Tinkering with the 71, upgrades added
 

So 2 weeks ago, my neighbor was having a garage/yard sale. I found bran new 2-link tire chains for 10.00 . My cleated 4-link tire chains are almost thoroughly worn down, and cobbled together in many places with wire, and removable links. Here is a description of the 2-link chains I have.
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I happen to have a nice set of IH wheel weights, and a set of 1/4" wheel spacers I originally planed to have for the model 72 tractor. I thought best use from these two parts would benefit me and the model 71 for full time winter snow removal.

I started out by removing the rear wheels. Got out the bucket and soap, garden hose and washed down the wheels.
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An inspection of the left and right inner fender wells. The well-used 4-link tire chains had there toll.
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This bolt is chewed up. Glad I got it removed, and replaced.
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After I had washed and let dry the insides of the fender wells, I protected the open metal with a few coats of rattle can primer.
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A look at the two sets of wheel weights and new tire chains.
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The new 1/4" wheel spacers I got from Cub Cadet Specialties. These will help to prevent my tire chains from tearing up the inner fender well again. I had painted 3 coats of an automotive primer sealer on them, and a coat or two of rattle can primer. I could not spare any yellow paint unfortunately.

Did not take long to figure out how to install them.
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A lot of work is involved in this type of set up. Here I align the left and right rear rim to the axel.
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nice upgrades:beerchug:

Looking good John!:beerchug:

X2! :beerchug:

Nice idea on the axle spacer. I will have to make a pair for my tractor. Those tire chains are the wrong size for your wheels unless the box is labeled wrong. Those are sized for a lawn tractor.:bigthink:

nice upgrades. You'll like the 2 link ride feel IMO.

Yes, that's true. The chains are for a Craftsman lawn tractor. The previous owner of the chains never bothered with then. I also got the Craftsman 42" push blade and it's attachment brackets for an additional 10 dollars!

As for the fir of the chains, they fit great so far. While the Operator's Manual calls for 6psi air pressure for a 23"x 8.50 - 12 rear rim, I have had for the last 5 years running with 15 psi in the rear tires, and they still hold air with no leaks!

I will make it a point to include here in this thread the fit of the chains. Some tractor operators claim a "little" looseness in the chain fit is acceptable. I had been cautious myself about buying the chains in the first place, but for 10.00 it was worth a shot!