Hello all,I bought a Farmall M last spring, the idea being that I would use it to push snow this winter. I've been meaning to hit the auctions looking for some tire chains, but have not done so, and it's getting to be that time. What does a total tractor newbie need to know about chains? I'm assuming I'll chain the rear wheels only (it's got a wide front, the guy called it a Schwartz front end, but the tag rivetted to the front end says some other name, I think from Russel Kansas). I don't see enough clearance on the inside of the front wheels for anything at all. It's got a big old heavy Farmhand loader.(told it's an F10, triangular looking from the side, the tractor fits inside of the loader). I would rather not mess with filling the tires, thought I'd try chains first and maybe add weights. The tire size is 15.5 x 38, but I have no idea what exactly that means. I'm guessing used chains that fit, say, a 14.9 x 38 would be too narrow? I've got a good inch of tread on the (very old) tires, and no hills whatsoever. This will be my second winter here (eastern South Dakota), we didn't have much snow last year, and I kept it away with a Gravely 2-wheel tractor and a snowblower. (I know the loader's not the best plan, but it's the one I've got for now--the snowblower is still available as needed) Googling here led me to tirechains.com. I hate to spend 1/4 of what I've got in the tractor and loader so far on chains (but can, if that's what's needed). There's no pavement around, so I guess they'll last a good long while.
Please tell me all I need to know about tire chains on tractors, where to get them, which style I want if I end up going new, what to settle for if I get a deal on used, how to figure out if used chains from another size can be made to (safely) fit, etc. I've got some experience with chains on road vehicles and 2-wheel snow equipment, so I don't need that basic of info, but anything special to tractors will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Bob
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