I have used Terra Grips Extensively without any problems. In fact, they had over 200 hours of use on the 12/12/x26 Terra Grips, which are the same size as the 425/445/455 and the 1025r. I don't have them any longer only because I sold the Terra Grips with the 455 and all attachments few months ago.
Sure, the rubber strips were showing wear, but I never had any chain or cross strap (rubber) failures. For the right application, they are an effective application. Problem is like many things, they aren't used correctly.
Some very simple facts about clearing snow with a Garden Tractor or SCUT, CUT, whether the snow is cleared with a plow, blower, snow pusher or a rotary broom out front of the machine.
1. The Terra Grips / Chains have to be properly installed. Sadly, many aren't. They are installed loosely and without any tensioners. They are often installed "inside out" greatly reducing the traction benefits. Some are installed backwards, which just makes putting them on and taking them off harder. Installed correctly and fitted to the machine, they shouldn't cause damage to the machine or the product themself.
2. Rear ballast only makes the entire process easier and smoother. A 445 has a rear weight racj available which will hold 4 of the 42# suitcase weights between the frame rails and a total of 6 of the 42# suitcase weights when hanging one extra weight on each end of the bracket where the curves are on the bracket.
You can also throw ballast on top of the rear bracket and or even on top of the suitcase weights if needed. I have used as much as 450 pounds of rear ballast on the 455 when using the larger custom plow blade. Ideally, the rear ballast on the tractor should be equal to the weight of the implement on the front of the machine, to remain balanced. The 54" blade and front Quik Tach hitch weigh about 160 to 180 pounds. The 47" front snow blower with the quik tach front hitch weighs closer to 300.
Before I would spend the money on "Premium Tire Chains", I would make sure to have the proper chain tensioners to properly secure the traction aide. Whether its Terra Grips or chains, they need to be installed correctly to work properly. If the chain stretched on the Terra Grips, its because they were loose on the tire. Anything, loose on the tires, is going to fail or cause damage to the machine, the surface or both.
Terra Grips provide traction in most situations without damaging the surface. Steel tire chains will chew up asphalt. They can even damage concrete and leave "rust stains" on the concrete. Seems strange, but its true.
If the 445 was spinning enough to damage the rear Terra Grips and stretch the chains causing failure, its because there wasn't enough rear ballast on the machine.
If you don;'t have a rear weight bracket, they are sold on Ebay, etc. for around $50 to $80 used. Now I see there are companies making after market replacements.
Fits John Deere 415-425-445-455-X475-X596 all X700 ultimate. John Deere 415-X Machines Rear Weight bracket. Powder coated John Deere Green.
www.ebay.com
By the way, the part number of the rear bracket you want is shown in this screen shot.
