Thread: Chains save tracks

I'm having difficulty finding any section of rules related to using mud chains in VIC?

I agree that chains save tracks, they are also the only way you can get around sometime in wet weather. Any Knob can tear up a track, it takes real skill not to. I can get my landie up grease hills without chains where others have trouble as I have learnt when to have momentum, when to put the foot down but most of all when to back off. Wheel spin = slowing down and digging holes. Here are some photo's of my County in Chains. There is one of my other 4bie it gets around without chains and leaving very little signs.[IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG]

We used chains in the black/red clay soils country around Winton on the mail runs in the wet. Wall and Co. never ever had a 4wd vehicle but trucks with chains could get the mail through in all but the worst of conditions.

As a matter of interest in over 80 years of motor mail contracting in Western Qld. by my family, only one 4wd vehicle was used, a Nissan ute used by a cousin subbying anothers contract from about 2000-2004. I asked him if the job was easier with 4wd. His reply was that he put the hubs in once last year but probably did not need to.

These guys used skill, experience, and local knowledge.

I have chains and use them when I have to. Getting through snow-melt is the biggest single use. I carry them for snow but honestly can't remember needing to use them on my 4wd in the snow on public roads. I have needed chains in the snow on my old 2wd car. Left behind all the 4wd's without chains too.

Idling through with chains vs having to spin tyres to keep throwing the mud out of the treads. It's no question which rips up tracks more.

Vehicles don't wreck tracks, stupid people do.

My im impression of the laws in vic is you could be fined for not having chains with you ( in your vehicle) in a snow designated area

Originally Posted by D110V8D

Several years ago I was out driving with a mate and we both had chains fitted to our vehicle's. We were pulled up by a ranger who made us remove the chains right there and then or cop a fine.

This was in Victoria, not sure what the rules are down there but I'm led to believe that unless you're in the snow, no chains allowed.

hey mick, was i with you that day? if so, I thought it was other 4WDers that said a ranger would fine us if we were caught. anyway, that day, while the chains were on (for all of 2 minutes) there was enough traction to bend the steering track rod when it came in contact with the clay between the wheel ruts.

and on another occassion

while heading home one weekend the main road was blocked by a huge tree. decided to detour via a 4wd track. got up and over the first hill, and the second, but after many attempts I could not get up the third hill. nor could i get back up the hill i had just come down. the clay and rock were just to loose and slippery. and 60m worth of steep hill using a hand winch wasn't my preferred option. decided to put the wheel chains on. i got up the hill first go. you could say i almost idled up the hill. there was no noticebale damage to the track caused by the wheel chains compared to tyre spin without chains.

I love chains in mud. Poor mans diff locks.
I have a set of 4 Ladders for the 130 and a really nice set of Cam Lock Diamonds for the Disco. Can't beat 'em for traction and if used correctly shouldn't damage tracks.

Every road going offroad tyre I've had experience with (TSLs,Boggers,silverstone, Simex etc), unlike tractor tyres, require wheel speed to self clean. Wheel speed requires horsepower and chews up tracks. horsepower is something that my old 2 1/4 litre engine has never produced anyway, so in conditions that require it I carry and use chains.The only conditions i have found where chains have been a disadvantage and chew up the track surface without providing any useful traction is in sandstone country. The only gripe I have is that chains are a PITA to fit, and I have been promising myself for the past 40 years that I would sit down and design a set ofeasy fit, cleated clamp on steel bands.
As for sticky beaks out on the tracks trying to give me grief about using them on the trails, mind your own business. I'll deal with the legal consequences as and when.
Bill.