Thread: Chain spacing

Originally Posted by 2tonss

What are the pros/cons of 2 link vs 4 link spacing on tire chains?
My main concern is which would be easier on blacktop.

I don't think either one is "easier" on blacktop. Both can dig if the tires spin. It really comes down to the tire type as to which one is better for traction. Like with AG tires, the 4 links spacing chain can just fall in between the lugs and not be effective at all. The "V-bar" chains can be really bad!

I have been going through this desision as well for my machine with R4 tires. Concerns of asphalt damage as well as concrete surface damage when I pull into the garage are my main concern. I have been looking at "cable chains" from Vulcan, but very little info is available as to the efffectiveness of them with R4 tires. Here are the two types they have:

Super Z-8

Super Z

Never seen cable chains before. Any reports on how well they work over all? Looking at the sizing I could maybe run those without $pacers.

Well, I've always had good luck with regular old 2 link chains on turf tires. I have no experience plowing on blacktop. I'd probably go with a good pair of ags, and a fair amount of weight on blacktop. Good grief, don't worry about the "vibration" of 2 link chains, thats what the seat padding is for!

Just a tip for those using chains - for a slip proof way of mounting them, one sure fire way is to remove the tire, air it down considerably, mount the chain as tight as you can, and then air up the tire so its really snug.
You wont have to worry about the chain tensioner once you air that tire up, those chains wont move.....of course this depends on the size and weight of the tire, so maybe leaving it on but jacking up the tractor, airing down the tire as low as possible without unseating the bead, mount chains and then air up....

Not that again!