Chains - mud/snow
Submitted: Tuesday, Jul 17, 2007 at 14:06
ThreadID:
47800
Views:
3395
Replies:
3
FollowUps:
5
This Thread has been Archived
Moose
I emailed a local chain manufacturer to see whether chains from the maker were cheaper than from the likes of ARB etc. They wanted to know what I wanted them for because they claimed that snow chains and mud chains are different. I was under the impression that chains is chains. Any enlighenment forthcoming from the
forum members most welcome.
Thanks from the Moose.
Reply By: Leroy - Tuesday, Jul 17, 2007 at 14:24
Tuesday, Jul 17, 2007 at 14:24
I'm only guessing but I would think mud chains are the ladder style (even though they were used for snow in the past) as diamond pattern is prefered for ice/snow.
Leroy
AnswerID:
252955
Follow Up By: Member - Kiwi Kia - Tuesday, Jul 17, 2007 at 16:08
Tuesday, Jul 17, 2007 at 16:08
I reckon you are right Leroy. Diamond pattern will cost more
FollowupID:
514064
Follow Up By: T-Ribby - Tuesday, Jul 17, 2007 at 18:32
Tuesday, Jul 17, 2007 at 18:32
Diamond pattern recommended for snow - think they have more sideways control.
You can pick up cheap Chinese-made chains around $100 from some auto shops but don't know how long they would last.
cheers
T.R.
FollowupID:
514086
Follow Up By: Member - Kiwi Kia - Tuesday, Jul 17, 2007 at 19:35
Tuesday, Jul 17, 2007 at 19:35
I am told that they grip better on ice rather then snow.
FollowupID:
514099
Reply By: Crackles - Tuesday, Jul 17, 2007 at 20:42
Tuesday, Jul 17, 2007 at 20:42
Snow chains are normally diamond pattern which ensure there are links in contact with the ground at all times avoiding skidding. For this reason the alpine resorts recomend if not require them to be carried. Mud chains are normally ladder pattern & usually a lot thicker chain as when offroad it's easy to break links. Bigger links make them rough to ride on the tar so not as usable up the ski fields. The ladder chains are run slightly loose (can slide your hand under the cross links) which flicks the mud off ensuring they're clean the next time they come around.
In reality a decent set of diamond pattern chains for use up the snow will do fine for the rare times they'd be reqired in the mud. Not really treading lightly with them although I find they're ideal to safely decend steep clay hills.
Cheers Craig............
AnswerID:
253032
Follow Up By: Robin Miller - Wednesday, Jul 18, 2007 at 08:07
Wednesday, Jul 18, 2007 at 08:07
Seems a pretty good summary to me.
I just always carry a pair of lightweight chinese snow chains and for the few times you really use them they last for years and are easy to fit.
As Craig says ,its wet clay hills that can be very nasty
Robin Miller
FollowupID:
514172
Reply By: geocacher (djcache) - Wednesday, Jul 18, 2007 at 00:05
Wednesday, Jul 18, 2007 at 00:05
I could be wrong but there was discussion a while back about ladder chains being phased out with a view to no meeting the legal requirements for carrying chains into Alpine areas.
Dave
AnswerID:
253084
Follow Up By: Crackles - Wednesday, Jul 18, 2007 at 17:35
Wednesday, Jul 18, 2007 at 17:35
Has been talk about that Dave & as an incentive to upgrade from ladders I know Hotham has closed the road to all vehicles that don't have diamond pattern when the conditions have been bad. Hire joints have long swapped over & they'd be doing a great business today with snow down to 500 metres. The High Country certainly looks spectacular.
Cheers Craig.................
FollowupID:
514305