dgjks6 8 #1 Posted February 22, 2011 I have been plowing my driveway for 3 years with my 312-8. It has a 48 inch plow, wieghts, and chains. I have a steep driveway. I have been stuck a few times in the last few years. But this winter it seems I get stuck every time I go down the driveway. I thought it was just the last storm, but it happened again today. Every time I go to the bottom of the drive I have a hard time gettin back up. I have done everything I am supposed to. I eat a lot, quit exercising, gained weight, put on the chains and wieghts, tried low gears - and no luck. The chains look a little smooth. So can tire chains go bad? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shuboxlover 481 #2 Posted February 22, 2011 short answer....YES I had a pair one time that I ate all the way through. Sounds like it's time to get a new set. My advice to you.... Get two link chains....ALOT smoother!!! I would also recommend v-bar style too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dgoyette 12 #3 Posted February 22, 2011 Never heard of it...usually they will start to break links as they age but never heard of them going "bad" how worn do they look? Are they only 3 years old? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HorseFixer 2,013 #4 Posted February 22, 2011 I have done everything I am supposed to. I eat a lot, quit exercising, gained weight, put on the chains and wieghts, tried low gears - and no luck. The chains look a little smooth. So can tire chains go bad? N o w T h a t s S o me F u n n y C h ! t R i g h t T h e r e! I would say yes they can go bad like anything else that has use. :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,033 #5 Posted February 23, 2011 I'd say they should work till they break in half, they might loose some of their bite, but should still dig in. I have a few sets that are worn very thin, they still work, not as good as my cleated ones, but none the less still work. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dandan111 31 #6 Posted February 23, 2011 I know the chains get flat,maybe you need a better tire or even more weight? Cant see changing chains till they are paper thin. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jdpuller 2 #7 Posted February 23, 2011 mine worked great untill the links were worn though and the links started to break. I was able to repair mine with S hooks from the hardware store I just put them in and closed the open ends with a pliers. it was a cheap easy fix you might be able add in a couple to gain a little more traction. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Redbirdman 7 #8 Posted February 23, 2011 Check the expiration date Or see if they smell bad............ Thats what my wife tells me about milk ed :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 994 #9 Posted February 23, 2011 i agree that they usually break when they get old,also good advice on the 2 link vbar,they work great Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slufoot733 70 #10 Posted February 23, 2011 Is your driveway blacktop? Steel chains don't bite well on blacktop. Both of my snow fighters have chains and mky drive is slopped. It's tricky getting up the driveway. My neighbor has a JD 317 with chains and he has the same problem with his drive. In soft wet snow we go pretty well. But when the chanis contact the blacktop we spin. And yes, as the chain links wesr they get flatter...and they slip more. Just a fact of life. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wheelhorsec85 5 #11 Posted February 24, 2011 Check the expiration date Or see if they smell bad............ Thats what my wife tells me about milk ed lmao :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
