416H tire chain clearance

[JerryLook 76]

I have a 416H that I use with a front mount snow blower in the winter. Recently my driveway has been icy, so I thought I would see if the set of chains I have will fit on the 416. They fit, but both sides lightly rub on the metal side pieces next to the gas tank. Also the chain on the left is very close to the Hyd filter. 
 

The 416 has stock rear wheels, and stock size turf tires. 23x9.5x12. 
 

I was thinking if I could space the rear wheels out about 1/2” the chains would have enough space. Has anyone had to do this? I know they sell 5x4.5 wheel spacers online for pretty cheap. 

[leabassett@sbcglobal.net 157]

Do you have the chains on correct? My 312-8 has no problem with chains

[JerryLook 76]

Yes they’re on correct. The chains were on a C-105 and they fit that just fine. 
 

On the 416H there isn’t a lot of room between the tires and the gas tank shields. Probably less than an inch on each side. 

[Ed Kennell 44,031]

There is not much clearance on my 520.   I always cut the inside side chain to the exact length and connect the ends with one of these connectors.

Then pull the chains to the outside with the cam lock connector and install spring tensioners.   This minimizes the thickness of the inside chain.

[kpinnc 16,469]

4 hours ago, JerryLook said:

Has anyone had to do this? I know they sell 5x4.5 wheel spacers online for pretty cheap. 

 

I won't say I had to, but I've used spacers on several machines. They work well but you do need to be careful if using a mower deck because of the deck gage wheels clearance. 

 

You'll have to ream your bolt holes on your wheels to 1/2. They type of spacer also needs to be open in the center to fit a WH hub. You'll also need to use 7/16x20 bolts at about 1 and 1/4 length or raised head studs to hold the spacers on. I've never had good luck using WH wheel bolts with spacers. The heads are usually too large to get a standard socket on them inside the spacer. 

 

 

[Achto 30,409]

A set of these & you should not need to ream out the holes in your rim. Just get longer wheel studs.

 

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/65058/10002/-1

[WHX?? 53,613]

8 hours ago, kpinnc said:

won't say I had to, but I've used spacers on several machines.

Custom tractor and just didn't look right with the tires inset. Plus to match the wide fronts. Yes the spacer studs were 1/2-20 but even with reaming the holes could go back to 7/16 hardware. 

Edited 22 hours ago by WHX??

[peter lena 9,634]

@JerryLook https://www.acehardware.com/departments/hardware/chain-and-rope/rope-and-chain-accessories/5058225?store=19230&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20155423139&gbraid=0AAAAADtqLJGPLBeXuIt2iGux03D9tbXDr&gclid=Cj0KCQiApfjKBhC0ARIsAMiR_Iu2D7v0j8MhBz6IrV51_GuXH3S1E8G_556PG1fFp0z1IgY8-NJ7I7caAusZEALw_wcB   like a 2"  welded ring  on the outside of the  chain set up , very easy to add on  extension  springs with a thin  flat screwdriver  . elevated wheel  so you can adjust / improve as you go  , makes it simple , easy , pete  

[lynnmor 8,339]

Is the end of your axle flush with the hub?

[photoguy 160]

I just drill the spot welds on wheel center move it in and plug weld easy if you have a Mig.

[kpinnc 16,469]

6 hours ago, Achto said:

A set of these & you should not need to ream out the holes in your rim. Just get longer wheel studs.

 

At 1/2 inch thick, those are not a bad option at all. 

[sqrlgtr 1,703]

8 hours ago, Achto said:

A set of these & you should not need to ream out the holes in your rim. Just get longer wheel studs.

 

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/65058/10002/-1

I use the same type but mine came from Miller tire and was a lot more $$$. Wish I had seen these earlier The ones I have are just for the small ford/Wheel Horse bolt pattern 5x4.5

Edited 15 hours ago by sqrlgtr

[My_horse 59]

When I bought my chains back in 2002 for the 314-8, they came with a 3/8” wheel spacer. I wasn’t comfortable with the amount of threads holding in the hub with the spacers on. 
 

I loosened the setscrews in the axle hub and slid it out 3/8”. 

[JerryLook 76]

I was looking at spacers similar to the ones from Jegs. I think that’s the route I’m going to take. 
 

Here’s a pic to show how close the chains are. I think a 1/2” will give it enough clearance to be good. 
 

I appreciate all the input 

[lynnmor 8,339]

25 minutes ago, JerryLook said:

I was looking at spacers similar to the ones from Jegs. I think that’s the route I’m going to take. 
 

Here’s a pic to show how close the chains are. I think a 1/2” will give it enough clearance to be good. 
 

I appreciate all the input 

While it won't make much difference in clearance, I wonder if you installed the chains with the hooks biting the tires for a reason.