Do you want to know how to measure snow blower tire chains?
Getting the proper tire chains for your snowblower tires is crucial since you need them to improve traction.
Finding out the right size snow chains for your snowblower is the same as determining one for your car. However, if you still lack knowledge about this procedure, here is an easy guide that you can follow.
Table of Contents
What is the proper procedure in measuring snow blower tire chains?
Check the snowblower tires’ clearance
Tire chains are made for snow and ice use, and you might think that they can fit with all types of wheels from different kinds of snowblowers, but sadly, it is not true.
However, depending on the model, there may be sufficient space between the snowblower’s machine body and the inner tire sidewall. In general terms, you will require a clearance of about two inches.
Most snowblower wheels, particularly the two-stage ones, have specially made tires with treads that provide the necessary grip on slippery snow or ice-filled roads. However, they will sometimes lose traction and spin out of control on dense ice.
Your snowblower will still need tire chains, but you do not need to measure the inner space anymore. Its manufacturers will usually provide these details in the users’ manuals if the models do not fit the snow blower tire chains.
Identify the size of your snowblower tires
You can see the size of the tires labeled on the sides, but they are sometimes confusing to read. However, there is an easier way to read it.
You will see two or three numbers along with symbols. The symbols do not signify anything and are only there to distinguish and separate between the numbers. So you do not need to deduct or multiply them, and various tire manufacturers use different tire markings.
For instance, if you see 26×12-12, the first number signifies the height, the second refers to the width, and the third for the rim diameter.
If you see two 4-6, the first refers to the width and the second for the rim diameter.
Here is another example:
If you see 4.10/3.5-6, the first number signifies the measurement from the rim to the outer edge, the second refers to the width, and the third for the rim (all of the measurements are in inches).
If you do not see any numbers on the side of the tires, you can find the measurements using a tape measure. You can use it to find out the tire height, rim diameter, and width.
Learn about the kind of tread on your snowblower tires
After knowing the measurements of your tires, you will have to find out if the chains fit its type of tire tread. Not every snowblower tire chain can fit all kinds of tire treads, and if it does not sync up, both cannot work properly.
As mentioned above, your tires may not need chains and can usually manage, but you should still have chains available as an option in case your snowblower might struggle.
Fortunately, these details can be found on the users’ manual, so have that available with you if you intend to buy tire chains.
How to fit snowblower tire chains
Your snowblower users’ manual will usually have a guide in to attach tire chains to the tires, which you would need to browse through for extra safety measures.
For a more thorough guide, please read below:
- Lay down the tire chains on the ground with the flat sides facing up.
- Look for the side with adjustable clips and the sides with close clips. The adjustable clips should be on the tire’s outer edge.
- Once the tire chains are in the proper position, gently push the snowblower a little forward. This way, the tires will now be sitting on the chains.
- Hoist the two ends of the tire chains and attach them, covering the whole tire, and do the same thing on the other side.
- Inspect if the chains and properly attached. It should not be too loose and have some movement so it would not remove on its own.
- As an additional step: you can attach bungee cords if the tire chains are too loose.
FAQ or frequently asked questions about snowblowers and measuring them for tire chains
What is a snowblower, and what is it used for?
After learning about snowblower tire chains, you should learn about the piece of the machinery itself: the snowblower.
If you live in an area with snow during the winter season, you have at least minimal knowledge about snowblowers. This machine’s main task is to clear snow in areas that should hot have snow, like passageways, driveways, and sidewalks.
It works similarly with a leaf blower. But instead of leaves, snow particles are blown.
It does not use air to clear the snow but an auger to push it aside. It derives power from either electricity, diesel, or gas and is available in various sizes.
Even though snowblowers come in different sizes, they are usually classed into two groups: one-stage or two-stage snowblowers. Both work the same, but each is suited to work with different depths.
A one-stage snow blower is ideal for smaller quantities of snow, and a two-stage one works well with larger snow depths.
What are snowblower tire chains?
As mentioned above, snowblower tires do not necessarily need tire chains. Its treads would usually be enough for traction on the snowy surface.
However, the time will come when the snow and ice are densely packed, and the snowblower might spin out of control.
It is essential to have tire chains handy whenever this occurs. Simply put, tire chains are chains fitted to the tires to cover the surfaces to yield traction, which enables the tires to travel without any slippage.
There are many tire chains available for snowblower tires. So make sure you know its measurements first before getting one.
Are tire chains effective in getting traction?
Tire chains an extremely effective in providing traction on snowy surfaces and are always used on other vehicles.
For snowblowers, their tires are built to generate better traction, but sometimes they are not enough. Thus, chains provide an extra grip for especially icy surfaces.
As mentioned, not all snowblowers tires can fit with any kind of tire chains, so be sure to check on the user’s manual.
Are snowblower tire chains available in various sizes?
Yes they are, and similar to car tires, they are available in different sizes.
Review the guide above on how to find out your snowblower tires’ size and tread so that you can get the proper sized tire chains.
Do the snowblower tire chains need to be the precise size?
It is crucial to get tire chains with the closest fit, but do not expect a perfect fit and aim for the closest you can attain for the tires. You also have to be sure it is not too loose, or accidents might occur.
How tight should tire chains be on the wheels of a snowblower?
As mentioned, they should not be too tight or too loose on the tires. Make sure they are not loose enough to fall off since you might have to constantly tighten them.
The tire chains for snowblowers have many links for adjustments. This way, if you notice they are too tight or loose, you can easily adjust them.
Are tire chains for your snowblower worth all the hassle?
Even though, in most cases, your snowblower might not need tire chains anymore since its tires have the proper treads.
However, if you live in an area with extreme snowfall every winter season, you will need tire chains handy in case its wheels would struggle on the snowy surface.
Is learning about how to measure snow blower tire chains necessary?
It is, and as a responsible homeowner, once the snow falls in your driveway, you will need a snowblower to clear out the snow. And knowing the correct procedure to measure snow blower tire chains is crucial.
Even though its tires might be enough for traction, you will still need tire chains in case the surface gets too slippery and unmanageable.
