Remove one link from roller chain

The roller chain on my New Holland 273 baler that drives the knotter is too loose. I've adjusted the idler pulley up as far as it will go, and the chain is still floppy. I'd like to remove one link from the chain but I have no idea how to do so. I think I can probably get the link segment taken apart, but I have no idea how to get a regular link out of the chain. The chain is called an RC2040. I surmise that the RC means roller chain. The dimensions of the chain, according to the parts manual, is 1 inch of pitch, and .3125 inches of width (that's 5/16 of an inch).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Tom in TN

I can't remember for sure but won't that throw the timing off and cause major problems. I think you need a whole new chain.

To remove one link, you have to remove a pair of links, an inside and an outside link.

Find the master link and take the chain apart. Grind the heads flush on the pins you want to remove and drive the pins out with a small punch.

Then, if you have enough slack, install a repair link with the clip or cotter pins, which ever it comes with.

If that's too much, you'll need what's called a half link or offset link. That lets you connect an inner link directly to an outer link.

Use the RC2040 number to reference the size. You'll probably have to order the links, maybe a bearing supply will stock them but probably not.
Link Examples

(quoted from post at 19:37:27 09/09/21) The roller chain on my New Holland 273 baler that drives the knotter is too loose. I've adjusted the idler pulley up as far as it will go, and the chain is still floppy. I'd like to remove one link from the chain but I have no idea how to do so. I think I can probably get the link segment taken apart, but I have no idea how to get a regular link out of the chain. The chain is called an RC2040. I surmise that the RC means roller chain. The dimensions of the chain, according to the parts manual, is 1 inch of pitch, and .3125 inches of width (that's 5/16 of an inch).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Tom in TN

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"Any advice would be greatly appreciated"

It's time to replace the chain.

When you run out of adjustment. That means it's time for new chain.

Gonna try to explain what I know here. I think you are right as to RC being for roller chain.

The 20 stands for double pitch. Most roller chain the links will be half the length that your 2040 is. This is done to save a bit of money when double pitch is strong enough to pull the load.

The 40 is for the size or pitch of the chain in eighths. IE regular 40 chain is a half inch pitch since yours is double pitch it is a inch.

Now to your problem at hand.
First thing I would be looking at is the condition of your chain. Take it off and lay out on the floor or bench. Can you push one end while holding the other end still, IE is there any wear on the pins? Can you bend the chain side to side (not around)? If either of these show up you should probably just get a new chain. It is MUCH cheaper than new chain AND sprockets which is where you are headed if you run worn chain on your sprockets.

As to taking out one pitch what you need is a half link. You should probably also get a chain breaker or you can try and grind the rivet heads off and punch the link out to put in your half link.

To be honest don't think I have ever seen 2040 chain so half links may be a bit tricky to find. I did attach a link to one source for a chain breaker.

hth
jt
surplus center chain breaker tool.

I don't think it will change the ratio, could be wrong...

But I think the ratio and timing is determined by the number of teeth on the sprockets, not the number of links in the chain.

To remove one link from a roller chain one needs to remove 2 links & install an offset link & reinstall the coupler link.

IMHO the number of links between a drive & driven sprocket remain the same no matter how many links are in the total length of the chain therefore # of links of chain can't alter timing.

When a roller chain is pulling the only thing that matters is the chain between the pulling sprocket and the sprocket being pulled. The rest of the chain is just circulating waiting for it's time to pull. That said, a sloppy chain can jump off or wear the sprockets. If the chain is really sloppy, it is probably stretched which makes the distance between the pulling sprocket and the pulled sprocket just a tiny bit longer.
New roller chain is inexpensive compared to the damage a bad chain can cause. I'd replace it.

(quoted from post at 08:02:44 09/10/21) When a roller chain is pulling the only thing that matters is the chain between the pulling sprocket and the sprocket being pulled. The rest of the chain is just circulating waiting for it's time to pull. That said, a sloppy chain can jump off or wear the sprockets. If the chain is really sloppy, it is probably stretched which makes the distance between the pulling sprocket and the pulled sprocket just a tiny bit longer.
New roller chain is inexpensive compared to the damage a bad chain can cause. I'd replace it.

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Replace the chain.

A worn chain is ruining your sprockets. Save yourself a lot of money and replace the chain only.

I think the ratio would stay the same, but changing the number of links would change the timing. But, if it's worn that bad it's already out of time!

If you want to drive a couple hours I have a 273 parted here in dover but you need a new chain. Your double or long link chain is not going to be something tractor supply or rural king will have probably have to go there to Wooten in Covington if you live where I think you do. Taking a link out will work but again finding the long half link will be hard

I agree with Wore Out. Replace the chain before you wear out the sprockets too. Too much chain stretch.

BTDT Get a new chain and save a pile of grief.

Chain has a certain number of links to time if I remember correctly. Get a new chain.

I called the New Holland dealer this morning. He said that they don't have chains already made up, but that, if I bring the old chain to him, he can have a new one made up. Maybe while I wait or maybe the next day. I put the old chain back on and timed the baler. I baled 11 bales with it and it worked okay. I really want to bale one more little 3 acre field, then I'm going to pull the chain and go get a new one.

Thanks for all of the responses. I would have gone down the wrong path if it hadn't been for all of your responses.

Tom in TN

dealer will kill you on price Tractor supply has chain in roles lot cheaper then dealer Fleet farm also come in 10 ft length

Get a 10' roll of chain from a farm supply store and a package of master links. Make your own. Save a lot of money. Unless you feel obligated to support your dealer. Something like this is a nuisance job for them, a money loser even at the prices they charge.