Old elevator question

Du Farmsabit · May 22, 2015

On my old Dearborn pull type combine project. The elevators are driven by a v-belt, which drives a flat chain with the buckets made out of belting. I currently have all the drive belts removed and both elevators turn very hard still, they do turn either way, but are very stiff, even after i greased them. From what i can see, the chains and buckets look fine, there is not a lot of rust, or wear. I guess i am wondering if they should turn easily, and if this is a matter of the elevator chains being too loose, or too tight? Or, if they just always turn hard? Seems to me they should turn easier.... i'm always looking for the simple fix.

John B. · May 22, 2015

I would oil up that flat chain with the buckets on it that you mentioned. That or split that chain some where and turn each shaft individually to see if one shaft is hard to turn.

Du Farmsabit · May 23, 2015

I'll give that a try thanks. The elevators are about 8' long, so it's a lot of chain. There is some cancer on the bottoms from sitting all these years and i was able to do some repairs with welding but there is no parts to be had so i'm real scared of breaking something. I could still get new chain, and make new buckets if i had to. All the other flat chains seem to work ok, but even they are a little stiff, i've broken them and taken them off and plan on using them still,, so i'll try oiling them, thanks.

Dick2 · May 23, 2015

Oil. Oil. Oil. And then oil some more.

Du Farmsabit · May 23, 2015

I guess i better finish my welding first if i'm gonna do all that oiling..

Bob · May 23, 2015

For some of the rust holes, try making a steel patch and slather it with silicone sealant, then use a few short screws or pop rivets to hold it snug 'til the silicone cures. Then grind the points of off the rivets or screws if they will be in the path of the flights. You'd be surprised how tight it will bond and you don't have all sorts of distortion from welding sheet metal.

As for as the indiscriminate slobbering of all on the chain, I would be hesitant to get oil on the old rubber paddles.

Du Farmsabit · May 23, 2015

Thanks Bob, i was thinking about silicone today, because some of the remaining metal is like tin foil, also, i was thinking i'd try n loosen the chain a little just to see what happens, then apply oil carefully, thanks for the warning.
Thanks everyone

Old elevator question

Du Farmsabit

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John B.

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Dick2

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Bob

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