Chain stretch

[cdover73]

I have already put 96 hours on my 2016 750hdi. I had it down for maintenance this weekend and found the front left (short) chain on the front axle seemed to be stretched way more than the right side, or any of the others. I didn't measure it, but it seemed to be close to 2" to 2 1/2" of slack up and down. I know the manual calls for attention when slack exceeds 3", but does that apply for this short chain as well? (I have the Admiral transmission so no drive chains like the older units coming down the side of the trans. Only the final drives have chains.)

But what puzzles me more than anything is why did that one chain stretch so much and the others are okay? I keep the maintenance done on schedule every time, and probably over-oil the chains because it's been so dusty this fall. It isn't making any noise, not jumping the sprocket, and doesn't seem to be in any kind of bind. AND, I only have 96 hours on the machine. Also, the slack stays the same no matter how I roll the tires back and forth. It will tighten a little on the top when it is pulling, but the slack drops to the bottom/return side.

What is the life expectancy of the chains from new on average? And, how much slack is necessary before a link can be taken out and still be able to be made back up without being too tight?

[ARGOJIM]

Do not put a half link in or remove a link, replace the chain if it is deemed bad. This will only lead to worse things.

Are the front bearings tight on that axle or has one gone bad, no up and down movement?
Are the shaft bearings good?
Did you hit anything and bend the frame? A little off chance but have to ask.
Are you running tracks?

[curtisbyrne]

also have you been the only owner of this machine,do you all the same tires?

[cdover73]

I am the original owner. I bought it earlier this year new from dealer. I am running the stock 25" tires and no tracks. The tires aren't worn at all and have never seen asphalt. I haven't hit anything and the bearings seem to be tight with no movement in any direction. I really take care of the unit. It doesn't get abused at all. The only problem I had with it was the chattering when turning left which turned out to be warped brake rotors. Argo replaced them with an upgraded set and I don't have the chatter anymore.

That's what is so puzzling about it. Why would only that one chain stretch so much more than the others? What is the normal expected life for chains? I wouldn't think I would be seeing this kind of wear on a practically brand new machine already...

Thanks,

[curtisbyrne]

and the front ones out of all of them also,they are the tightest chain on there??
i really dont know maybe it couldve been a faulty chain idk

[msafi65]

The front chains in the HDis are the shortest lived from my experience. I can't say why one has stretched so much but do know when they pile up on sprockets and hit front frame they make a lot of noise. Jim is correct in not using half links especially on those short chains. Replace them when loose, they aren't very spendy.