Two Questions

Spudm · Oct 6, 2015

Ok, so I go to an auction the other day and buy this thing to help with putting compost on the fields. Been using it for a couple of days, and today the chain broke with the box full of compost, of coarse. Then I notice the valve stem on the wheel is turned around, how does that happen? and what is the best way to repair that chain? Thanks.

Carlyle hoffman · Oct 6, 2015

MANUALLY unload the spreader and closely inspect the complete chain for wear and link stretch , your call a new link or a complete new chain, COST DIFFERENCES , very EXPENSIVE>more than likely new chain more than you paid for spreader and never get you money Bach , but also may have had just one bad link.

Spudm · Oct 6, 2015

Where does one even buy chain like that at?

donjr · Oct 6, 2015

You can get that chain link at most any dealer and many hardware stores. But, before you just repair, take a look at the whole chain. Look especially at the back of the knuckle of the chain- the part that holds or grips the next link. They will wear over the years and become thin. Then, when you get a fair load on, they will 'lose their grip' to the next link and separate- usually with the best part of a load on. If more than a few are over half through, just get a new chain and put it on. Try Shoup, Fry's machinery, Ag Supply or a similiar parts place. Many times they can ship the entire chain UPS and have it there in a day or two.

Spudm · Oct 6, 2015

Thanks! Cool tool, but how does it work?

Michael Soldan · Oct 6, 2015

You may not need anything to fix the apron chain ! The chain may be well stretched over time and you may be able to simply put the chain back together by snapping the links together, Always count them to make sure that the section you are joining has the same number of links on each side. I always used a comalong to jack the chain together so I could get the links hammered back into place , then tighten the chain via the chain adjustments. Most farm suppy /machinery dealers have links that you can buy if you need to and they can likely order you an entire new apron chain. I used to break those on a regular basis and got pretty good at repairing them. I learned a few things ... don't overload the spreader,don't ever leave it loaded if it could freeze and don't forget to put it out of gear when you pull out for the field. If the apron is moving it will jam the load to the rear and make the chain work hard to slide underneath, I had the beaters out of gear but forgot to release the apron gear. You can fix that chain !

JRSutton · Oct 6, 2015

sorry out of habit I called it roller chain - but it's flat steel chain.

It's so common that even Tractor Supply Co. carries it, if you have one nearby. Any ag store should.

Here's a link you may find useful:
link

JRSutton · Oct 6, 2015

its for breaking the links - but I say good to have on hand because as you fix something like that - you might find you added too much length or whatever and need to separate it again.

The tool isn't necessary - but it does make separating links a little easier.

The links just kinda pound out (or sometimes just slide out easily) from each other sideways, and this thing holds one link steady so you can tap out the attached link. It just gives you a little weight and grip on one link - so you can force the other one out.

Harder to explain than to do.

If you look at your chain and try to figure out how to take it apart, you'll see what I'm talking about.

Putting them together is the opposite. This tool can help there too - but really less necessary for that than the removal step.

Spudm · Oct 6, 2015

Ok, I think I understand. Those links just slide into each other. So they shouldn't be too hard to put back together. Thanks for the tool explanation. I see how that would make it easier too.

Gary Mitchell · Oct 7, 2015

It's a truck tire tube/stem misplaced in a turd-hearse tire. gm

K Effective · Oct 7, 2015

(quoted from post at 16:57:32 10/06/15) [b:aa9d4afddc]today the chain broke with the box full of compost, of coarse. [/b:aa9d4afddc]

There absolutely is no other way it will break!

W_B · Oct 7, 2015

My M&S 125 bu. spreader broke a link when I attempted to unload a frozen-to-the-sides load. Pretty simple to fix with a repair link from TSC. I'd done this back on the farm on an old JD spreader so I knew just what to do. I also don't load it as much in the winter before emptying it now. A few years later I had a bearing seize and I snapped a link (loaded of course, in the winter again). I couldn't get the shaft out (it some how got bent) or get it free so I took it to the dealer (just about 6 miles down the road). When they inspected it the chain was very worn and I agreed that it needed a new one rather than constantly be repairing it as was likely to start happening. He said he could either get one right away or I could wait until they had a shipment come in where it could be included with no freight charge. I don't recall the difference in price but it was significant enough that I waited, and had it back within about 3 weeks with a new shaft and gear, bearing and apron chain. If I recall the whole job was just over $1,000, spreader cost about $4,500 in 2002.

W_B · Oct 7, 2015

(quoted from post at 16:24:04 10/07/15) It's a truck tire tube/stem misplaced in a turd-hearse tire. gm

LOL! Never heard the term "turd-hearse". I call mine the "Flingen Pooin Wagen", even though it's American made.

Two Questions

Spudm

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Carlyle hoffman

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Spudm

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donjr

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Spudm

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Michael Soldan

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JRSutton

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JRSutton

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Spudm

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Gary Mitchell

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K Effective

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W_B

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W_B

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