ATVs have three types of chains: drive chains, tire chains, and trailer chains. Most are made of high carbon steel, but some are made of nylon or plastic. Drive chains require regular cleaning and lubrication, while tire chains provide extra traction in snow, ice, and mud. Trailer chains are used to pull broken ATVs or fallen trees, but nylon tow ropes are becoming more popular.
There are generally three types of chains associated with all-terrain vehicles (ATVs): drive chains, tire chains, and trailer chains. All of these styles of ATV chain are very different and provide a specific function for the ATV and its owner. Commonly, most types of ATV chains are made from high carbon steel and are designed to provide years of maintenance free use. However, there are some replacement products for ATV chains that are made from nylon and other types of plastic.
Many ATVs use a steel drive chain to drive the machine. Similar to a bicycle chain, though larger, these ATV chains send power from the machine’s engine and transmission to the driveshaft. This chain must remain very flexible to prevent breakage, so a routine maintenance schedule of cleaning and lubrication must be adhered to. Typically, light oil is used to lubricate the drive chain, since light oil can seep into and between the links of ATV chains. Some of the high performance drive chains use small rubber o-rings between the chain links to help retain oil and keep the chain lubricated.
Tire chains are also commonly used on ATV tires. The chains provide additional traction in snow, ice and mud by digging deep into the surface and grabbing solid material. Sometimes these ATV chains are used on dry land when a higher amount of traction is needed. When using the ATV to pull heavy loads or push large amounts of dirt or snow, these tire chains come in handy. Occasionally, the owner of a four-wheel drive ATV will place these types of tire chains on all four tires to add as much traction as possible to the machine.
Another type of chain used with an ATV is a trailer chain. These ATV chains are typically used to pull a broken ATV off a trail ride or to help pull a fallen tree off the road or off a trail. Nothing more than a straight chain, this type of chain commonly has a hook attached to each of its ends. Nylon tow ropes have replaced the use of chains for many ATV owners due to their light weight and ease of use and storage. The tow chain is commonly carried on the ATV by simply twisting the chain around a luggage rack on the vehicle.
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