A weighty problem....

Bought a '50 8N about a month ago. The guy that owned it before the guy I bought it from filled just ONE of the rear tires w/calcium chloride. I've never had any experience with "loaded" tires. I don't know whether to fill the other one or drain the filled one and just run chains for winter. I've read about some of the horror stories associated with rusted-out rims from leaking tubes, and I'm a little leery. What do you guys think?

TIA

Ron

I have 200 lbs of chains on the tires and both are full of Calcium too. If I did not have the chains I would have to plow my drive down hill only! I have around 700 lbs per tire (18.4 X 16s) befor chains. The chain tightener works great to keep them snug. This was my Ferguson TO-30 but those tires are now on the Massey 135 and so will the chains. $250.00 for the chains with shipping and 50.00 for the spring set up. Well worth the cost! Mark H.

I understand there is a way to use RV antifreeze that will prevent freezing and is not corrosive like CC.

Good luck with your decision.

Arne

Ron

Now days you can get "used" automobile anti-freeze for free (sometimes) and it doesn't eat rubber or iron rims. Some don't like auto-antifreeze because it is poisonous to pets like dogs who like the sweet taste. RV antifreeze (for toilet holding tanks) is NOT poisonous to pets. Remember, you don't haffta protect to -20 degs. Just a couple of gals (outta 28 gals) will make it a slushie and keep it from freezing..... ..Dell

Do you think I'll be able to not use chains if I load the other tire? I've got a pretty steep hill to blade, and need all the traction I can get. Do loaded tires work as well as chains?

Thanks.

Ron

• Tire Chains . com

But heres a idea for you. Go visit a BIG TRUCKERS pitstop. They haffta change tire chains every so often because their Insurance Company makes 'em. Can't have company trucks throwing chain parts at cars while speeding down the frozen highway, lawyers you know. Sometimes you can even gittem to give ya..... ...Dell

I've already got a set of single (big) ring chains that I've been using on my 2N for the last ten years that I'll probably put back on after I load the other tire. They're a pain to put on, but since I've been using turnbuckles to tension them (last three years), they don't slip AT ALL! Bungees were an exercise in frustration (at least for me)! Nothing more frustrating than to spin off a chain in deep snow and have to go back to the 'barn' to put it back on!

Ron

If you get on even the slightest 'greasy' spot, all you will do is spin without chains.

I plow here in VT and till this year have had my tires loaded and used double ring chains...still get one or both to spinning at times...and don't even think of trying to stop on a grade after you plow...even if you have the best N brakes of all time...Get your N sideways just once in a slide on a hill and you will understand and appreciate chains...I just bought new rears and am going to try em without loading for a bit...but I would never think of plowing without my chains...

Once last year I was scraping everyone's driveway. I got to the one person with a concrete driveway and for some reason his driveway was slick as an ice rink. I don't think I would have wanted to use chains on his pretty cement anyway.