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| Michael (Sweden)
01-14-2002 00:53:17
193.235.130.1
3288
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I have just ordered my first tractor with 4-wheel drive.
Do I need chains for better traction or is the 4-wheel drive enough?
The dealer I bought it from says that I should try without chains, but I'm affraid that it could be dangerous.
How does the 4-wheel drive react on wet ice, I know for sure that my old 2-wheel drive would have serious problems, and what about going down a step hill whith a trailer behind it?
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| Jim
02-12-2002 08:58:14
204.246.2.167
3522
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Re: Chains or not chains that is the question in reply to Michael (Sweden), 01-14-2002 00:53:17
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| Are 'ice studs' in the tires an option?
Many years back, I used then on all four lug type tires of an International Scout (4WD early version).
In one bad ice storm, I was caught away from home. After getting the windshield cleared, I had no problem going up and down hill carefully to get home. Along the way, I pushed one car up a steep hill and passed police car with chains in the ditch.
The studs I used would leave a slight mark in dry pavement. Can't see that to be a problem unless the tractor is used more on exposed pavement than on unpaved ground.
Good luck
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| Jim
02-13-2002 06:18:49
204.246.2.167
3532
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Re: Re: Chains or not chains that is the question in reply to Jim, 02-12-2002 08:58:14
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| Last night, I noticed a local police car has studded tires for this winter.
Jim
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| Robert in W. Mi.
01-18-2002 20:03:13
208.32.163.44
3342
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Re: Chains or not chains that is the question in reply to Michael (Sweden), 01-14-2002 00:53:17
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| On ice like you are refering to, you will need chains to get much traction. Make sure you have clearance between your tires and the fenders, and watch out for any wires routed inside the fenders!
I'd buy the V-bar style of chains, and put them on the rear tires. Don't buy cheap chains!! Buy a good set, and they will last!! Once installed, use strechy straps to keep the slack under control. V-bar chains do give you pretty good traction on ice and hard packed snow!!
Robert
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| Canadian Cowboy
01-15-2002 22:49:10
209.53.125.186
3319
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Re: Chains or not chains that is the question in reply to Michael (Sweden), 01-14-2002 00:53:17
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| | what kinda terrain do you wanna take the tractor through???? If i where you I would hold off on the chains and drive the tractor a while. If conditions are that icy hold off for a day or two with conditions improve an aside, ive been noticing alot of guys this winter are putting tire chains on the front tires of there back-hoes for snow clearing and just running the rear tires bare. I know this is cheaper chain wise but its awful hard on the front end in my mind.
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| Michael (Sweden)
01-16-2002 00:51:02
193.235.130.1
3320
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Re: Re: Chains or not chains that is the question in reply to Canadian Cowboy, 01-15-2002 22:49:10
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| | Hi again. There are no specific terrain that i thought of, I just wanted to hear some general opinions about chains on a 4-wheel drive. It's a shame that I did not have my new MF this morning so I could test it, I had the worst conditions you could think about. The ground was frozen and it was raining, so it was a wet icy layer everywhere.
When I tried to reach my old tractor I had to use 4-foot drive. And when i tried to go around corners with the tractor it felt like ice-dancing. The steering did not work at all, i had to use the brakes to get in the right direction. When I asked my dealer about chain's he suggested that i should buy chains only for the front-wheel's because they where cheaper.
I'm not a person that only listen to one person so i contacted AGCO and asked about chains only on the front wheels and they did not recomend it, because the front wheel drive could be damaged.
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| Ron
01-20-2002 09:58:37
204.39.231.201
3351
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Re: Re: Re: Chains or not chains that is the question in reply to Michael (Sweden), 01-16-2002 00:51:02
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| I used rear chains for 15 yrs on my 165 Yanmar and it really made a difference with that small of a tractor. Seven yrs ago I traded for 25 hp kubota and was dissapointed that I did,t have the clearence for rear chains. But after seven yrs of Michigan winter I've got along just fine without them. Plus the tractor runs down the road alot somoother win I dig my neighbors out. I would't use them now, even if I could. Both tracrors had 4 wheel drive I might add.
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| waterlooboy
01-15-2002 10:07:23
161.184.194.211
3307
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Re: Chains or not chains that is the question in reply to Michael (Sweden), 01-14-2002 00:53:17
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| neither setup is better. going down hill on ice is beyond both systems. the only advantage i've had with my mfd is the front-end loader and a round hay bale used as a brake . before i even start to slide i lower the bale to the ground; this provides enough drag to prevent traction loss. the only system that works on ice is an ice lug that cat skinners weld to the tracks of bush cats. i read of a chain setup where a steel ring took the place of the cross chains, and ice lugs were then welded to the ring. it's supposed to work very well but is extremely rough riding and was recommended for forestry work.
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