All-around tractor chains

[DeerMeadowFarm]

I know a bunch of you use a farm/compact tractor to do everything from logging to snow removal on your driveways. I have a 1/3 mile driveway (paved) that I remove snow from plus I skid logs with my tractor in the winter. I'd like a set of tires that would do both well; aggressive enough for snow and ice and mud when logging but not so aggressive that I tear up my driveway (had to re-mortgage to pay for that paving job!  :( )

Another question for those of you with 4WD tractors; do you chain the fronts as well? My FIL has a chain tool so I was thinking about buying a set for the rear and maybe making a set out of truck chains for the front...?

Please make your suggestions for the rear chains and comment on the idea for the fronts.

My tractor set-up (below) The red portions of the fenders unbolt and are like flares. I realize I'd have to remove those to run chains in order to get the clearance I would need.

Thanks!
Rich

Snow removal:


 

Logging set-up:


 

[Reddog]

No matter what chain you use there will be marks on the driveway.

I chain the front only on my 4x4

[dgdrls]

No matter what chain you use there will be marks on the driveway.

I chain the front only on my 4x4

agreed 100%

DGDrls

[DeerMeadowFarm]

Front only? Now that's interesting. I don't think I've ever seen/heard of that.

[Holmes]

 I had a little Massey 1225 with a 4' snow blower. put a set of lawn mower  chains on the front and she would go most anywhere.
I like the way your logging winch misses the back window when raised , mine didn't. :  :'(  Hinges can be straightened and glass can be replaced  :D

[jdonovan]

Another vote for front only chains. Works surprisingly well.

You already have R1's. Generally rims that take R1's you won't find a less aggressive tire that fits it properly. If you do go to a R3/R4 you'll be very sad when you head into the woods to go logging.

[GAB]

I had a little Massey 1225 with a 4' snow blower. put a set of lawn mower  chains on the front and she would go most anywhere.
I like the way your logging winch misses the back window when raised , mine didn't. :  :'(  Hinges can be straightened and glass can be replaced  :D

Top links are adjustable so as to avoid such experiences.
Gerald

[Chuck White]

Around this area most people favor the "double-ring" chains, rear only, whether 2 or 4WD.

I can see where something like "pick-up" chains on the front tires of a 4WD tractor would help your steering in the woods!

I just have a little John Deere 1023E and use it for yard work and snow removal, and wouldn't want to put chains on it.  I like the idea that if I were to snub on a rock in the driveway when clearing snow, the wheels would just spin.  All things considered, but then I'm not 2-3 miles back in the woods either!

[Corley5]

I've been told by a tractor mechanic that not all small front wheel drive tractors should have chains on the front.  The differentials aren't made for the extra traction.  He mentioned John Deere in particular  :-\  If you do have chains on the front and want to use serious down pressure with the front loader to scrape ice and snow you lose traction when you lift the front wheels.  We've always put chains on the rear tires 

[Bruno of NH]

I have a Massey  1560 cab tractor and was told not to chain the front tires .
I have loaded rears and a backhoe it has good traction but would still like rear chains.
I plow and move snow a lot .
Thanks Jim/Bruno of NH

[Reddog]

Before you run rear chains on a glass cab tractor, check your wallet for the extra cash to buy new side glass/doors.   ;)

[thecfarm]

I've been thinking about putting some on the wife's NH on front. I have heard that about chains on front too. But I suppose it matters on how much you use it too. With my application it would not be really spinning and grabbing. I need it more to aid in turning. billm has his NH chained up on all fours and he works his in the woods full time.

[beenthere]

Last winter I had the fronts chained up for the entire winter. Never had the rear chains on. And we had a long winter of snow plowing. I put on a set of car tire chains that fit perfect (thanks to my FIL - may he RIP).
Have heard about not doing it as well (Deere manual for one) but figure when the FEL bucket is used for digging dirt and other things and front wheel assist is used for traction, that it is more wear and tear than providing traction on ice and snow using the snowplow.

Didn't have the front chains on (only the rears) when pulling wood out the last couple weeks, but got into some tricky situations where they will be on when/if I go back in the woods next week.

Another of those decisions to do, or not to do, and having to live with the risks that come with it.

[sandhills]

Front or back, I personally believe it all just comes down to using common sense and knowing the limit of your equipment.  We don't have any FWA tractors though, and just use ring chains on the rear wheels, usually enough to get me stuck really good  ;D.