Clearance for mud chains on backhoe: Case -vs- Cat -vs- Deere -vs- Ford

DualsportWA · Nov 5, 2014

Hi all- looking at backhoes and one of the things I'll be using the backhoe for is snow removal (and my road is rutted/muddy in spring) - so I'd like to put mud chains on the backhoe when I get it.

I understand that the case 580 (my top choice for a hoe) has "tight clearance" and that people flip the wheels in order to get enough clearance. Does this give you enough clearance for heavier mud type chains?

Also- how is the clearance on Cat, Deere, and Ford (555, 575) for mud chains?

Thanks,
Gavin

PDG X · Nov 5, 2014

Cat has a spacer that bolts to the hub, then the wheel bolts to it. Provides enough offset for chain clearance.

DualsportWA · Nov 5, 2014

PDG X said:
Cat has a spacer that bolts to the hub, then the wheel bolts to it. Provides enough offset for chain clearance.

Now that sounds like a good way to do it! Are the existing wheel studs or lug nuts long enough to use with the spacers?

Does Deere/Case/Ford have a similar spacer option?

Thanks!

PDG X · Nov 5, 2014

I believe they include longer studs to replace the originals.

rust farmer · Nov 5, 2014

I use chains in the winter on my two wheel drive tractor when my lane gets icy, but would the chains really help you in mud? If your dealing with a mud, I would think a 4 x 4 backhoe with good tread on the tires or a little crawler with a blade would be more effective. If your lane is all dirt you might want to buy some gravel for the really bad spots.

bill onthehill · Nov 6, 2014

I run V-bar ice cutter chains on my 580K with no clearance problems. They make all the difference in the world when it gets icy. Without them even in 4 wheel drive I have to back up my lane. I chain all 4 wheels and was able to pull out my neighbors 4wd John Deere tractor that he slid over an embankment on the ice last winter. The tractor was dead weight since he blew the motor trying to get it out on the steep slope. My lane is 3/4 mile to the top of the mountain and I keep it graveled rather than fight ruts and the vehicle damage they do.

Gary863 · Nov 7, 2014

Where can I find axle spacers for my case 580e. I don't have enought clearancE for my chains. Can I turn the wheels around for more clearance instead of spacers?

DualsportWA · Nov 24, 2014

bill onthehill said:
I run V-bar ice cutter chains on my 580K with no clearance problems. They make all the difference in the world when it gets icy. Without them even in 4 wheel drive I have to back up my lane. I chain all 4 wheels and was able to pull out my neighbors 4wd John Deere tractor that he slid over an embankment on the ice last winter. The tractor was dead weight since he blew the motor trying to get it out on the steep slope. My lane is 3/4 mile to the top of the mountain and I keep it graveled rather than fight ruts and the vehicle damage they do.

Hey bill onthehill- that sounds like a good setup (v-bar chains). Do you mind me asking where you got them and what they cost you? Looks like I'll be ordering some this week. Looking at tirechains.com

bill onthehill · Nov 24, 2014

DualsportWA said:
Hey bill onthehill- that sounds like a good setup (v-bar chains). Do you mind me asking where you got them and what they cost you? Looks like I'll be ordering some this week. Looking at tirechains.com

That is where I got mine. They were about $800 10 years ago.

Clearance for mud chains on backhoe: Case -vs- Cat -vs- Deere -vs- Ford

DualsportWA

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PDG X

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DualsportWA

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PDG X

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rust farmer

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bill onthehill

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Gary863

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DualsportWA

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bill onthehill

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