How To Install Tire Chains On Garden Tractor

Lawn Tractor Tire Chains – Buying and Installing Guide

When using your lawn tractor in the snow season, you may find that the tractor tires don't quite have the stability and traction needed to throw or plow when the pavement is covered by hard-packed snow or is icy. Under these conditions, you can increase the traction by using lawn tractor tire chains.

Uses

Most of the lawn tractor tire chains we sell are used on lawn tractors' rear drive tires. Since manufacturers have been making snow blowers more and more powerful, they can also provide added grip to 2-stage snow blower tires that would otherwise tend to slide around when under full power.

What are the Advantages?

Not only do tire chains add extra traction to your rear wheel drive, but they also help brake up ice on your drive and walkways. Tire chains are highly suited for driveways that are inclined.

What are the Disadvantages?

Because they are made of hardened steel, combined with the weight of the tractor, there is risk of damage if tire chains are used and operated on brick pavers. If you store the tractor in the garage, it could possibly damage weak floor surfaces.

What's the Difference Between 2- and 4-link Chains?

2- and 4-link refers to the spacing between skipped side links. For 2-link spacing, cross chains occur between every two side link chains. For 4-link spacing, cross chains occur between every four link chains.

Which is Better?

It will depend on which chain spacing suits your needs. 2-link spacing tire chains will give more traction because there are more cross links and the tractor's ride will be more steady (less bumpy). 4-link spacing chains are generally less expensive, and still provide a little extra traction.

How Do I Know Which Size to Order?

The chain size is the same dimension that is formed into the side of the tire wall. Tire chains are available in every size used for lawn and garden tractor wheels. Some chain sets are meant for more than one tire size, and links may have to be removed with bolt cutters or by bending the connecting links with pliers.

How To Install Lawn Tractor Tire Chains?

You Will Need:

Tire chain set
Air compressor
Bolt cutters or strong pliers
A level area of pavement to work from

Here's What To Do:

First, semi-deflate the tires that you will be installing chains on (by about 25% less than the full PSI)
Lay the chains out flat on the ground and remove any tangles
Lay the chain over the tire, cross chain hook facing up, and fastener to the outside
Tuck the first cross chain between the front of the tire and pavement
Move the tractor forward until the end fasteners are about axle high
Hook the inside fastener first, remove slack, then hook outside fastener
You want the chain to be hand tight (without use of tools) which will extend the life and performance of the tire chains
Fill tires to the proper PSI rated on tire wall – this will seat the chains to proper tension
Any remaining length can be shortened by removing one or more cross sections. Using pliers to pry the cross chain connecting link open and unhook (the connecting links are not made of hardened steel) or use bolt cutters

NOTE:It is important to check that you have enough clearance in both rear wheel wells for tire chains. There should be, at minimum, three inches of clearance between the tire and the inside wall and any drive components.

If you find that you still need more traction, some tractors have wheel weight kits that mount on the outside of the rim, or "suitcase" styled weights to add to a rear weight bar bracket, if available as an accessory. Contact our sales team with model information for price and availability.

Lawn Tractor Tire ChainsWe Carry

We carry lawn tractor tire chains for a variety of tire sizes. There are no universal tire chains; they are specific to and sold by tire size. Contact our parts team with your tire size, or part number, for pricing and availability.

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Why Weingartz?

Weingartz, family owned and operated, began in 1945 as a farm supply store for local Michigan families. In the 1970s, we began to focus exclusively on outdoor power equipment. Over time, we morphed into the "power equipment superstore" that now defines all of our locations. The staff and experts at Weingartz work diligently to provide the best service possible and give honest and helpful advice to each and every customer.

Weingartz also sells parts for all outdoor power equipment at https://weingartz.com/parts-lookup.

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39050 Grand River Ave.
Farmington Hills, MI 48335
(248) 471-3050
info@weingartz.com

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