Tire chain install?

I am trying to get chains on my 26x12x12 tires and it is a total 8itch to do this. Anybody got ideas other then deflate the tires a little?

Chains are always a little tricky to get on but if it is possible in your situation, try jacking the machine up enough so you can slide the chaine under and move it getting out the slack.

Tires chain should be loose to work properly. Lay the chain down in front of the tire drive over it just enough to be able to hook the ends together. then pull it over the top and hook the ends, inside first. A small amount of tension on the outside chain but the ones that go over the tire to the other side should be loose to grab in. Don't let the air out and then tighten them up with more air this only ruin the tires and they will work at about half their efficiency.
Walt

On my 13.6x38 tractor rears, I lay the chain out next to the tire (latches at the front). Then pick up the center of the chain,& lay it on the top of the tire. Then jack up the wheel so you can join the ends at the bottom. Latch inside first, then outside. Tie back the loose ends of the side chains so they don't catch on your loader frame or fly out and rap you in the head or body somewhere while driving. Hope this helps you, I've been doing chains for 50 yrs.

If the chains are a little to heavy you can do this. Lay them behind the tractor and take a chunk of wire and go around thru the rim, then drive forward. Be sure to avoid the valve stem.

What we have done at the fire station where we play sun today ice tomorow, like musical chairs sometimes. We came up with a very simple unit that takes over a half hour less time to chain up seven trucks. We take a 2 x 6 about 4 ft long and lay on the floor. This 2 x 6 has 2 x 4's, some have 2 x 6's, and the army truck I think has 2 x 8's nailed cross ways spaced so the chains lay down in between the cross boards.

We then lay the chains on the unit and let the cross bars drop down inbetween the cross lumber. Then we drive over them stopping dead center. Now we just have to wrap the chains up and over. If the sun comes out and we have to drop the chains we keep the home made unit in place under the tire so next time we chain up we don't have to start a single truck.

This also helps with not driving over the conector link and bending it. Very cheap to build with scrap lumber, and we have a unit for each chain. Dual wheels are a little tougher to build, but if you measure off the chains as they lay on the floor it is pretty easy.

I'm not good with descriptions, so I will say the unit looks like a ladder layed on the floor, only instead of the rungs sticking out, you have a recess to lay the cross bar in.

The first one I made we just layed out a 4 ft 2 x 8 with another 4 ft right on top. We then layed the chain on it and sprayed some cheap paint on each cross bar and then sawed and screwed the top chunks to the bottom 2 x 8.

I just happened to reread your post and tire size, sorry about that.

Does anyone know where you can buy tire chain cams without buying the chains? We have been trying for a couple years but just can't find them.

tirechian.com has all the parts you need

T_Bone

I drape the chain over the tire, tuck one end under it, and move the tractor forward a couple of feet to get the chains under. The goal is to get most of the chain over the top and hanging down so you aren't fighting the weight pulling it over the cleats. Not sure if that way works better than laying the chain on the ground and driving onto it, but it works for me. Hook the inside first.

only been putting chains on for 40 years. I take and back tractor on a slight grade lay chain out behind hooks forward lift chain up on lug roll tractor ahead when chain gets over top and part way down you take bungy strap and hook on one side and run to the other side and then roll tractor ahead so that chainis under tire and hook inside and then hook outside. A old man told me to use my brain not my back it works and you don't even work up a sweat. Bob

Are you sure about the tire size? 26x12x12 isn't a very big tire. I used to have a machine that had the same size tires. Basically a large size quad or garden tractor tire. Are you sure the chains are long enough? They don't need to be real tight. A small wheel like that should be easy to take right off if you have to. Dave