Manure Spreader Problem

From time to time - increasingly - the chain that drives the "auger" will either slip off the drive sprocket altogether, or more commonly, will slip off to the side of the sprocket enough so that the rollers get up on top of sprocket teeth and cause the wheels to lock up - don't recall if both wheels or just the one on that side. The chain, in addition to running over the sprocket that drives it and the auger sprocket, also runs under an idler.

Any suggestions as to how to fix this? When it slips to the side and locks the wheels, it almost looks like the chain isn't the right length to mesh with the sprocket. Does that mean there's an adjustment someplace - maybe the idler - that is used to keep it meshing properly?

I'd sure appreciate whatever suggestions you might have short of replacing the spreader - it actually is on loan from a friend. and I'd like to return it in better condition than when I borrowed it. :)

If the drive sprocket looks to be in good shape I'm willing to bet that the chain is stretched out of shape and is going to be needing replacing. Call me dence tonight but I'm guessing you have a ground drive unit.

On my International 200 and New Idea 10A spreaders both units had worn chains when I got them. The best way I can discribe how to check for this is when you have the chain loose drape it over the drive sprocket. If it doesn't sit centered and wants to ride up on the next tooth on the sprocket when you pull on it, it's stretched out of shape.

My 2 bits worth,

Old Iron

I don't recall thinking that the sprockets looked particularly worn, but certainly the chain might be. The idler is a roller, not another sprocket, and I don't see a spring on it, but can't tell if it's adjustable until I take the guard off. I've had it off before, but the last few times have taken to just getting a pry bar up under the guard, on the edge of the chain where it is slipped to a side and giving the flat of the prybar a smack with a hammer to pop it back on - no doubt not the best therapy, but seems to work. I will take a hard look at it later this week when I have time.

Thanks for your advice.

If it's roller chain, the rollers do wear out and get oblong, and the pins and bushings in the links wear out and the chain gets sloppy and will jump the sprocket a lot. Only cure is to replace the chain.

If the sprockets are worn, you can get the same problem. A worn sprocket will look like a saw blade, and the tips of the teeth will actually get sharp enough to cut ya. Normally the ends are tapered to a blunt point. Again, replacing is the only real cure.

Adjusting the chain slack with the idler sprocket may help. Also, make sure the drive sprocket, driven sprocket and idler sprocket are all in the same plane (aligned) if one is offset to either side of the centerline, that'll put side loads on the chain and make it jump off the sprocket.