Why your tractor tire chains may be your weakest links

Agricultural tractor tire chains need to perform without a hitch as an all-seasonal necessity for the serious farmer — whether in the driest or in the coldest conditions.

Rain, sleet, snow or ice cannot stop a powerful tire chain to perform at its peak in these varying climate environments.

Like the weather, a subpar tractor tire chain can be unpredictable at best, leaving the tractor operator helpless when its machine slips, slides, or even worse, stalls and becomes inoperable.

Are faulty tractor tire chains stopping you in your tracks? Here are two main reasons why your tractor tire chains are leaving you at a standstill.

Choosing which tractor tire chain that will work for your specific needs depends on what amount of the actual tire chain is exposed to the surface.

The problem: Your tractor tire chain does the “slip and slide”

When plowing or moving snow, tractor tire chains can get covered in packed snow and ultimately turns into ice. The ill-equipped tractor tire chain results in increased slippage, which renders the tractor ineffective.

While in the spring and fall, heavy rains contribute to muddier conditions that make it difficult for weakened or aged tire chains to provide a smooth ride.   

The solution: Duo-group grip tractor tire chains

For agricultural tractors, experts suggest duo-group cross tire chains. Duo-group cross tire chains are an excellent choice for off-road use, deep tread field work and for uneven conditions.

Designed for deep treaded tractor tires, the traction of duo-group cross tire chains gives a powerful kick of forward traction due to its “H” formation pattern.

Since this particular chain is not connected in the middle, this type of chain pattern doesn’t fall between the tread bars, which help the chain plow through lawns, hills, snow banks and mud-covered areas.

The problem: Your tractor tire chain is getting saggy with age

Like humans, over time, the outer surface of our body bows down to the forces of gravity. The result? Sagging skin that loses its elasticity, which then have people turn to facelifts or tightening creams to reduce the appearance of loosened skin.

Same analogy goes for your slackening tractor tire chain. If the chain is not initially put on tightly (or it loosens from frequent and heavy demands that wear it down), the chain loses its tightness over the circumference of the tires.

Depending on the weight, quality and overall use of the chains, the original tightness of them can last several months, or even only several weeks.

The solution: Tensioners for tractor tire chains

Tensioners are like the facelift for your sagging tractor tire chains. These specially formulated accessories help remove extra chain that develops when both the tire and chain wear down.

If using cam-lock or lever-style tensioners are not effectively tightening the chains, try using chain adjusters.

Designed to maximize the strength of the chains, a pair of adjusters mounted to the sides of the tire chain is another easy solution to defy the chain’s saggy exterior.

Make your next industrial tractor tire chain as strong as its weakest link

Walco Equipment Distributors sources industrial grade equipment and products worldwide at competitive prices to supply all your local agricultural, lawn and garden and cargo control needs.

With three locations in Ontario, Quebec and Minnesota, let Walco help you get on the move again.

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