[bob]

I read a question on another forum about using chains on front tires of 1026R. The guy was told by his JD dealer not to do so, "because it can give you too much traction on the front tires". I was planning to run my 1026R with 54" snowblower with chains on front and rear tires. My driveway is asphalt. Are chains not to be used on front tires on 1026R?

 

[RandyM]

Personally Bob, I would try your machine without the chains first to see if you need them. I do not run chains, but what I do is run a ballast box. This gives me all the traction I need without damaging my concrete. You'll find the chains will be hard on your asphalt. Now, if you still insist on running chains, my recommendation is to consult your dealer and see what advise he gives ya. :thumbup1gif:

 

[dieselshadow]

Good advice Randy. :thumbup1gif:

 

[bob]

Thank you Randy. I will be using my 1026R with a Heavy Hitch and 8 JD weights plus the wheel weights from my 455 that fit perfectly on the new tractor. I'm still wondering if it is safe to use(if needed) chains on the front tires with the 1026R. I took your advice and called my dealer. His advice was that they could be used carefully. He said something about chains would change the circumference of the tire. Can someone explain that to me?

 

[Kennyd]

I am not a fan of front chains. Take a look at the small driveshaft that provides power to the front axle, and you will see why you do not want to be pulling the tractor around from the front. The front axle in my opinion is meant to "assist" or "help" pull the tractor when the need arises, and adding chains will provide to much traction.

The MFWD (mechanical front-wheel drive) system is different from standard 4WD (4 wheel drive) systems because the sizes of the front and rear wheels are different. The gear and tire sizes in the MFWD system determine how fast the wheels turn in relation to each other. If you change the front tires size then they will be either turning faster or slower that the rear.

When turning, the inside and outside tires will be turning and different speeds also, that is why you can feel the "binding" while turning sharply with MFWD (or 4WD) engaged. For this reason it is imperative that the inside wheels can slip a little, and chains can prevent that also. When there is to much traction-like from operating on asphalt or other hard surfaces with MFWD engage you can break u-joints if your lucky, axles or gears if your not. The picture below show the difference in tire paths in a tight turn.

Lastly, there is usually not enough room anyway to even try installing chains since the front wheels turn so far. The loader mounts and or steering linkage/cylinders are usually in the way.

 

[bob]

Thanks a lot Kenny---I guess I better not use front chains!!!

 

[scrappy]

I am not a fan of front chains. Take a look at the small driveshaft that provides power to the front axle, and you will see why you do not want to be pulling the tractor around from the front. The front axle in my opinion is meant to "assist" or "help" pull the tractor when the need arises, and adding chains will provide to much traction.

The MFWD (mechanical front-wheel drive) system is different from standard 4WD (4 wheel drive) systems because the sizes of the front and rear wheels are different. The gear and tire sizes in the MFWD system determine how fast the wheels turn in relation to each other. If you change the front tires size then they will be either turning faster or slower that the rear.

When turning, the inside and outside tires will be turning and different speeds also, that is why you can feel the "binding" while turning sharply with MFWD (or 4WD) engaged. For this reason it is imperative that the inside wheels can slip a little, and chains can prevent that also. When there is to much traction-like from operating on asphalt or other hard surfaces with MFWD engage you can break u-joints if your lucky, axles or gears if your not. The picture below show the difference in tire paths in a tight turn.

View attachment 5301

Lastly, there is usually not enough room anyway to even try installing chains since the front wheels turn so far. The loader mounts and or steering linkage/cylinders are usually in the way.

Deere offers spacers for the frontend that will allow chains.
In a straight line the MFWD IS pulling the tractor around because it is overdriven compared to the rear but when turning sharply the front is not over-driven enough to keep up with the rear and that is why it "pushes" when turning in 4WD. Since the frontend is typically lighter it will slip and keep it from binding up to the point of breakage. This is also why you will wear out the front tires first on a MFWD.

Thanks a lot Kenny---I guess I better not use front chains!!!

you can use them BUT only engage 4wd when NEEDED because of what I said above.

 

[Doug]

Hi Bob, you will not need chains if you use the ballast box.
I have a deere 2305 with a 54" front mount blower and about 650lb in the ballast box.
Most of the time I do not use or engage the 4 wheel drive.

Doug