Automatic truck tire chains

Types of automatic truck tire chains

Automatic truck tire chains are devices for heavy trucks and vehicles that help provide better traction on snow and ice roads. They are also known as bush-type products that can be flailed out and withdrawn on the tires. They can be mounted on vehicles with a special mounting bracket or be integrated into the vehicle, depending on the type of chain.

There are many kinds of automatic truck tire chains that are made of different materials with various specifications, weights, and usages. The most common ones are the snow tire chains for flail types, which are usually anti-skid chains for snowy days. They are also frequent visitors in the northern and hilly areas by providing sturdiness and excellent grip on rugged terrains. Another ordinary kind is the alloy automatic tire chains, which are made of alloy steel, a heavy, strong, and durable metal mixture, that can resist wear and breakage. They are highly anti-skid chains for heavy trucks. When alloy automatic tire chains are mounted on the heavy truck tires, they create a pattern that looks like a net or claw, which can give a better grip on the ground. They're heavy-duty steel chains that can be used in extreme conditions, such as icy and rugged terrains.

Another type of automatic truck tire chain is the plastic automatic tire chain, which is a lighter and less durable material. Nonetheless, their qualities are still excellent. They are also called composite tire chains. They are not as heavy as steel automatic tire chains, but they can provide good traction and are preferable selections for cars with less weight. They have the advantage of being quieter and not as harsh as steel ones on asphalt when driving. Meanwhile, they still give the vehicles somewhat grip and anti-slip functions. Furthermore, they are also easier to install on tires.

The last common varieties are the pub-type automatic truck tire chains, which have similar usages as the snow bush-type chains but different structuring. Pub-type chains have oval links that are tightly formed, which can combine and contour in the groves of the tire, thus creating great traction and stability on the ground.

The disk-type automatic truck tire chains are similar to the pub ones, but they have round links that deliver traction and stability on highways, snowy roads, and slippery roads.

• Flail/Bushtype: Flail or bush-type tire chains have a series of links or crossbars mounted on a flexible shaft. When rotating with the tire, they combine and contour in the groves of the tire, delivering traction and stability.
• Disc/Phptype: Disc or ph type tire chains feature a circular pattern of interconnected links resembling a snowflake. They are usually installed on the exterior of the tire. The chain serves as a shield, covering the contact patch area. The cross-links of disc tire chains fit the grooves of the tire, providing traction and slip prevention.
• Alloy steel automatic tire chains: These are made from alloy steel, a stronger and more durable metal mixture that can withstand heavy use and resist breakage. Alloy steel automatic tire chains are heavy-duty options designed for more demanding applications.
• Plastic automatic tire chains: Also known as composite tire chains, these are made from a combination of plastic and polyurethane. They are lighter and less abrasive than steel but can still provide good traction on ice and snow.
• Smooth surface tire chains: Smooth surface automatic truck tire chains are also called non-lug. They are cross-linked pattern mesh, which is not as rough as others, but they still provide grip in many environments, such as in water, mud, and snow.

Specification and Maintenance

Snow chains for trucks come with various specifications, which differ depending on the automatic tire chain manufacturers and the intended use for the chains. The following are some key specifications to look out for when purchasing truck snow chains.

• Material

  Truck snow chains can be made of different types of materials, such as steel, alloy, or polymer.

• Patterns

  A truck snow chain may have a diamond pattern or ladder pattern. The diamond patterns provide superior traction in ice and snow, while ladder patterns offer better lateral traction and are more suitable for getting through packed snow.

• Installation

  There are automatic and manual snow chains for trucks. Automatic tire chains are installed on a mounting device connected to the vehicle's frame. They are easy to deploy and stow away automatically. Manual snow chains are placed over the tires manually before driving through snowy or icy terrains.

• Weight

  Snow chains for trucks are heavier than chains for light-duty vehicles, such as passenger cars. However, each design and pattern snow chain will weigh differently.

• Tire Size Compatibility

  Snow chains are designed to fit specific tire sizes. Users must find chains compatible with their truck tire sizes.

• Durability

  Durability is mostly dependent on the material the snow chain is made of. Steel chains are known for their strength and can withstand harsh conditions. Alloy chains are lighter and more durable than traditional steel chains. Polymer chains offer a more durable option, and they can last longer even with consistent use on rugged terrains.

Maintenance

Depending on the material, design, and pattern, snow chains will have different maintenance techniques. Here are a few general maintenance tips users can employ to increase the durability of their snow chains.

• Cleaning: Use soap and water to get rid of mud, dirt, or ice buildup on the snow chain. This prevents corrosion. When cleaning, ensure that the water isn't too hot, as it can damage the chain.
• Drying: After cleaning the snow chain, it is important to dry it properly. Use compressed air to blow out any moisture within the links.
• Lubrication: Lubricate the chain periodically to prevent it from wearing out quickly and rusting, as it will be shielded from water and debris.
• Storage: Store the snow chain in a dry and cool place. A protective bag can be used to prevent dust and dirt from getting on the chains during storage.

Scenarios of an automatic truck tire chain

Businesses and road users have many ways to use automatic tire chains. Here are some of the common applications for commercial automatic tire chains

• Snow and ice management:

  Automatic tire chains are worthwhile alternatives to snow plows for rural, municipal, and county road authorities. They assist truckloads, buses, and cars in gaining traction on snowy or icy roads. This hardware reduces road closure and allows traffic to flow without putting the safety of road users at risk.

• Public transportation and school buses:

  Many public transport companies and school systems use automatic tire chains on buses and coaches. This equipment provides additional traction during bad weather and keeps the services running smoothly and safely.

• Logistics and freight transportation:

  Many freight and logistics companies install automatic tire chains on their trucks. The devices help the trucks to navigate through winter weather and difficult road conditions. With this equipment, trucks maintain schedule accuracy and deliver cargo securely.

• Construction projects:

  Automatic tire chains are helpful on construction site dump trucks and material transport trucks. They assist these trucks in dealing with muddy or slippery conditions, mainly when working in remote areas or inclement weather.

• Emergency and rescue vehicles:

  Automatic tire chains are standard equipment for many emergency response and rescue vehicles. Fire trucks, for example, may install them to ensure the vehicle can respond to emergencies, rescue operations, or firefighting tasks, even in severe weather conditions.

• Agriculture and farming:

  Agricultural machinery can also have automatic tire chains. They improve the traction of tractors, harvesters, and other farm equipment. The result is working efficiently in muddy or loose soil conditions. Farmers reduce crop loss and boost productivity, even in adverse weather conditions.

• Winter equipment rental companies:

  Tire chain rental outfits can purchase or rent an automatic tire chain system at wholesale prices. They will be able to serve contractors and home and business owners who need snow or ice traction solutions on a short-term or seasonal basis.

How to Choose Automatic Truck Tire Chains

When buying automatic tire chains for trucks, fleet managers should pick durable ones. They should also choose chains that will fit the truck tires perfectly. In this case, they'd need to know the correct dimensions of their truck tires and select automatic tire chains that match these dimensions. Moreover, they should choose chains that their drivers can easily install and remove. They should also get compatible ones for their trucks. This means they should select chains whose mounting systems are compatible with their trucks' suspension systems, design, and configuration.

Furthermore, the material used to manufacture automatic truck tire chains is crucial, so fleet managers should choose chains made of sturdy materials, such as manganese steel links. Such materials can tolerate heavy loads and extreme weather conditions. Also, they should opt for automatic tire chains with dependable tensioning systems. Such systems will ensure that the chains stay securely fastened to the tires, thereby offering consistent performance. Moreover, fleet managers should consider the driving conditions their trucks often face before purchasing automatic tire chains. In this case, those that frequently traverse icy or snowy terrains should buy snow tire chains designed specifically for icy and snowy conditions. On the other hand, those that mostly encounter off-road, muddy, and rugged terrains should get off-road chains suitable for such conditions.

Additionally, fleet managers should prioritize the ease of use of the automatic tire chains they are buying. In this case, they should buy automatic truck tire chains that are easy to operate and set up. They should look for models with clear instructions and straightforward processes. It's also important to consider the maintenance requirements of the automatic truck tire chains they are selecting. Fortunately, some models on the market have low maintenance requirements. They also come with self-cleaning features.

Finally, fleet managers should opt for automatic tire chains that have additional safety features. In most cases, the additional safety features may include reflective elements for visibility in low-light situations.

Automatic truck tire chains Q&A

Q1: Are automatic tire chains worth it?

A1: Research shows that investing in an automatic tire chain dispenser can save a fleet over $7,000 annually. This is due to reduced tire replacement costs and repairs, enhanced fuel economy, and increased equipment lifespan.

Q2: How fast can a vehicle go with tire chains?

A2: The general rule is that one can drive up to 30 mph (50 km/h) with tire chains on. However, this depends on the type of chain and the surface conditions. Always consult the manufacturer guidelines before proceeding.

Q3: Can snow be compacted without tire chains?

A3: Yes, it is possible, but using tire chains will make the process much faster and efficient. Also, the snow may later become hard and compacted, making it difficult to remove and putting the machinery at risk of damage.

Q4: Should a u-chain be used on a snowmobile tire?

A4: It is not recommended. Using a tire chain could damage the snowmobile. If the treads are worn out and slipping, it's better to look for snowmobile track alternatives.