]

I don't have any paved surfaces, so it seems like chains are the best deal for me.

 

[Osage]

Instead of calcium have you looked at beet juice? It is supposed to be better for the tire rim, it won't freeze unless it gets real cold ( I can't remember if it was -20) check it out, and better for the environment. I do think it costs a little more, but if you need your tire changed or replaced there are benefits there. There are chains that would help your problem but like Bad LP said any chain on the tire slipping will do some sort of scuffing on the surface the tractor is on.

Have heard of guys using windshield washer fluid also. At $2.00 a gallon not much of an investment.

 

[heavy hammer]

I know the calcium works its just hard on the rim. It is a pain if you need to replace the tire, if you do have a blow out or a tire leak its not good for the environment. But I get it if that's the only option. Around my area there is a company that will come to your house or dealership and fill them. The company is RIM Guard see if they have anything in your area kennyp2339.

 

[jaoneill]

Have heard of guys using windshield washer fluid also. At $2.00 a gallon not much of an investment.

The tires on my 2 wheel drive Allis came loaded with calcium when I bought it 35 years ago but, not using it for heavy tillage after I quit farming for a living, when I replaced the tires I eliminated the calcium due to concerns with the potential for damaging the rims. After putting a loader on it last year there was a noticeable difference in traction so I looked into having the local tire shop load them. Would have spoiled a thousand dollar bill, so I loaded them with windshield wiper fluid. It took 85 gallons per tire. Bought three 55 gallon barrels of -30 degree fluid for well under $2 a gallon. It's a bit lighter than calcium chloride but plenty heavy enough and I had enough left over that I haven't had to buy any for its intended purpose yet this year.

 

[SpaceBus]

I'm probably going to have the dealer fill my tires with beat juice because I don't know about filling tires with ballast myself. If I had dual valve stem wheels I would be more comfortable doing it myself.

 

[OT_Ducati]

I used non toxic RV antifreeze, it is on sale many times at Tractor Supply.

 

[blades]

tire chains for tractor- cheaper to make your own if so inclined.

 

[SpaceBus]

tire chains for tractor- cheaper to make your own if so inclined.

I assume a welder is needed for this. Once I build a shop I plan on getting a quality welder. Right now I just don't have anywhere to put a welder and it would have to be 110.

 

[jaoneill]

I assume a welder is needed for this. Once I build a shop I plan on getting a quality welder. Right now I just don't have anywhere to put a welder and it would have to be 110.

No need for a welder but I doubt it would be much less expensive than buying a set, especially if one keeps an eye out for a used set. I bought a well used set of double ring chains forty years ago, replaced a few bad cross links and they are still going strong.

 

[heavy hammer]

I agree if willing to look finding a used set will save you.

 

[kennyp2339]

About filling tires with calcium, the place that offers it takes the tires off first and installs a rubber tube to prevent damage to the rim, should the tube get punctured the tire will also leak and go flat so it can be fixed right away and not cause damage to the rim, as far as environmental impacts, just need to be cautious and any leak of calcium will need to be diluted by using a ton of water....(me grabbing out fire dept tanker and washing it all away..3,000 gal at my finger tips.)

 

[SpaceBus]

With filling tires or getting chains is it one or the other? Are filled tires good year round?

 

[kennyp2339]

With filling tires or getting chains is it one or the other? Are filled tires good year round?

I'm filling the tires for year round performance, I like to take my snow bucket and move logs / splits around, if i have the hoe attachment on its no problem, when nothing is on the back i loose traction in the yard and have to move in 4x4 drive.
One thing though with filled tires, there is apparently a sacrifice on smoothness of the ride, so if you trucking longer distances it may be a little rougher.