A 10-step Guide to Installing Tractor Tire Chains

Step 1 - First off, try to park the vehicle on a flat surface. Avoid grassy or dirt roads whenever possible. If you have a hydrostatic transmission, unlock it. Turn the key all the way off, or just remove it.

Step 2 – Put a wheel chock or other such device behind one of your front tires. This will stop any potential rolling that the truck may be inclined to do. Safety is always a priority when working with tire chains, so you must be diligent in this regard.

Step 3 - Support the rear of your vehicle with TWO jacks. Again, this is for making the job easier, but it also makes the job much safer.

Step 4 - Lay the chains down on the ground. Make sure they are as flat as possible. Ensure that the hardware clips are accounted for and are in the proper position and location.

Step 5 – Begin applying the chains to the first tire. Start at the top and continue wrapping them until they cover the tire as completely as possible.

Step 6 - Hold the tire still and reach inside it to place the chain’s inside loop into its place.

Step 7 - This is the hardest step. You have to make sure the chains are spread across the tread of the tire as evenly as possible. There should be multiple options for where you want to place the outside chain lock. When you select one, try to keep these anchor points in place using a wire while you spread the chains out evenly across the tire. This may take a while, but evenly spreading the chains is the most important and crucial step.

Step 8 – Simply repeat the previous steps for each of the remaining tires.

Step 9 – Once you have secured all the chains, take the vehicle for a short test ride. Beware of an uneven ride, shimmying, instability or any other symptoms. If at all possible, have a second person watch as you drive the vehicle, and have them note any issues that may be present on each specific tire.

Step 10 – Make any necessary adjustments based off the knowledge you gained in step 9.