(ET) Tire Chains

[Larry Chace <RLC1 etnainstruments com>]

There is another potentially interesting parameter related to tire 
chains -- the "density" of the cross-links.  My I-5 with snowthrower 
has 4-link chains on the rears, whereas my E15 with snowplow has the 
"denser" (better?) 2-link chains.  A series of recent storms left 
layers of slush, ice, and dripping wet snow.  The I-5 navigated that 
mess just fine, but the E15 had practically no traction, something 
that hasn't happened to me before now.

Careful investigation (a quick look!) showed that the E15 tires were 
completely packed with frozen slush and ice, such that the tires 
turned into nice smooth ice cylinders instead of rubber tires with 
grippy chains.  A small hammer was sufficient to break up the new ice 
"tread" and restore the E15's previous ability to climb the driveway 
slope and actually remove snow.  The wider spacing on the I-5's 
4-link chains prevented the icy build-up.

This might be a case where 4-link chains are better than 2-link.

Larry Chace, Ithaca, NY  I-5 and E15