Question for ATV owners on Hardwater

[tchow]

I just picked up a set of chains for the rear for more traction. Wondering if I should have also picked up a set for the front. With the Rear on Chains, I was told to keep in 2 WD and only if the front was chained too, could I be in 4WD.

Was just wondering what your advise would be for all those with ATV's Thanks

Good luck on the upcoming Hardwater Season !

[arcticcat400]

i use chains on my sportsman just on the rear if you have them on the front it will be harder to manuever on the ice and i use mine in 2x4 unless i need 4x4 i dont see why it would hurt anything in 4wd

[Ryan_V]

I also run mine on the rear only. my last machine was full time 4wd and i was told as long as I didn't run it a long distance on gravel or tar i'd be fine also. never had a problem with chains only on rear...never even seen all 4 tires chained on a wheeler yet.

[Loogie]

I have chains only on the rear and I use my Sportsman to plow my driveway. Never had a problem in the 5 years I've been doing this.

[harvey lee]

rear tires and not in 4x4. I once pulled 4 portables with a guy on each house sitting on the seat across the lake. They pull great with chains.

[cold one sd]

I have never used chains on my ATV, but I thought it would be harder to turn on ice due to the rear differential being non slip. I would think that the rear differential would push it in a straight line and the front end would have to overcome the non slip rear end.

[Bandit]

I had an 89 Big Bear [full time] chained on all four corners for plowing and pulling,no probs. Now I have a 98 Forman [full time]and an 04 Rhino [however you want it] and have chained just the rear on both for plowing and pulling, have had no probs with these either.

[hawkeye43]

That sure beats walking We were plenty tired anyway from all the holes we cut that day.

[sirsunnyslayer]

I use a big bear (full time 4X4) with chains on the rear only and have never had any driveline problems with in 15 years. If your on ice or snow and in four wheel drive the fronts are going to slip anyways so there wouldn't be any binding problems if you are using chains on the rear only.

[fishinalot]

If theres any crust of snow at all, you shouldn't need chains. Its when the ice is bare and the sun is out melting the top is when it gets a bit tricky.