Wooden tension discs

jjlfarns · Feb 7, 2019

I?m refurbishing an old Massey Ferguson 130 manure spreader, early 70?s late 60?s I believe. It has 2 wooden discs (one on either side) although they don?t actually spin, they appear to serve as idler/tensioner pullies. They?re on the chain that drives the ratcheting mechanism and the chain connecting the upper and lower beaters. They look like they wouldn?t be hard to remake but any info on their exact purpose, what they were originally made of and if they?re available anywhere today would be appreciated, thanks.

Wisconsin Cowman · Feb 7, 2019

Chain idler/tensioner looks like there available from Agco yet.

paul · Feb 7, 2019

Dad would cut them out of any hardwood.

Gleaner combines use several of them so you can find a couple different sizes in a half moon style.

I?ve also seen them made of plastic, not sure if that is new or from a 3rd party supplier.

They are always on the slack side of the chain, so there is very little pull on them, they just keep the chain from whipping around on the loose side.

They are literally as simple as they look.

Paul

Leroy · Feb 7, 2019

Chain just slides on them for a tightener. Lots of them used on various machines. Best wood for them is a hard maple and soak in oil for a minimum of a month or longer if you can do it. What factory used for bearings as well. The maple will absorb the oil, oak will not.

rustyfarmall · Feb 8, 2019

Years ago I had a Yamaha dirt bike with a similar chain tensioner device. That one was made of nylon.

jjlfarns · Feb 9, 2019

Thanks for your input guys, it?s been helpful.

Leroy · Feb 9, 2019

I have bought the new nylon universal ones ans they were too small would not work.

Moonlite37 · Feb 10, 2019

If you were near me I would cut some out of wood for you, I have used Oak to make them for rakes and they worked for a long time. Cost you $00

Wooden tension discs

jjlfarns

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Wisconsin Cowman

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paul

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Leroy

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rustyfarmall

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jjlfarns

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Leroy

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Moonlite37

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