B3200 front chains only question

[leblancr]

I have a B3200 that I've used to plow my 150 foot driveway for the past 5 years. Using the bucket. AG tires with the rears loaded with a Woods backhoe for weight.

The driveway has quite a slope, and getting up it has always been a challenge. I have to park it near the top, then make a pass down and go back up the cleared path in order to make it up.

This summer, we had re-claim put into our driveway and I didn't want to scrape it all off with the bucket so I bought a WoodMaxx 60" blower for the three point hitch.

I hoped the reclaim would give a little more traction, but after our first snow with the blower, it still struggles to get back up the hill. It only needs a little extra help.

I've read several places that just chaining up the front wheels is fine. I have a set of chains from a plow truck I junked and was going to try them, but wanted to know if there were issues doing so. Would that add too much stress to the front drive train?

I hate to have to buy spacers and chains for the rear. I'd like to try the chains on front first. That's a freebee. But don't want to hurt my machine.

Thanks in advance

By the way, the WoodMaxx blower seems to be a really good unit after a few hours playing with it.

 

[Eldubya]

I'm in a very similar situation. Curious to hear what others think.

 

[sheepfarmer]

Well I do, dealer suggested it to me, and there have been several discussions on the forum about how much increase in wear there might be. Ask yourself how much you are risking your life or your tractor if you lose steering and slide off? I think if you are not running down a dry paved road in 4wd with them on, the wear is not that much. No real data available unfortunately.

 

[bearbait]

You shouldn't have any problem with it. When I had the B3200 with the front blower I had a hard time steering so I studded the front tires. Also people seem to like the rubber tire chains but I've never tried them.

 

[leblancr]

Thank to both for the feedback.

It's supposed to be decent weather on Saturday so I'll give them a try. I'll update with how they work.