Snow Plowing & Tire Chains

[Furrow]

I have a cub with turf tires that I bought chains for using the size that's on the tire, they're too wide, chains measure 18 x 96.

When I put them on I had to remove a fender and brake linkage on right side. Would it make a difference if I had ag tires instead, I have another cub (not running) with ag tires but I'd rather not use those even though I need to take wheel weights of that one.
Is there an easy way to shorten the width so the fit is better? Length is fine. I've read on here the pros of plowing with turf tires.
I bought the chains new for $200 and only used them 3 or 4 times, they're nice heavy chains.
Tires measure about a foot across, do they not fit because of the lower profile of turf tires?

 

[Urbish]

Welcome to the forum!

Pictures speak volumes. Post some so we can see what you're dealing with.

I have a cub with turf tires that I bought chains for using the size that's on the tire, they're too wide, chains measure 18 x 96.

When I put them on I had to remove a fender and brake linkage on right side.

It sounds like your rear wheels are set in at their minimum spacing. I run mine at the next wider spacing to prevent interference with the fender and brake linkages. I wouldn't run without a fender on the right side with chains for fear of the chains snagging my arm or a coat sleeve and yanking me off the tractor and twisting my arm off. :shock: I wouldn't recommend running with only one functioning brake either.

Would it make a difference if I had ag tires instead, I have another cub (not running) with ag tires but I'd rather not use those even though I need to take wheel weights of that one.

It may as the Ag tires have taller tread lugs and may end up 'filling' out the tire chains better. It would be pretty easy to install a chain on one tire and see how it fits.

Is there an easy way to shorten the width so the fit is better? Length is fine. I've read on here the pros of plowing with turf tires.

There isn't really a way to make them narrower without cutting links out of each cross-chain. You can use rope or bungee cords on the inside and/or outside of the wheel to cinch down the slack to make them fit better (look through the other photos in this post for examples).


Jim

 

[Furrow]

Thanks Jim
Wheels are all the way out , had all the slack taken out with bungee cords . I pretty sure I got wrong size chains

 

[Jim Becker]

Thanks Jim
Wheels are all the way out . . .

That seems unlikely. All the way out and there is nearly a foot of space between the tires and fenders. You probably should show us a picture to make sure we are all on the same subject.

 

[Furrow]

If I turn out the wheel flange for wider spread, how should I mount the weights. I should have plenty of room for chains.


Tried to add pics but it gives me error "file to large"

 

[staninlowerAL]

Resize the picts to about 700 x 900 and you should be OK.

 

[Bill Hudson]

Turf tires, chains, no problem with clearance. Tires on 44" centers. 18" long cross chains.

Bill

 

[Furrow]

All good,
Thanks for the help

 

[outdoors4evr]

These look to be the right size for your tires. The main chains should ride approximately at the rim.
The chains are installed upside down on your tires though. If you look at the link where the ladder rungs attach to the main chain, the ends of the attachment points should not be facing the rubber. They should be facing away from the tire so that they won't chafe and rub through the tire.

 

[Urbish]

These look to be the right size for your tires. The main chains should ride approximately at the rim.
The chains are installed upside down on your tires though. If you look at the link where the ladder rungs attach to the main chain, the ends of the attachment points should not be facing the rubber. They should be facing away from the tire so that they won't chafe and rub through the tire.

I agree with this. You won't destroy your tires right away running them the way they are, but I would recommend flipping them before you use it too much. Looks like a good setup otherwise though. You will be very happy with them.

 

[Furrow]

Thanks for the input. Thought about which way to turn them when I put them on, guess I chose wrong, will remedy that shortly. Haven't had quite enough snow yet here outside of Buffalo.

 

[Dale Finch]

...not enough snow???! Buffalo?? :shock:

You just wait...BUFFALO = SNOW!!
:lol:

 

[Eugene]

The ends of the attachment points should not be facing the rubber. They should be facing away from the tire.

And tighten up the main chain another link or two.

Edit. If needed you can move the cross link above the latching mechanism one hole away from the latching mechanism.