Step #1 Practice before it snows. New chains sometimes need to be adjusted to the physical tire that you are using. To install snuggly, tire chains may need to have some excess chain cut off. You may need a couple of bungee cords to add some tension. It is best to know that, before you're snowed in.

Step #2 Lay the tire chains out on the floor with the curled ends of the cross chains down toward the floor.

 

The flat surface of the cross chains should be against the tire sidewall when installed. Make sure that the side chains are straight and not twisted or crossed. Notice that there are 2 different clips/hooks at one end of both side chains.

The fixed hook will be installed on the inside (tractor) side of the tire.

The long, moveable clip will be on the outside side of the tire (away from tractor). You should now have the chains laid out in the fashion that they would wrap around the tire.


Step #3 Now the chains should be ready to install. Either drive the unit over the chains to a point that you can work them around the tire or jack the wheel off the ground. Make sure that you have read the disclaimer and practice safety first. Turn the engine off, use jack stands, etc.

Step #4 Hook the inside side-chain (AS SHOWN ABOVE). To start, just hook it to the first link of the other end of the same side chain that its on. Now hook the outer chain by passing the long shank thru the first link(AS SHOWN ABOVE) of the other end of the same side chain its on.
 

Then fold it back on itself. Hook the hook into the chain. If there is a lot of slack in the chains hook, the hooks on both side to the next link in on the side chain etc. Repeat the procedure for the other tire.

Step #5 If the chains are "very" loose check that the tire is inflated correctly. Please note that tire chains often fit loosely on the tire. This is ok. What you want is the chain to stay on the tire while using the unit. If it is too loose you may need to install a bungee cord across the tire to help tension the chains. If it does you're done.

What is the difference between 2 and 4 link spacing? Spacing is defined as the number of side chain links skipped between cross chains. For 2 link spacing, cross chains occur every 2 side chain links. For 4 link spacing, cross chains occur every 4 side chain link.

Which is better 2 or 4 link spacing? 2 link is always better. It provides for a more consistent ride by having more chain on the face of the tire. Therefore, helping to reduce the bumpy ride from being on chain - off chain. 2 link is always recommended for steering tires, since it allows more steering control.

When are V-Bar chains recommended? V-bar are helpful on hill, ice and hard packed conditions. They are not recommended on pavement since they can damage the surface it the tires begin to spin.