Has anyone here made there own tire chains for a tractor. I was about to buy some but at $1100.00 a pair (studded type for ice) they seem very expensive. I can get 3/8" for $1.69 per foot. 200+ feet of chain, a big set of bolt cutters, my Mig welder and some time should make a decent set. Anyone have an opinion on this idea? Above prices are Canadian.
Where are you located? Must be Canada!
I have two pairs of ice bar chains that fit the old International Scout
15 inch wheels/tires. Haven't used since about 1990. Would give to someone, but won't ship. Too heavy.Paul in Redmond, Oregon
My size is 16.9-14-34 and I almost couldn't get farther from you. I am on the east coast of Canada.
If you make your own you may want to look at the design used for most skidder chains, these have a ring centered on the tread and are connected to the side chains by four cross chains, I have not driven any thing using these (no opportunity) but the design looks like a good idea.
Jack
PEI, right? I bought chains for my tractor from these folks last year. Made in China, of course, but I'm very happy with them.
I looked at doing so. Haven't gone one way or the other, but note that a _good_ set of tractor chains will be made with boron steel, and may have studding or wear bars - all of which is not likely to be on your homemade set. You save money, but they wear out faster, and don't work as well as a good set. Cheap-ass commercial cains may be no better, or worse, than your homemade ones.
Hi, My Dad made a set of tractor tire chains of the style suggested by Jack in the attached response. The rings were about 3/4 inch diameter rod if I remember correctly. Weld some small posts on the rings and surface with hard facing rod. The set Dad made will pull like crazy and seem to last forever.
Mill
I have never made a set from scratch but I have extended them . Forget reg chain . Go to an Industrial supplier and buy the right side links and connectors . They are less money anyway . You will need ring chains or D chains so it sits up on top of the tread bars . Reg single cross links are useless on Ag tires . Nothing to making them other then be sure to take out any twist in the chain as you go so . As to special steels , well for seasonal use you will never wear them out anyway . Have you tried asking around for old logging skidder chains ? Even if half worn out they will out live you . Luck . Ken Cutt
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