Chains On A Skid Steer

dsnAK

As some know I am new to the world of Skidsteers.

A question I have is regarding chains. I am getting it ready for winter and snow blowing. I have seen chains on other's very tight and also seen some loose. Is there a best way to attach them? I ask in reference to protecting the tires and am mostly will be driving on snow.

Could be a dumb question but I thought I'd ask.

I read the cold weather start up thread and appreciate that info. I knew to let it warm up for approx 30 minutes - mine does have a block heater for the engine which is nice for those rough zero degree start ups.

Thanks...

dirt diggler

There's 100 more people on this site that could answer this one better than I ... however, I'm here

Anytime I've seen people using skid steers for that, yes, they have had chains

denick

dsn,

If your talking about chains, like tire chains then the tensioner that comes with the tire chains should be used and that would be fairly tight. The chains have 1 way of going on. If your talking about tracks that go across two tires, then you want to keep them with just a bit of slack. If you run them as the manufacturer suggests or a little looser it should be alright. But the style or track chain grouser is probably more important than the correct tension for snow and ice.

__________________
Nick

"Every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life are based on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am still receiving" Albert Einstein

dsnAK

THanks - they are just tire chains. I'd be helpless without them. THe chains themself have a decent tensioner and I have also bungeed an X across the chains to keep them fairly tight.

The chains are "spiked" meaning they have edges that get decent purchase and are directed away from the tires. My question is in reference to the wear on the tires (regular side of the chains) - especially if I turn sharp.

Thanks again - I am probably over thinking this but I am pretty green here.

BTW - the Thomas skidsteer is great and has alot of power - too bad I think they just filed for bankruptcy...

denick

dsn,

It's good to hear the machine is working out. It's nice to have you stop by. As with anything mechanical you just have to keep an eye on how things are wearing. Unless it's really time consuming don't run the chains unless you have to. Some guy's just like to hear the clanking noise and don't listen to the money going out the window when running chains.

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Nick

"Every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life are based on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am still receiving" Albert Einstein

dsnAK

Hey thanks. The help here really made it easier when purchasing the machine. I could not run chains all of the time b/c they are quite bumpy on hard and frozen ground. These chains are pretty beefy..

Nac

dsnAK where are you located? Why are you runing chains? I have a 8" pusher for my John Deere 250 II skid steer and never had a problem with traction. Are there special circumstances where you are plowing?

tgeb

I don't know too much about tire chains, but I would run them "snug" since they have the "spikes" on them I would think if too loose the chain might roll and start to cut the tire.

Glad to hear that machine is working out for you D. Good luck with it this winter. Let us know how you do!

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Tom

www.gebcon.com

dsnAK

THanks everyone - I do have them pretty tight so they do not roll.

I am in Alaska and am mainly using the machine in the winter for our own private road. About 1/3 of a mile. I use it other wise in conjunction with my construction business. The road I use it in is gravel and has a pretty steep grade - It will be covered in snow from about now (sometimes SEPT) until late May.

Attached is a photo of the set up when I bought it....

Attached Images

 

TexasTimbers

Tracks would be a much better option for you in that environment don't ya think?

jmic

Dsn,
I was cause I thought our winter season was to long and cold Good luck to you and hope that skid steer works great for you

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Joe