Resizing Tire Chains

[Colin King]

I"ve found a pair of used tire chains for a reasonable price. I haven"t looked at them yet, but the seller tells me that they are in good condition. However, they are off a Farmall with a tire size of 12.4x38. Can these be resized to fit an 11.2x28 N tire?

Thanks, all!

Colin, MN
 

[2ruNgineer]

just a little overlap and shorter strap cords over the hubs.

i have cut some down lengthwise before and it works fine. the 12.4 will just make the chains get closer to the hub.
 

[flembo]

Longer is better than short I lucked out and found 4 sets of chains the town threw in the dump 2 sets were for dual wheels I stripped one side off and used the cross links in between the others cross links every other link on the side chains. made 3 sets from the 4 plus spare parts. I bought a tool from gemplers to open and close the connecting loops expensive but man saves a lot of time and work well worth the money and i have used it several times since.
 

[Ultradog MN]

Easy job Colin.
Just cut the side chains shorter so they fit your tires.
When I install chains I jack up one side so the wheel turns then hook the chain on the lugs and roll it all the way over. Make my connections underneath.
If you get your side chains reasonably tight there is no need for straps, bungees, coat hang wires or romex to keep them on.
My father would scoff when he saw guys with all that paraphernalia on their chains.
I get them tight and have never lost a chain.
 

[Mr. T. Minnesota]

Colin,
I would wrap the chains around the tire and overlap the extra. I would not cut the chains. The cross lengths are about right, and the doubling will add traction. Had a set that was too short and a longer set and simply wrapped once and kept going for a double wrap which helps prevent chains from falling between the lugs. Had to connect the side chains twice per tire side/four connections per tire. It worked well.
Hope this helps. Just put half tracks on my 8n today. Putting the 8N to task this winter.
Mr. T. Minnesota
 

[Bob Harvey]

Whichever method you choose, don't forget there are 'links' that have a threaded connector that can be used anywhere. Threaded (unthreaded to make the open space for connecting and then the 'nut' side to close up). HTH
 

[oldtanker]

Colin I have a set of chains off an IH tractor that I cut down to fit my 8N. You can borrow them and see how well the work out before you buy any.

Rick
 

[willie in mn]

What works for me, other guys may do it different.
Start by puting the chains on. After wiggling & adjusting to get good fit, cut off the excess, leaving 2 links past the connector. The extra links are handy for temporary holding while wiggling into place. Also will be needed in case you ever get new tires.
Save the cut-offs for replacement of worn/broken cross chains in the future.
When installing chains, I like to jack up the wheel. Run a rubber strap through the wheel & hook the first cross chain. Roll it around, wiggle into place as I go, do the hook-up at the top. Bending over to hook at bottom works too, but as we get older, it is harder to stand up again.
Willie
 

[Colin King]

Thank you all for your great help! I really appreciate it. I'm going to give the guy a call back now.

Thanks again!!

Colin, MN
 

[Colin King]

I picked up the chains today. The seller told me that he bought them on a Farmall H. They've been sitting for 10 years, but are in good shape. A couple of links have some pitting, put most just have a patina of rust. I paid $75.00, which seemed pretty reasonable.

I'm going to try installing them with the extra overlapping, as suggested, and see how they work.

Thanks again, guys!
Colin
 

[Royse]

Sounds like a good deal Colin.
I had a set on my cub that were cut down from one chain off a larger tractor.
If you find the ride too jolting with the over lap, you can always trim them back later.