automatic traction solution

Safety at the flip of a switch.

Snow. Ice. A current or impending blizzard. When the weather slows you down, trust ROTOGRIP® to keep you moving.

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01
INCREASED
TRACTION

02
INCREASED
SAFETY

03
INCREASED
PEACE OF MIND

BUILT FOR SERIOUS CONDITIONS.

DEPENDABLE TRACTION WHEN IT MATTERS MOST.

✓ Improves traction for vehicles in hazardous weather conditions.

✓ A dashboard switch activates the system, engaging the chain wheel only when additional traction is needed.

✓ A pneumatic cylinder swings the chain wheel into the tire, where tire rotation powers the system.

✓ Centrifugal force feeds the chain strands beneath the tire, creating traction between the tire and the road surface.

✓When switched off, air pressure is released and the chain wheel retracts to its parked position, ready for normal driving.

BUILT FOR MANY APPLICATIONS.

the TRUSTED solution when reliable traction matters.

SCHOOL BUSES

FIRE & RESCUE

AMBULANCES

MUNICIPAL VEHICLES

MOTOR COACHES

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

PASSENGER TRUCKS

…and more! Contact RotoGrip® to discuss the solution right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Automatic tire chains were designed to give you traction on ice and snowpack at the flip of a switch. The speed of the vehicle causes the chains on the chain wheel to lift by centrifugal force; the weight of the chain determines the speed at which they lift and go under the tire. RUD Rotogrip® chain wheels use a smaller chain which will lift at 3 to 4 MPH, and up to speeds of 30 MPH. The wheel has a tapered surface that contacts the drive tire so that it has more surface area for less slippage.

  • The chain wheel touches the drive tire around 4 inches above the ground; thus, if the snow is less than 4 inches, they will perform as they should. If the snow depth is greater than 4 inches, the snow will stop the chains from lifting and going under the tire. Automatic chain systems will correctly function if the snow is light and powdery, but if the snow is heavy and wet, it may stop the chains from lifting and going under the tire. In mountain driving, you may not encounter ice until you reach the higher elevations, but with the flip of a switch, you will be ready for the icy conditions.

  • No, automatic tire chains were designed for use on ice and packed snow only. We would suggest that you use traditional tire chains to help with better traction in mud.

  • If installed correctly, automatic chains will function with ease; they work best when the chain wheel location is centered on the drive tire. The vehicle drives over the chain if the chain wheel has been set up correctly and this reduces the wear on the chain wheel and drive tire; this is one of the superior features of RUD’s automatic chain mounting. For adjustability, RUD uses a mounting tube which allows us to move the chain wheel forward, or back to locate the chain wheel correctly.

  • Automatic tire chains can be felt under the tires when used on ice and snowpack, but the noise that they produce is low. When you reach dry pavement, the noise level will increase slightly; retract the chains when this occurs.

  • RotoGrip® can be used on 3/4-ton pickups and up, including ambulances. Not enough clearance is allowed for automatic snow chain use on cars and SUVs.

  • The chains are designed to run safely up to speeds of 30MPH, and if used correctly, they have been tested extensively and will not break. RotoGrip® chain systems are the safest means of traction on ice and snowpack that are available today, and the results are seen by users worldwide. Deploying the chains at high rates of speed is the only way to break the chain links. The chains should be deployed and retracted at 10 MPH or less.

  • Contact us at 800-553-7993 or rotogrip@rudchain.com.

CONTACT US TO REQUEST A QUOTE OR SPEAK TO AN EXPERT

Our highly trained and experienced sales and service teams will help with any questions, comments, or concerns.

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