Combines Elevator chain tensions

Yes, I noticed the wear on the sprockets and decided not to tension up the chain. I think your description of the problem is right. I am not going to mess with it this year(hopefully) but should change both clean and return "next year"(maybe). Where does it ever endIJ Polish'n 'er with $100 bills", Nick

Good advice, you can do more damage with tight chains than with loose ones. I changed the top sprocket in the R60 and the sprocket teeth arent centered on the shaft. The chain alternates between too tight and too loose. I have tried checking runout with a dial indicator but havent figured our exactly which part was machined incorrectly. Anyone else run into this oneIJ

Hi Guys, have read your comments about the elevator chains. And my question is how did you decide how tight to run the chainsIJ I am certainly no expert on combines, but have been running them(combines) for 45 yrs. and have never changed the sprockets on the clean grain or returns elevator, I have changed the elevator and returns chains on one combine. I'm talking about twelve different combines.

I to noticed teeth not centered re egg shaped on set i took off. So would have a loose then tight spot. I tighten till you can just move chain in bottom sprocket by hand ;not to tight not to loose. Bye

I tighten elevator chains as was mentioned above - just so I can slide the chain across the sprockets. I replaced the top clean grain sprocket on our R62 last year. Most dealer mechanics will tell you that these sprockets will wear and once they start to you better keep your eye on them. I would recomend replacing with chrome sprockets. Hope this helps.

Thanks jr, I was wondering what everyone was using for a bench mark to tighten the elevator and returns. The method your using is the same one I've been using, I still don't understand all the wear you guys are experienceing.

I've seen lots of augers broke per accidental over tention of chain. I make an effort at turning auger to get chain on higher diameter before I make decision on whether to tighten or not. If sprockets are still in new condition and no ramp is worn into it we will adjust to point that you can just drag link accross sprocket. Good points Ramrod