Best chains for DK40SE

finspop · Jun 25, 2012

Hello everyone,

I recently purchased a gently used DK40SE. I love the tractor, but will be needing chains by the time the snow falls. Living in the hills of northern VT and spending a lot of time in the woods pulling saw logs, I really want a pair of the Aquiline studded ice chains for ultimate traction. However, I've been warned by the manufacturer that I don't have quite enough fender clearance; they say I need 3" and I've got about 2.5.

Does anyone have experience with this tractor these chains on this tractor (r4 tires)? Do I really need the full 3-inches of clearance? Or is there another brand that doesn't require as much clearance?

Any insight much appreciated.

Thanks!

toddbiss · Jun 25, 2012

I have those chains on my CK20 and they are the best chains I have bought. Not sure about the 3 inches though that seems like a lot. With the binders on both sides they don't move very much.

krazsk · Jun 26, 2012

Can't you adjust the wheel width by unbolting the wheel and either flipping them or moving the mounting plate? (I can on my DK50SE) Or are you talking about clearance to the top and not to the side?

finspop · Jun 26, 2012

Sorry, should have been more clear. I'm talking about top of tire to edge of fender. It does seem as if 3-inches is a bit excessive, but I know these chains are supposed to work best with some slack, which would necessitate a bit more clearance.

What other chains are folks using with these machines? Any other recommendations?

Thanks

bullopa · Jun 27, 2012

Hey Finspop, I have a DK40SE too so I wanted to get in on this thread to see what the answers might be. Had chains on my old tractor and couldn't believe how much difference it made. Hope we find out.

whistlepig · Jun 28, 2012

I have Aquiline Talons on my Kubota. It has 3 1/4" clearance between the top of the tire and fender. I don't have any issues with clearance. But I do like my chains snug on the tire and have spring tensioners on my chains.

Coyote machine · Jun 28, 2012

I'm in VT too. Hope we see some snow next winter. I'd get, in addition to a set of chains a winch and possibly a log grapple too. Both mine are Igland: Mod 4001 winch, and GR-20 log grapple, from Finlandia, or some place in that neck of the woods. I do a fair amount of woods work too, and believe you will find these tools very useful on a DK-40. I know I have.:cool2: I've debated chains, but will probably get some this coming winter too.
Let us know what you decide to get.

finspop · Jun 29, 2012

Hey there, Coyote Machine. Yeah, we need a real winter again. I have the Igland 4501 winch; perhaps a size too big for the DK40, but it's a left over from my old tractor and the DK seems to handle it just fine, anyway. No grapple yet, just using forks to load my sawmill. Works pretty good, but I would love a grapple someday.

I have a set of double ring chains from my old tractor, but they would need to be cut down, and I'm pretty sure there definitely is NOT enough clearance for them on the DK. I'm leaning toward the Aquiline chains and risking that I might not have quite enough clearance and ding up the fenders.

Still would love to hear from others who have more experience with chains on this little brute of a tractor.

Coyote machine · Jun 30, 2012

finspop said:
Hey there, Coyote Machine. Yeah, we need a real winter again. I have the Igland 4501 winch; perhaps a size too big for the DK40, but it's a left over from my old tractor and the DK seems to handle it just fine, anyway. No grapple yet, just using forks to load my sawmill. Works pretty good, but I would love a grapple someday.

I have a set of double ring chains from my old tractor, but they would need to be cut down, and I'm pretty sure there definitely is NOT enough clearance for them on the DK. I'm leaning toward the Aquiline chains and risking that I might not have quite enough clearance and ding up the fenders.

Still would love to hear from others who have more experience with chains on this little brute of a tractor.

Can you contact the company and discuss the concerns you have about fitment on your DK? Maybe they can come up with a solution or tell you its not going to be a problem?

vtsnowedin · Jun 30, 2012

Is there any possibility of moving the fenders up further away from the axle centers? Perhaps a two inch piece of steel drilled both sides with whatever pattern the fenders are attached now.