k0ua
Epic Contributor
thanks guys!
Tire chains on DK35SE with cab
- Thread starter Maineiak
- Start date
- Views: 12578
kco
Veteran Member
I am posting to this thread since it relates to the original subject of fitting chains while working around the limited clearances of a DK35SE with R4's.
REAR CHAINS:
I think the safest and easiest solution is to add spacers like maineiac did.
After two years of fiddling (and no spacers), I think I finally have fitted my chains so I can be confident there will be no interference. My first step was to modify the DUO patterns as shown in this thread:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ed-modifications-post3207502.html#post3207502
and this year I (think) I eliminated the final problem of chains shifting due to the end gap by adding one more DUO pattern:
Old end gap:
New end gap:
FRONT CHAINS:
(an on-going issue)
I had trouble with my DK35SE front chains this winter when a bungee tensioner broke, the chain shifted, and I failed to notice until I got home. It wore a couple of links as shown here:
They worked OK since but I resolved to make them fit better. However, some cross chain link welds are starting to separate so I decided to replace them. I got H-pattern(a denser DUO-type pattern) from CanadianChains.com.
H-Pattern Regular Link Heavy Duty - Small Tractor
I thought they might work because they use the same size, 7mm, components as the 2-link ladders I have now. I thought the H-pattern would keep them more centred and higher on the tire. I was mistaken:
A clearance issue arises because the 4-link H-pattern places the side chain closer to the centre of the wheel and the bevel gear housing. The clearance is that tight, but manageable with the 2-link ladders.
So I am investigating two options:
1. (preferred option) keep the H-pattern chains and add spacers. I like the chains and spacers will resolve the tight clearance issue once and for all.
2. exchange the chains for bulk parts and make custom 2-link ladder chains. A clearance issue remains, but is manageable through custom fitting, careful installation, and good tensioners to hold the chains in place.
Friday I emailed Motorsport-tech and Bro-Tec for availability and prices for front spacers, and CanadianChains about returning or exchanging the chains in the event I cannot get spacers.
I realise spacers increase front axle stress, but I don't believe it will be issue. I'll keep the spacer to a minimum(1.5"?) and think the DK35's front end components are strong relative to the tractor/loader capability. The components are basically the same as the DK40/45/50's with the DK35 having a smaller bucket and a loader with half the lifting capacity. That robust front axle design is the main cause of the DK35 front wheel clearance issue. The DK35's smaller tires put the sidewall closer to the bevel gear housing than the DK40/45/50's larger tires.
QUESTION:
Do you know of other good sources for wheel spacers in addition to Bro-Tec and MotorSport-Tech?
REAR CHAINS:
I think the safest and easiest solution is to add spacers like maineiac did.
After two years of fiddling (and no spacers), I think I finally have fitted my chains so I can be confident there will be no interference. My first step was to modify the DUO patterns as shown in this thread:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ed-modifications-post3207502.html#post3207502
and this year I (think) I eliminated the final problem of chains shifting due to the end gap by adding one more DUO pattern:
Old end gap:
New end gap:
FRONT CHAINS:
(an on-going issue)
I had trouble with my DK35SE front chains this winter when a bungee tensioner broke, the chain shifted, and I failed to notice until I got home. It wore a couple of links as shown here:
They worked OK since but I resolved to make them fit better. However, some cross chain link welds are starting to separate so I decided to replace them. I got H-pattern(a denser DUO-type pattern) from CanadianChains.com.
H-Pattern Regular Link Heavy Duty - Small Tractor
I thought they might work because they use the same size, 7mm, components as the 2-link ladders I have now. I thought the H-pattern would keep them more centred and higher on the tire. I was mistaken:
A clearance issue arises because the 4-link H-pattern places the side chain closer to the centre of the wheel and the bevel gear housing. The clearance is that tight, but manageable with the 2-link ladders.
So I am investigating two options:
1. (preferred option) keep the H-pattern chains and add spacers. I like the chains and spacers will resolve the tight clearance issue once and for all.
2. exchange the chains for bulk parts and make custom 2-link ladder chains. A clearance issue remains, but is manageable through custom fitting, careful installation, and good tensioners to hold the chains in place.
Friday I emailed Motorsport-tech and Bro-Tec for availability and prices for front spacers, and CanadianChains about returning or exchanging the chains in the event I cannot get spacers.
I realise spacers increase front axle stress, but I don't believe it will be issue. I'll keep the spacer to a minimum(1.5"?) and think the DK35's front end components are strong relative to the tractor/loader capability. The components are basically the same as the DK40/45/50's with the DK35 having a smaller bucket and a loader with half the lifting capacity. That robust front axle design is the main cause of the DK35 front wheel clearance issue. The DK35's smaller tires put the sidewall closer to the bevel gear housing than the DK40/45/50's larger tires.
QUESTION:
Do you know of other good sources for wheel spacers in addition to Bro-Tec and MotorSport-Tech?
oldpilgrim
Elite Member
nope but I can tell you personally, you can't do better than dealing with Motorsport. BEAUTIFUL machine work and staffed by the best.
k0ua
Epic Contributor
Out plowing snow today, and the inside chain adjuster lever lock do-dad managed to snag the ROPS support and it wadded up the lever lock adjuster. I took the chains off and finished without them. I have got to get some spacers for next year.
kco
Veteran Member
Sorry to hear about that James, but it is good not too much damage was done. I think spacers are almost a necessity for chains on a DK35SE with industrial tires. In a way, I'm glad I did not use spacers for my rear DUO chains. It forced me to modify them to maintain clearance, and in doing so I ended up with a denser pattern and more effective chains.
As noted above, the fronts are even more challenging, if not impossible, to safely fit chains without spacers. I ordered 2" front spacers from Bro-tek. They should arrive around March 16. I have heard good things about them and Richard is great to deal with. The 2" front spacers and all bolts/nuts are $290 including shipping. I suppose rear spacers would be in the same ball park.
Richard sent me a smaller CK bolt pattern as a guide to send measurements plus instructions for mounting the spacers when they get here. I've attached those to this post. They may help in your search for spacers.
View attachment KCO 16mm Wheel Spacer Instruction.pdf
As OldPilgrim said MotorSport-tech also has a good reputation. I sent them an email but did not receive a reply. Since Bro-tek also has a good reputation and is in Canada (which avoids shipping/customs/$ exchange complications) I ordered from them. The $ exchange rate might work in your favour.
Bro-tek's website is down for the next 10 days or so. But you can contact them at bro-tek@hotmail.com.
As noted above, the fronts are even more challenging, if not impossible, to safely fit chains without spacers. I ordered 2" front spacers from Bro-tek. They should arrive around March 16. I have heard good things about them and Richard is great to deal with. The 2" front spacers and all bolts/nuts are $290 including shipping. I suppose rear spacers would be in the same ball park.
Richard sent me a smaller CK bolt pattern as a guide to send measurements plus instructions for mounting the spacers when they get here. I've attached those to this post. They may help in your search for spacers.
View attachment KCO 16mm Wheel Spacer Instruction.pdf
As OldPilgrim said MotorSport-tech also has a good reputation. I sent them an email but did not receive a reply. Since Bro-tek also has a good reputation and is in Canada (which avoids shipping/customs/$ exchange complications) I ordered from them. The $ exchange rate might work in your favour.
Bro-tek's website is down for the next 10 days or so. But you can contact them at bro-tek@hotmail.com.
k0ua
Epic Contributor
kco, I am really hoping that we are done with the snows this season. and I have until the fall to get the spacers and the chains repaired (shouldn't be hard).. I am not looking forward to putting on rear spacers as the tires are loaded. I think I will groove the front tires before next winter. I have the tool, and I did it to my old Kubota, but I only had one rabbit tracking snow before I traded it off to test it on, so I could not really give it a good test. But others report much improvement. I think I will give it a try.. So with spacers, and the chains back on and grooved fronts,. I will be unstoppable 
Well with my hills, maybe not unstoppable. Oh, today also the retaining pin fell out of my rear blades kickstand and it got bent up. Just one more dang thing to fix.
Well with my hills, maybe not unstoppable. Oh, today also the retaining pin fell out of my rear blades kickstand and it got bent up. Just one more dang thing to fix.
George2615
Super Member
kco, I am really hoping that we are done with the snows this season. and I have until the fall to get the spacers and the chains repaired (shouldn't be hard).. I am not looking forward to putting on rear spacers as the tires are loaded. I think I will groove the front tires before next winter. I have the tool, and I did it to my old Kubota, but I only had one rabbit tracking snow before I traded it off to test it on, so I could not really give it a good test. But others report much improvement. I think I will give it a try.. So with spacers, and the chains back on and grooved fronts,. I will be unstoppable
Well with my hills, maybe not unstoppable. Oh, today also the retaining pin fell out of my rear blades kickstand and it got bent up. Just one more dang thing to fix.
View attachment 415180View attachment 415181View attachment 415182View attachment 415183
James,
You look cold. I don't miss my open station tractor one bit.
k0ua
Epic Contributor
The hardest part is getting out of the house. It isn't all that bad once you get going.. I have boots and gloves with Thinsulate in them, and the coat is lightweight but the insulation does a good job. It was a little cold that day, but not all that bad. I have been worse. You come in and cant feel your legs for a long time.
k0ua
Epic Contributor
Don't get me wrong, if I had a cab tractor, I would for sure be using it..
George2615
Super Member
Sorry to hi jack thread but had to post a couple pics of the snow we have here.
I'll be looking to get rear spacers for next season too. I haven't had any issues with chains hitting but they are awful close. Just have to measure my bolt pattern and place the order.
