I'm going to start a different post to deal with some aspects of this, but I may have found a solution to this chain problem and would like the opinion of the forum members.
As has been discussed, spacers are an option, but so are rims. I have found a manufacturer of custom rims who can make me a set of rims for my rear wheels that will move the tires/wheels out to where I want them. These rims would be identical to my existing JD rims, but would be out of heavier steel, stronger, have a thicker hub, and would step the tires out whatever distance I want. I thought I'd step out 1" to 1 1/2".
The cost of these rims would be $190 each. That's a lot in some ways, BUT, it's really not much more than what I've been quoted for spacers. As a matter of fact, several of the quotes I've had for spacers have been much higher than that.
I'm also thinking that the custom rims would likely be better than spacers because (1) I don't have to deal with spacers AND rims, and (2) the rims would mount as per normal using the same bolts as the stock rims.
I can even get them done up in traditional JD yellow.
This company has been building custom rims for agriculture and automotive application for many years, and they supply a lot of equipment manufacturers. They guarantee me that all parts of their rims will be heavier and stronger than the stock JD rims, and that they will easily support much more weight even though they are stepped out.
So, my thoughts are that the custom rims would be a better way to go than spacers. What are your opinions on this?