Chains in the woods -- yes or no?

Georgec · Apr 23, 2018

Snowblower is off, loader is on. Going after some wood I cut down. Ground is soft, but not mucky.

Is there any potential problem leaving my snow chains on for this operation?

Creature Meadow · Apr 23, 2018

For the record have never used chains here in NC but I find your question interesting.

Many here should chime in to offer advice as I know from reading many posts many members use them.

My question would be when you remove your chains each year do you notice wear to the tires? If not then the ground you are traveling on is no worse than the hard packed snow or ice, right?

I'll follow to see what others say.

I assume before removing them you will spray off with garden hose then remove and store so they will be ready for next install.

Jay

majorwager · Apr 23, 2018

Never thought about chains in the woods, never had an issue. Simply avoid woods work in spring, not into cleaning mud, despite NOT being stuck. Why make tracks? Ruts? Cover wood w/ Mud? To what end? Winter, summer, fall should provide ample opportunity to perform woodlot chores.

Wranglerstar wraps all of his shoes in chains, appears like overkill. Outdoors with the Morgan's, in woods constantly, no chains. (you tube folks)

fruitcakesa · Apr 23, 2018

I leave my chains on till the ground has dried in the woods and avoid any tractor work during mud season [which is still in progress in my neck here].

Dieselbob · Apr 23, 2018

Sometimes the work just doesn't wait for better weather. I've had my tractor buried in the mud twice this spring already. The only way I got out was by using the loader to lever it out. Buried a utility trailer in the mud too. I've never used chains on a tractor that big, but I always found them helpful on garden tractors on soft of greasy ground.

L35 · Apr 23, 2018

A lot of the forestry equipment I’ve seen run chains through the woods may tear up exposed roots but it beats getting stuck

StephenB · Apr 23, 2018

Sure run them in the woods

added traction

mendonsy · Apr 23, 2018

I suppose there is a possibility that the chains could lasso a loose stick and whack you with it but the chances of that are slim.
How's your luck been lately?

Pat T · Apr 23, 2018

This is strictly from a farm tractor perspective, my Dad said chains helped him get stuck better. Only useful on snow and ice. Tifwiw. Pat

RCW · Apr 23, 2018

Yes.

Better to have them when you don't need them, than visa versa.....

I carry a jack knife everyday under the same principle....

But if the woods are muddy, stay away.

Better for the tractor, and DEFINITELY better for the woods!

mcfarmall · Apr 24, 2018

I see a lot of log skidders with chains. Must be good for working in the woods if the loggers use them.

Yooper · Apr 24, 2018

We tried chains in the woods on our old Farmall H and took them off after the first (or second) branch that got caught in them whacked us in the back.

My guess as to why they use them on logging forwarders is to save the tires from the sharp things they run over. Any operators out there that can enlighten us?

armylifer · Apr 24, 2018

I used to live on a dairy farm in Wisconsin when I was growing up. We had chains on one of our tractors until the ground started to get dry in about May every year. We never got stuck even when towing a trailer.

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Chains in the woods -- yes or no?

Georgec

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Creature Meadow

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majorwager

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fruitcakesa

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Dieselbob

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L35

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StephenB

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mendonsy

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Pat T

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RCW

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mcfarmall

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Yooper

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armylifer

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