If you are operating your garden tractor in areas where you are finding your wheels are spinning, you are going to need to look into adding chains to the rear wheels of your garden tractor. There are a number of different types of garden tractor chains, and choosing the one that’s right for your application is important.

Choosing The Correct Type Of Garden Tractor Chains

As they say, a picture is worth 1,000 words, so I hope you find the above chart to be of assistance. Even with the chart, it’s important that you know a few things pertaining to the various type of chains. For example, you may be wondering about the difference is between the 2 and 4 link spacing. This simply means the number of chain links that are bypassed between cross chains. With two link spacing, the cross chains appear every other side chain link. On the other hand, with 4 link spacing, the cross chains appear every 4th side chain link.

When choosing between 2 and 4 link spacing, you’ll want to go with 2 link spacing 90%+ of the time because it give a much better ride. The more chain on the the tire, the rougher the ride. If you decide to put chains on the front tires of your tractor, you’ll aways want to use 2 link spacing because it will not only be kinder to the surface you are riding over, but they will give you better steering control.

With regards to V-Bar garden tractor chains, you’ll want to consider them if you are going to be going up and down a lot of hills, or driving on hard packed surfaces, including ice. But be very careful with this type of chain if you are going to be travelling over pavement because they will damage pavement very easily – especially if the tires spin at all.

One last thing you’ll want to consider when choosing garden tractor chains. Be sure you have enough clearance between your tires, control arms and struts. You’ll need to check your owners manual or with your garden tractor dealer to ensure you purchase the correct chain.

Without a doubt, purchasing garden tractor chains can make your life a whole lot easier as you won’t have to worry about getting stuck or having to pull the tractor out of the mud or snow.

In many parts of the United States, harsh weather conditions exist 6 months meaning tractor chains are a must have on most farms. Whether is snow and ice in the winter or mud in the spring or fall, not having those chains can mean lost productivity and lost revenue. By having the correct type of chains installed, traction and performance are greatly improved. Many think that chains attached to the rear wheels are all that’s necessary. While this type of scenario can get you through, having chains on both the front and rear tires will aid in stability, traction and handling. Maneuvering your tractor will be much easier and will assist in keeping it moving – even in normal, non snowy or muddy conditions.

Determining What Type Of Tractor Chains Are Right For Your Tractor

There are a few distinctly different types of tractor chains that offer assistance for varying weather conditions and tough terrain. Knowing what style chain is right for your particular tractor and the conditions you face is an important factor when choosing chains.

Two-Link And Four-Link Spacing

Tractor chains are available in two link spacing, 4 link spacing and some have something called options V-bars. With 4 link spacing, the links are farther apart than the 2 link spacing. 4 link spacing provides traction and stability on a wide range of surfaces and driving conditions. On the other hand, chains with 2 link spacing have links that are closer than the 4 link spacing chains and provide much greater traction and stability. If you are faced with difficult driving conditions – be it during the winter or during mud season, your best bet may be to go with 2 link chains for your tractor.

V-Bar Option

If you are looking for the ultimate in stability when it comes to ice, hills, mud or other difficult conditions, you will likely want to add an additional V-Bar when purchasing tractor chains. This option is available in chains with both 2 and 4 link spacing. It’s important to realize, however, that when you have the V-Bar installed, you should not do any traveling on paved surfaces as they will damage the pavement. With the V-Bar installed, you’ll be able to operate in the harshest of conditions. Winter weather conditions that include snow and ice and the mud season that can often bring even more difficult conditions are no match for chains that have a V-Bar installed. Even in normal summer like conditions, a V-Bar will help you in traversing steep grades.

Duo-Group Cross

When choosing tractor chains, another option you have is the Duo-Group Cross style. This style of chain works best with the tractor tire that has very deep tread. They are exceptional for farms with hilly terrain and are an excellent choice if you find your tractor needs chains installed on an ongoing basis. While the traction that these chains provide is second to none for deeper tread tires, it’s important to remember no to travel on paved surfaces with this particular chain either, as they will significantly damage the surface.