Tire Chains vs track over

[jeharrisonjr]

I was wondering what people find work better? Do most people use chains on the rear wheels or all 4? I will mainly be using my skid steer for easy terrian logging and plowing.

 

[6brnorma]

I've used both........really like the tracks, but, chains are cheaper and easier to install.....I've used them (chains) much more and they did a good job for me. I used the chains on the front tires only because of the higher tire pressure????? Not sure if that was correct.

 

[rgermann]

I've used both........really like the tracks, but, chains are cheaper and easier to install.....I've used them (chains) much more and they did a good job for me. I used the chains on the front tires only because of the higher tire pressure????? Not sure if that was correct.

I've been snow plowing with skid steers for 15 years. Started using chains on the front about 10 years ago. Made a night and day difference on my machines. Had one machine that I had tracks for and tried them one winter. Worked about the same as the tracks, but a lot more expensive and really no gain. I have since bought chains for it and save the tracks for summer use. I also just run the chains in the front seems to work the best.

 

[Tigerhaze]

I've been snow plowing with skid steers for 15 years. Started using chains on the front about 10 years ago. Made a night and day difference on my machines. Had one machine that I had tracks for and tried them one winter. Worked about the same as the tracks, but a lot more expensive and really no gain. I have since bought chains for it and save the tracks for summer use. I also just run the chains in the front seems to work the best.

I've read on other sites that continuously using tracks on wheeled skid steers is really hard on the drive axle components and if you really want tracks you should just go to using a CTL- can anyone confirm whether there is any truth to that?

 

[OldMachinist]

I've read on other sites that continuously using tracks on wheeled skid steers is really hard on the drive axle components and if you really want tracks you should just go to using a CTL- can anyone confirm whether there is any truth to that?

I only use over the tire tracks when I'm working in soft areas. Using them on hard/dry surfaces would be like driving a vehicle with 4wd engaged on dry pavement something has to slip or break.

 

[Tazza]

I only use over the tire tracks when I'm working in soft areas. Using them on hard/dry surfaces would be like driving a vehicle with 4wd engaged on dry pavement something has to slip or break.

Tigerhaze - you are rite there. If you plan on using OTT what you generally do is remove the front drive chains so your wheels aren't fighting each other, only the rear ones provide power.
I have seen first hand the damage they cause, took me a few weeks to repair all the damage caused. I suspect the wheels were worn differently making it worse.