gt4 196 #1 Posted December 30, 2016 Is there a reason why chains are better than bar cleats or vice versa. Or is one better than the other for different types of jobs? 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 27,412 #2 Posted December 30, 2016 When it comes to snow or ice chains just can't be beat. Lug tires are the go to when it comes to ground engagement implements in the dirt. IMO 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PeacemakerJack 10,738 #3 Posted December 30, 2016 I've tried Bar Lugs on snow and they are functional but when it gets icey at all, they aren't much better than turfs. Chains just plain work when it comes to snow and ice. I prefer 2 link chains because they provide a much smoother ride. When it comes to ground engaging, summertime work (plowing, garden work, blading gravel, etc) I prefer the AG tires for sure. They look cool 😎 AND they work great. Chains work for that purpose but I don't care for the look at all. PLUS with chains, you have to constantly worry about marring the surfaces that you drive on. That is one thing to keep in mind if you have a solid surface drive and plan to run chains in the winter. Don't let them "claw" too much or they will scratch up your top surface for sure. 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WVHillbilly520H 10,373 #4 Posted December 30, 2016 I'm a 100% AG/bar cleat guy (it's a little tractor not a lawn mower) because of its versatility steep slopes mowing, garden grading work, tugging timber from the woods ect and run chains in the winter for just in case it's icy, BUT if I were too only mow flat areas and snow removal on "nice newer" hard surfaces(concrete/asphalt) then these newer style turf tires(pictured) and rubber cross link chains is all I would need, Just my opinion,Jeff. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forest Road 594 #5 Posted December 30, 2016 For ice, snow, and mud you can't beat chains. 2 link wins over 4 link every time. I use the "heavy duty" which have an extra traction piece welded on the links. A little more money and well worth it. if you're on a nice driveway ags or rubber tire chains are way to go. I'm gravel drive w lots of ice. So it ags w chains. Love the ags for the grassy hills I mow. Several members claim turfs w chains are better than ags w chains. Right or wrong I'm not buying another set of tires to run w chains. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WVHillbilly520H 10,373 #6 Posted December 30, 2016 1 hour ago, Forest Road said: Several members claim turfs w chains are better than ags w chains. Right or wrong I'm not buying another set of tires to run w chains. My thoughts exactly , 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PeacemakerJack 10,738 #7 Posted December 30, 2016 (edited) 3 hours ago, Forest Road said: Right or wrong I'm not buying another set of tires to run w chains. Why buy another set of tires to run on your existing wheel horse when you can buy another wheel horse to run an extra set of turfs? I'm always looking for an excuse to get another tractor Edited December 31, 2016 by PeacemakerJack 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 37,861 #8 Posted December 31, 2016 5 hours ago, Forest Road said: For ice, snow, and mud you can't beat chains. 2 link wins over 4 link every time. I use the "heavy duty" which have an extra traction piece welded on the links. A little more money and well worth it. if you're on a nice driveway ags or rubber tire chains are way to go. I'm gravel drive w lots of ice. So it ags w chains. Love the ags for the grassy hills I mow. Several members claim turfs w chains are better than ags w chains. Right or wrong I'm not buying another set of tires to run w chains. I have the double link Vee Bar chains on turf tires on my 520 snow blower, and the are great on the unpaved roads. They will cause damage to a paved driveway and IMO have less traction on the paved surface that you just cleared than a unchained turf tire. I cannot back up my steep cleared paved driveway without spinning the chains. For the paved drives, I have gone to the rubber chains in turf tires and was amazed at the traction....and they don't cause any damage if they would spin. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forest Road 594 #9 Posted December 31, 2016 (edited) 10 hours ago, Ed Kennell said: I have the double link Vee Bar chains on turf tires on my 520 snow blower, and the are great on the unpaved roads. They will cause damage to a paved driveway and IMO have less traction on the paved surface that you just cleared than a unchained turf tire. I cannot back up my steep cleared paved driveway without spinning the chains. For the paved drives, I have gone to the rubber chains in turf tires and was amazed at the traction....and they don't cause any damage if they would spin. Backing uphill w a snowblower requires a lot of extra help. Wheel weights are always good. Weight hanging off the rear is your best traction additive. I have a ballast box w 250-400lbs. There are times when that doesn't seem like enough. Edited December 31, 2016 by Forest Road 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gt4 196 #10 Posted December 31, 2016 15 hours ago, PeacemakerJack said: Why buy another set of tires to run on your existing wheel horse when you can buy another wheel horse to run an extra set of turfs? I'm always looking for an excuse to get another tractor I like the way you think! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
