As we transition out of fall, winter weather is something that farmers and other landowners must prepare for sooner rather than later. Slippery conditions can be problematic for tractors, even those that are designed for durability. And while some tires may be exempt from this condition, others may need a little help in the form of chains. In this post, we’ll cover how to put chains on tractor tires to give you the extra traction you need, whether you’re dealing with a minor cold snap or a true deep freeze. 

How to Put Chains on Tractor Tires

Installing tire chains is not only easy, but it can also provide superior traction during slippery conditions. Below is a brief tutorial on how to put chains on your tractor tires before Old Man Winter arrives.

1. Drape the chain over the tire.

Make sure that the open size of the hooks for the cross-links is facing away from the tire. As you lay the chain, try to make sure that it is centered over the tread as much as possible.

2. Attach the regular hook on the inside to a link on the other side of the chain.

As you do so, try to use the tightest link possible without moving the chain from its centered position. On the outside of the tire, hook the lever fastener through an open link on the free end of the rim chain.

3. Fold the lever fastener back 180 degrees

Remember that the chains should be snugly fit – if the lever won’t fold back completely, try one link longer. If it won’t fold easily, try one link shorter.

4. Hook the end through a link on the rim chain.

Verify that the chains are tightly fit onto the tires and will not fall off once they start moving. If the tension is adequate, it will be difficult to fit a finger between the tire and any of the links.

Should Tire Chains Be Tight or Loose? 

When putting chains on your tractor tires, be careful to make them tight enough to be used correctly. If your chains fall off easily as you drive, this may be a sign that they are too loose. Deflating your tires may make installation a bit easier, but it is not necessary to get the chains on correctly. Tire chains are typically only recommended for rear traction tires, and they will not improve traction on front tires if you have two-wheel drive.

We hope this post helped shed some light on how to install tire chains on John Deere equipment, so owners can get the most out of their machines 365 days a year.

If you have any questions about installing tire chains onto your equipment, you can contact your local John Deere dealer.

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