Tire Chain Dimensions

[Handy Don 13,340]

Starting this because I’ve been trying to get a good-fitting set of 2-link chains for my 854’s 6-12 “All Purpose” tires (the ones that look like snow tires on 60’s cars ). I have a 4-link set that is functional but I know it could be better. I’m thinking it would be handy to have a thread that pulls together the many variations of well-fitted chains out there that I can compile into a nifty table that @gwest_ca can file for us! 

Thanks in advance for anyone measuring and chipping in! Here are the relevant dimensions that I’d like to collect with mine as an example.

 

Side chain link length (center to center): 1.25"

Side chain link count (excluding fastener): 44

Side chain fastener length (center to center when fastened):  0.0"

Cross chains: 11

Cross chain spacing on side chain: 4 links

Cross chain link count (excluding hooks): 10

Cross chain link style: flat

Cross chain link length (center to center): 1.0"

Cross chain hook length (center to center): 1.25"

Tensioner(s): springs

Fitted to: 6-12 All Purpose tread

Notes: Cross chains are too long making side chains too long. and 4-link is too widely spaced for smooth travel

 

  

 

      

 

   

 

Edited December 4, 2024 by Handy Don

[ebinmaine 70,656]

Excellent idea. 

 

I'll contribute when I can.  

[ri702bill 8,951]

I'll share this from my experiences with tire chains.

"Standard" side links vary a bit in size by Manufacturer.

Same for twisted link cross chains, So, not all 1/0 links are identical.

Ditto for cross chain hooks - I have seen a 1/4" length difference from 2 different Manufacturers.

Ditto again on th closing links on the side chains - particularly the over-center locking style.

 

Be sure your cross links are sufficiently long enough to have the end hooks lay flat on the sidewalls, with the raised hook ends facing OUT.

Then adjust your side chain link count for a "best fit" with your closer.

I only use one closer on the outboard sidewall, the inner has a similar length "S" hook with the ends closed tightly.

 

You can "adjust" side links to be about 1/32" longer or shorter - squeezing the sides together lengthens the liks, wedging them apart shortens them..

Start off with the tire deflated to mount the chains as tight as you can get them - then reinflate the tire.

A GOOD pair of Chain Pliers can be your best friend for all the above.

 

Last picture - the 854 now has the same tire @Handy Don is using, with 2 link fitted chains. Top picture is using the C81 rear tires.

 

 

Edited December 4, 2024 by ri702bill

[ri702bill 8,951]

Don - yours are 3-link spaced!!! 

I prefer the 2 link giving the max count for cross chains. Also gives a better ride on pavement..... look above  - there are 21 cross links on that 6.00-12.......

 

 

[Handy Don 13,340]

20 minutes ago, ri702bill said:

Don - yours are 3-link spaced!!! 

Bill, if mine are three, then yours are one!  4-link is a cross chain at every 4th side link; 2-link is every other (which is what you have), right?

What are the dimensions for the 2-link set on the 854 with the 6-12s? And if you’re in a measuring/counting mood, how about the other set?!

 

The number of cross chains has three factors: 2- or 4-link spacing, the length of the side links (longer = fewer), and the length of the crosses (longer = fewer). The variations are why I asked for actual link lengths as well as counts.

Edited December 4, 2024 by Handy Don

[ri702bill 8,951]

Another "added" benefit to 2 link style - those chains alone are heavy... more weight, more traction.

 

Here is a similar tire with 2 link chains on the 702 about 12 years ago.. Note no extra cross link at the closer.

Edited December 4, 2024 by ri702bill

[Handy Don 13,340]

4 minutes ago, ri702bill said:

Another "added" benefit

Didn’t mean to start a discussion of pros & cons--other threads have covered this. I’m looking to compile data about well-fitted chains on different tractors & tire sizes and any notes on the install.

[ri702bill 8,951]

Hmmmm... good intentions, but.....  actual link sizes vary a bit by Manufacturer. Think 23x8.50 - 12 tires from Carlisle and Deestone. Both have the same designation on the sidewalls, but are vastly different.

My picture shows 42 links in the side chain on the 854, yours may vary. (Like the projected hiway / city MPG on the Window Sticker!!! )

 

Look at the difference in length of the side hooks on the C81 and the 854. That affects side chain count also..

Edited December 4, 2024 by ri702bill

[953 nut 57,833]

@Handy Don, since tire chains are flexible so to is their application.

I have used the same set of chains on the 6.40 X 15 tires on the 953s and the 9.50 X 12 tires on the 418-C. The cross links are 12" so the side chains ride down near the rim on the 953 and up nearer to the tread on the 418-C but they work well on both. 

[Handy Don 13,340]

3 hours ago, 953 nut said:

@Handy Don, since tire chains are flexible so to is their application.

I have used the same set of chains on the 6.40 X 15 tires on the 953s and the 9.50 X 12 tires on the 418-C. The cross links are 12" so the side chains ride down near the rim on the 953 and up nearer to the tread on the 418-C but they work well on both. 

Exactly!

So it’d be very useful to know the specifics of that set with the notes that they fit BOTH taller and narrower as well as shorter and wider tires. 

Certainly the used length of the side chains differed for the two sizes of tire as did the spacing on the tread/circumference of the cross chains--possibly creating an extra gap (see Post #6) or even an overlap.

I’m looking to be able to say that chains with certain specs can likely be well fitted to specific sizes of tires.

 

 

18 hours ago, ri702bill said:

Look at the difference in length of the side hooks on the C81 and the 854. That affects side chain count also..

Yep. That is exactly why I asked for the link lengths of both side and cross chains as well as the in use fasteners.

I’m not attempting to put a tractor in orbit here. Side chains for garden tractor and auto chains tend to be nominally 1”, 1.25”, or 1.5”. And yes, manufacturing variances and years of use can alter center to center length by 00’s of an inch. Similarly, cross chains are frequently 1” or 1.25” and twisted.

I’m NOT interested in the elaborate “diamond” pattern “logging” or “backhoe” chains as few WH owners will need or bother with them.

[ri702bill 8,951]

Don - I gave all this a bit more thought and came up with one more variable. Tire wear. The circumference of a half worn tire is less than that of a new tire. That affects the placement of the side chains. And the side chains MAY need to be shortened.

 

So - the short version. ANY new-to-me sets of chains I ever dealt with that were bought to fit a specific size tire required either quality or quantity time resulting in sore hands from the chain pliers to get a solid snug fit.They did fit out of the box, just not well.

 

I commend you on offering to compile the spreadsheet, but it is still a "some assembly required" scenario, not "plug & play" 

 

[Handy Don 13,340]

1 hour ago, ri702bill said:

Tire wear.

Ok, an example based on auto tires. New tread depth: 10 or 11/32. Fully worn: 2/32 (practically bald). 8/32 difference. 2 x 8/32 x pi = 1.57 difference in circumference--at the tread. Less at the side chain position.

So, yes, the side chain might be one link (or even two links) tighter if you’ve managed to wear the tire down that far. More if the chains have a lot of wear. 

But the diameter and the width of the tire are much more important so maybe we need those specifically in the table.

We could also get into tire shape: rounded like turfs or AGs or tri-rib or squared off like “All Purpose”.

The point of the table is general guidance, not glove fitting.

You still haven’t added any measurements! 

Edited December 5, 2024 by Handy Don

[ri702bill 8,951]

How about 6 and 7/8 for a start?? OK, I still have to chain up the winter tires for the C81 since I switched rims. A day or so....

 

 

Edited December 5, 2024 by ri702bill

[ri702bill 8,951]

Don - here is what I have for chains on the rear of the C81.

 

Side chain link length (center to center): 1.00"

Side chain link count (excluding fastener): 37

Side chain Overall Length: (center to center) 47.50"

Side chain fastener length (center to center when fastened):  See Note

Cross chains: 19  - (18 and 1 special)

Cross chain spacing on side chain: 2 links (Every other link in side chains for max count)

Cross chain link count (excluding hooks): 18 @ 8 and 1 @10

Cross chain link style: flat twisted

Cross chain link length (center to center): 1.0"

Cross chains with hooks length (center to center): 13.25"

Cross chain hook length (center to center): 18 @ 1.75" and 1 @ .88"

Tensioner(s): Large rubber O-Ring with hooks - inside only

Fitted to: Either Armstrong Super Turf size 22 x 9.00 -12 OR Carlisle Turf size 23 x 8.50-12

 

Notes: End Fastener length can vary depending on style.

            19th cross chain has 10 links and short hooks see picture - left tire about 2 o'clock.            

 

Edited December 7, 2024 by ri702bill

[ebinmaine 70,656]

On 12/4/2024 at 11:36 AM, Handy Don said:

Side chain link length (center to center): 1.25"

Side chain link count (excluding fastener): 44

Side chain fastener length (center to center when fastened):  0.0"

Cross chains: 11

Cross chain spacing on side chain: 4 links

Cross chain link count (excluding hooks): 10

Cross chain link style: flat

Cross chain link length (center to center): 1.0"

Cross chain hook length (center to center): 1.25"

Tensioner(s): springs

Fitted to: 6-12 

 

We don't have a super straight set for a 6-12 tire. Many of the cross link end hooks are bent/worn/warped. 

I believe they've been modified and repaired as well. Some cross chains have 7 links. Most have 8. 

 

 I'll share pics and what info I believe accurate.  

They're a little narrower than @Handy Don 's set. 

 

 

Side chain link length (center to center):

1.25" with a few appearing longer. 

 

Side chain link count (excluding fastener):

39 on the short side. 

41 on the long side. 

 

Cross chains:

19

 

Cross chain spacing on side chain:

2 links

 

Cross chain link count (excluding hooks):

Most 8, some 7  

 

Cross chain link style:

Twisted with ice cleat. 

 

Cross chain link length (center to center):

1.0"

 

Cross chain hook length (center to center):

2 1/4"   but varies a little. 

 

Cross chain total length including hooks:

11 3/4"  but varies a little.  

 

Tensioner(s):

Springs 

 

Fitted to:

6-12 Carlisle AGs 

 

 

 

 

 

This is on the shorter side, by 2 chain links. 39

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Handy Don 13,340]

Thank you for the numbers and photos!

Takeaways:

The cross chains that fit well on 6-12 tires are between 10 and 11” wide between hook clasp center lines.

The ice cleat cross-chains use a plain link before the hook at each end. 

Definitely a “merged” set, there!