Installing wheel chains

[Wilsonrl48747 0]

Its getting to be that time of the year, put the plow on the C121 today. Are there any hints on installing the tire chains that make it easier? I was wondering if folks let some of the air out of the tires, put the chains on tight and then re-inflate. It sounds logical, but is this a bad idea for some reason I can't think of?

Thanks :scratchead:

[Jim_M 179]

That's exactly how I always do it, in fact I let most of the air out before I put the chains on.

[876wheelhorse 46]

i jack the tractor up a little so i can spin the tire. wrap the chains around clip them good to go. i never had really a hard time doing it i have heard some stories though. good luck

[sorekiwi 761]

I was wondering if folks let some of the air out of the tires, put the chains on tight and then re-inflate. It sounds logical, but is this a bad idea for some reason I can't think of?

It's a bad idea for me, cause I have about 6 gallons of washer fluid in each rear tire...

Jack the rear tires off the ground while youre doing it - actually just lift the side you are doing so the tractor doesnt rock around on the front axle pivot while you are doing it.

[can whlvr 993]

I too take the valve out of the tire stem get the chains tight with the locking clasps and put the valve in and reinflate,ive done this for over 20 years on my 308 and the tires are still useable.

[Sarge 3,464]

I just pull the tires off and install the chains-mine are liquid filled as well...

Sarge

[Buzz 502]

I have two sets of wheels and tires, one set with chains and one set without. I just swap them depending on the season. A lot easier on this old back, and besides we all probably have spares laying around the garage.

[GlenPettit 1,717]

Having two sets of Wheels/Tires is the most easy way to go; 10# psi for Summer and 20# with chains and filled for Winter = faster & less work. The metal wheels are usually easy to find for $20-30.

[linen beige 14]

Before I mount chains I release just enough air pressure to allow the tire to visibly shrink a bit. Then I stretch my chains out flat behind the tractor and back up, with the rears centered in the chains, to about 8 inches from the far end of the chain. Then I pull the chain up around the tire and fasten the hooks. No jacking it up, no pulling the wheels. Add a couple pounds of air to snug 'em up and you're done in minutes.

[engine2quarters 0]

I put the chains on the tractor on a warm day. I deflate the tires a little.

I do not jack up the rear end, but I do place a 2x6 under the wheel, that has 2 grooves cut across it, to accept 2 cross links. I have cross links every second link. Then I just run the tractor up on the 2x6, stopping between the 2 grooves.

Then attach the 's' hook, and pull the clasp together.

Then, re-inflate to the proper pressure.

Tie back any slapping excess chain, you're good to go play in the snow.

[Horse Fanatic 50]

For me it was fastest to jack the back up with a floor jack and pull the chains around the tire as I spin it. Deflating definitely helps.

[wingrider 21]

Not quite sure why people think that tire chains have to be fiddle string tite?? Having plowed snow for almost 40 years on roads with everything from backhoes, graders thrucks & loaders I was always taught to keep chains just tight enough to keep them on the wheels so that the chain could move on the tire and ware on the whole cross link rather than just a small part of the cross link, thus not waring thru the chain and then the cross link fails, then you have even bigger problems, just my 2 cents worth.

wingrider

[Jim_M 179]

I've always had problems with the chains walking off the tires if they're too loose. I still have some slack in the chain but the only way I can get them tight enough to stay on is by letting air out of the tire before I put them on.

[ohioredhorse 0]

please don't make the same mistake i did with tire chains, i had a few links of leftovers and it caught the band brake behind the wheel and destroyed the band and linkage. halloween is my weekend for getting my tractors set up!!! I love playing in the snow on my horses!!

[dgoyette 12]

I put the chains on the tractor on a warm day. I deflate the tires a little.

I do not jack up the rear end, but I do place a 2x6 under the wheel, that has 2 grooves cut across it, to accept 2 cross links. I have cross links every second link. Then I just run the tractor up on the 2x6, stopping between the 2 grooves.

Then attach the 's' hook, and pull the clasp together.

Then, re-inflate to the proper pressure.

Tie back any slapping excess chain, you're good to go play in the snow.

Good idea on the 2x6 engine2quarters, I just might do that myself. Good to have you on Redsquare!

[WH nut 553]

I use mechanics wire after I instal and cross it on the inside and out to keep them from slipping off

[dgjks6 6]

I had all kinds of problems last year with the chains coming off. Then I found a solution. Bunji cords.

you can kind of see them on the back tire. I had 4 of them. Inside and outside of each tire.

[WH nut 553]

I was to cheap for bungi cords :scratchead: