Chains on skid steer

Hoofer B · Sep 26, 2016

Just bought a Bobcat 953 and plan on using it for snow in addition to moving some dirt and stone. For extra traction in winter, should I chain up the two rear tires, all four or none? thanks Bill

P I Pete · Sep 26, 2016

I have an old 610 that I use for snow removal, I put chains on the rear because there isn't enough clearance between front wheels and boom arms. Pete

Andy C · Sep 26, 2016

When I used to plow snow I would chain up the front tires. You could then put a little down pressure on the bucket to reduce the body jarring effects of the chains! If you needed traction just lift the bucket a little bit. I used to just have them with me all the time and only put them on when needed. Could put a set on the front in 8 minutes when I needed them. I think you will find they give a very rough ride unless you are on soft terrain!
Andy

Duner Wi · Sep 26, 2016

For snow removal I put car chains on the rear of my Gehl.
Made a world of difference , before chains I was stuck way to often.
My tires are quite worn down. I don't know what is correct tho.

Phil84 · Sep 26, 2016

Are you just using the bucket or are you going to use an actual plow?

What is the surface that you are going to be plowing? Gravel or Concrete?

wd9garymn · Sep 26, 2016

I have a 743 that had poor tires and used chains on the rear tires.I used it to cut wood in the winter and needed the extra traction. Chains will mark cement real easy and it looks ugly in the spring and the marks will be there a long time. Put new tires on the 743 last year and didn't need chains past winter, but didn't have a lot of snow.

rustred · Sep 26, 2016

the wheels are chain driven from the hydraulic motor. so i was just thinking it would add extra pressure on the chains.

jeffcat · Sep 26, 2016

My two cents. Just don't over do the design limits of the drive systems. Loads of fun to tear your machine apart to fix a busted chain drive. The Meineke up the road had one a couple of years ago with that problem. They got it all done in just a little over a day but they have ALL kinds of tools.

Phil84 · Sep 26, 2016

(quoted from post at 11:07:21 09/26/16) the wheels are chain driven from the hydraulic motor. so i was just thinking it would add extra pressure on the chains.

Bobcat's drive lines are pretty sought. I would never do this on an older Case as the chains that connect the fronts to rears are known to let go. Running foam filled tires on a Case is a bad idea... unless you like replacing chains...

Bruce from Can. · Sep 26, 2016

I find that my skid steer is as helpless in snow as a pig on ice .

RodinNS · Sep 26, 2016

I run them on the rear wheels when necessary. I've often thought about chaining all 4 when I used it pushing snow a lot... but usually the rear is enough unless you have a habit of driving over ditches and getting the front wheels caught over the bank.. then front chains would help you back out. But usually most of the weight is on the rear of a skid so rear chains are generally 'enough'.

Rod

JD Seller · Sep 26, 2016

I run tire chains on my Bobcat 873 just about all the time in the winter. I have been doing that for over 15 years and have not had any issues. I actually think it is easier on the drive line. You do not have to jerk and spin to get around. I chain the rear tires only.

RodinNS · Sep 26, 2016

Agree, it is easier on the driveline.

Rod

Chains on skid steer

Hoofer B

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P I Pete

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Andy C

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Duner Wi

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Phil84

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wd9garymn

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rustred

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jeffcat

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Phil84

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Bruce from Can.

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RodinNS

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JD Seller

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RodinNS

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