tire chains on all 4s

CuddleBugFirewood · April 30, 2014, 01:23:46 PM

I just bought a all new tires and 2 sets of tight ring mud and snow chains for my 548D skidder. I was going to put all 4 chains on the tires, but some people have said I will break axles if I put them on the back. Is that if you just get abusive with your equipment, or run it with the differantial locked? Not sure why putting the chains on the back would make any difference.

Any thoughts on this? I spent lots of money for this and don't want to tear anything up. Maybe I should have only bought one set up chains??

Thanks!

247ktmmx · April 30, 2014, 01:31:43 PM

we always run 4 chains we got mud rocks ledge and steep ground just run your skidder like they should be run

loggah · April 30, 2014, 02:43:29 PM

Most everyone i know runs chains on all 4 wheels,if you just put chains on one axle you create problems, you basically making one set of wheels larger then the other,putting strain on the drivetrain all the time!! Don

Woodboogah · April 30, 2014, 03:06:56 PM

Run em on all 4. An old timer once told me the chains are cheaper then the tires. Better to wear out chains then tires.

barbender · April 30, 2014, 03:10:06 PM

I think if you are someone that has to always has to pull the maximum sized hitch around tight corners and the like, you will tear stuff up. However, if you run it sensibly I think it's easier on the machine, you don't have to be rammy to get up hills or through low traction areas. Unless there is something peculiar to those machines I'd say go for it.

Brleclaire · April 30, 2014, 03:18:19 PM

Run them on all 4 the main thing to remember is if you have the machine cranked all the way to one side in a tight turn with the diff locked in hard pull is when your putting the most strain on your axles. That would be the most chance of breaking one but other than that run it sensible and you have any trouble.

BargeMonkey · April 30, 2014, 04:12:46 PM

All 4, all year round. Run the ice on the rear, ring on the front. Allows you to claw, and not slide so much. Take the backs off in the summer if you have to. Chains will save the tires, run your worse tires on front with chains, and newer tires on back.

cutter88 · April 30, 2014, 04:29:50 PM

U will never brake a John Deere axle cause of chains we run all for year round and like others said ice chains on back and rings on front is ideal we run 7/8 ring chains on all 4

loggah · April 30, 2014, 04:38:24 PM

I ran double diamond stud chains on all 4, more expensive then ring chains o front ,but run a lot smoother,i ran 7/8 pednos on my franklin grapple.

snowstorm · April 30, 2014, 04:38:52 PM

540 has a lockable rear diff so its fine. the 440 is locked all the time that can break things with chains on back

coxy · April 30, 2014, 08:34:03 PM

what is the pedal for on the 440 on the left side ??? the one I had you could lock it in and out

Maine logger88 · April 30, 2014, 08:37:37 PM

I run chains on all 4 on both my skidders year round I think its easier on it than spinning all the time trying to get around in rough going

lynde37avery · April 30, 2014, 08:40:07 PM

i run 2 ice chains on back of my machine all year. no issues. i run one on the front in the winter for a couple months. no issues. small hitches i go easy when turning. i really really baby my skidder. i could pull more than i do but i like things to last.

snowstorm · April 30, 2014, 08:40:58 PM

Quote from: coxy on April 30, 2014, 08:34:03 PM
what is the pedal for on the 440 on the left side ??? the one I had you could lock it in and out

it locks the front only

BargeMonkey · April 30, 2014, 08:41:13 PM

My 440D has a diff lock pedal, so does our employees 440C. We run chains year round. We only put them on the forwarder when it gets real icy, just for steering on the fronts. I just had great luck buying chains from "tire chains required" in ME. Got a deal on another short tightener, the newer ones with the short handles are so nice.

snowstorm · April 30, 2014, 08:44:56 PM

your tj will have a detriot locker. there are vids on you tube that show how they work. they stay locked until one wheel turns faster than the other. turning a corner. 440 jd is always locked in the rear

BargeMonkey · April 30, 2014, 09:04:53 PM

Quote from: snowstorm on April 30, 2014, 08:44:56 PM
your tj will have a detriot locker. there are vids on you tube that show how they work. they stay locked until one wheel turns faster than the other. turning a corner. 440 jd is always locked in the rear

Yup. If I have to use the diff lock, im already in over my head most of the time. Only time ive ever seen an axle broken do to tire chains, is when someone doesnt hang the chokers back up and catches one on the chain in 6th gear coming across the field. Snapped the axle right off... 8)

coxy · April 30, 2014, 09:50:29 PM

Quote from: BargeMonkey on April 30, 2014, 09:04:53 PM
Quote from: snowstorm on April 30, 2014, 08:44:56 PM
your tj will have a detriot locker. there are vids on you tube that show how they work. they stay locked until one wheel turns faster than the other. turning a corner. 440 jd is always locked in the rear
Yup. If I have to use the diff lock, im already in over my head most of the time. Only time ive ever seen an axle broken do to tire chains, is when someone doesnt hang the chokers back up and catches one on the chain in 6th gear coming across the field. Snapped the axle right off... 8)

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D broke axle and blew a tire at the same time

coxy · April 30, 2014, 09:53:11 PM

Quote from: snowstorm on April 30, 2014, 08:40:58 PM
Quote from: coxy on April 30, 2014, 08:34:03 PM
what is the pedal for on the 440 on the left side ??? the one I had you could lock it in and out
it locks the front only

sorry snowstorm miss read the post thought I read the front was locked all the time again sorry ;D

CuddleBugFirewood · April 30, 2014, 10:05:43 PM

Thanks for all the replies. I take good care of my equipment and I am an owner/operator.

It has been an expensive year. I had the moter completely rebuilt in feb, and now all new tires and chains. I Was thinking about running the chains year round to help protect the tires. Skidder was paid for, but now I will have some payments for a little while.

But i am hoping i should be set for a while now!

Brleclaire · April 30, 2014, 10:13:34 PM

My grandfather always said you have to spend money to make money. This is the quote you would usually here when he had to buy something for his logging operation.

tj240 · May 03, 2014, 06:24:56 PM

tire chains on all four protects tires inproves gription and the machine doesnt have to work as hard

BargeMonkey · May 03, 2014, 07:12:43 PM

I got 5k hours out of my last set of economy rings, and 6k out of the single diamond ice on my 440D. Guys cry about the price of chain but I wont go without it. Spinning tires and fighting leads to broken axles and stuck machines.

Dave Shepard · May 03, 2014, 07:33:16 PM

On my first adventure with the TJ this winter I got into a couple of feet of snow with no chains. It started hopping and chewing and I decided that felt like it was going to get expensive quickly. :D A full set of premium rings from TCR was under $3k shipped. That sounds like a bargain to me.

lmo506 · June 03, 2014, 04:58:32 PM

So I'm reading this as not to put chains on back of 440 b because their locked 24/7 . Skidder is early 70's and never had broke axle or chains on back