Chains Anybody modify and lengthen ladder chains - how to

[rmorey]

I have a set of one year old ladder chains that fit my old CK25 w/R4 tires. They don't fit my DK40. (about 12" short) In addition, the ladder chains don't really work on the R1's, because the crossers lay between the treads. I'd like to run a centre chain to help keep the crossers on top of the tread.

Is this feasible, or should I just sell/trade them and buy new?

 

[Dave M7040]

You would be better off getting new ones. The cross chains are hardened and connecting a chain to the mid point will prove next to impossible.
Adding more length to your existing chains is possible. The chain suppliers have youtube videos showing how to do it.
Consider screw in tire studs as an alternative to chains. You put them in in the fall and remove them in the spring.
Tire Studs - Maxigrip Ice Studs - Snow Studs
Dave M7040

 

[rmorey]

You would be better off getting new ones. The cross chains are hardened and connecting a chain to the mid point will prove next to impossible.
Adding more length to your existing chains is possible. The chain suppliers have youtube videos showing how to do it.
Consider screw in tire studs as an alternative to chains. You put them in in the fall and remove them in the spring.
Tire Studs - Maxigrip Ice Studs - Snow Studs
Dave M7040

Thanks Dave,

Thats what I figured, but thought I would ask before I scrapped the idea completely. :thumbsup:

 

[Egon]

Proper chain parts can be purchased. Putting it all together isn't that difficult.:thumbsup:

 

[CobyRupert]

A heavy duty tire chain tool comes in handy for the compression type splice links

if you're not using the threaded type replacement links.

 

[VictorW]

As mentioned above, lengthening the chains is the easy part. Just get the correct lenght of side chain needed and the correct length cross chains. The center chain you want to put on needs to be hardened chain and would be tough to work with. You could get cold formed rod and make rings to connect two cross chains like most logging skidders use but this would still be hard to do and time consuming. I think your idea of sell/trade and get new would be best.

 

[rmorey]

As mentioned above, lengthening the chains is the easy part. Just get the correct lenght of side chain needed and the correct length cross chains. The center chain you want to put on needs to be hardened chain and would be tough to work with. You could get cold formed rod and make rings to connect two cross chains like most logging skidders use but this would still be hard to do and time consuming. I think your idea of sell/trade and get new would be best.

I concur.

I called my dealer today, he has a buyer for my old (1 yr old) ladder chains and has a set of "nearly new" chains that have 4" circle crossers, from a DK that he is willing to trade me.

 

[kco]

As others noted it is likely best to purchase new chains such as Aquiline or a DUO pattern to keep the cross chains out of the tread.

One thing that might be worthwhile is to modify your existing ladder chains for the smaller front tires. I had some old 4-link ladders that fit my DK35's rear R4 tires but were ineffective because they got lost in the tread. I was able to shorten them for the front tires and there were enough cross chains to make them into 2-link ladder chains. I had to cut three links from the cross chains. It was fairly easy using large bolt cutters and a heavy duty chain tool like CodyRupert mentioned.

One thing about DUO's...I found them very rough but modified them as shown in this thread:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/268885-duo-chains-planned-modifications.html

...and they are much better.

The chain tool was a "must have" for the modification.

This is a the link to the thread where I discussed converting my old 4-link ladders to 2-link ladders for the fronts:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kioti-owning-operating/267943-only-front-chains.html

 

[kco]

DELETED...Double posted by mistake.

 

[CobyRupert]

I just noticed in the picture of the heavy duty chain tool I posted that it too only has 1 rubber handle grip. And I thought mine was missing one because it had fallen off! Hmmpff! Wonder why they only come with one?