Chain question

[rentalrider]

Mods if not right spot please move.
Bought my first Argo this summer and love it! It's a 98 response 8x8. 190 hrs on it and while most parts were maintained well the chains (drive) have slack. I have the old style spring on side tensioners and a couple slap the belly cover under feet. This something to worry about? Can I or should I remove a link? I'll be running standard width plastic Argo tracks all winter but can't imagine the slack is good on sprockets after load binding during turns, etc. Your input is greatly appreciated!

[JohnF]

Howdy

Chain slapping every now and then is normal. Play with the search engine a bit because there are many discussions concerning your subject.

In summary: the pitch of the sprockets exactly matches the pitch of the chain. As a chain wears it's pitch changes. Running worn chains, even if you shorten then, will wear your sprockets. If your chains are worn then change them because it is easier to replace chain than to replace chain and sprockets.

The next question you are going to ask is how to know if the chains are worn, huh?

measure the pitch of your chain -center pin to some center pin far away, like 10 links. let's say you measure 6/8 pitch on #50 chain (supposed to be 5/8). I don't remember the exact number but let's also assume that 1/16 means it's worn. This chain pitch changed 1/8 so it is worn. Goes something like that.

[rentalrider]

Thx. I must have been searching the wrong section or key words or something... I tried that before first post. Again, thx! Sounds like I have some measuring to do...

[Noel Woods]

I just bought some chain for my Super Swamp Fox. After researching specs and prices, I found a good source for #50 chain, with very high tensile strength that is similar to diamond chain. Here's the source: Welcome to WWW.BELARUSAGSUPPLY.COM - Belarus Agricultural Supply™ <BR>Division Of Belarus Tractor International, I ordered the chain on a Tuesday, and it was delivered by UPS the next day. For anyone who needs high quality chain at a reasonable price, you owe it to yourself to check this place out.

[rentalrider]

awesome!!! thanks! now, what are the odds anyone would know the amt and type chain a '98 response would have? it's not with me to check... it's ready for ice fishing at a buddies' lake.

[JohnF]

No worries on the search engine. Those things can be cantankerous...

I've done okay on chain purchases by watching ebay but I was in a spot where I could wait a bit.

Let's get you set up for the next leg:

You need to visit beaverdamargo. On there main page you'll find links to service manuals, parts manuals, and engine manuals. If we jump to the parts manual page, I will guess this one. Need serial number to be precise but this will probably get us chain lengths. Okay, page 11 part 27 is an idler chain described as RC50-2 x 40P. That means you need 40 links (P is pitches?) double 50 roller chain. 50 chain is 5/8ths inch per pitch so 25 inches of double 50.

Boy, I think I did that right. I had mine nearby so that I could count to make sure before I bought the chain.

I see that this manuals shows 24ft of double 60 for the aft axles. Mine, a 98 conquest, has all double 50.

[rentalrider]

Wow... great links Thanks!!!

[sawbuck]

Easy way to remember or know what chain or sprocket is by it's first number , this number is in eights, examples 50 chain is 5/8" , 40 chain is 4/8" or 1/2", 60 chain is 6/8" or 3/4", and so on. you can eye this measurement on either chain or sprocket to know what pitch they are.

Very simple and easy way to remember

[rentalrider]

I'm kicking myself for not finding this site and posting on here earlier when I started doing the other maintenance/repairs... seems this forum is gonna be a life-saver! I've ridden jeeps and atv's for years, but these aatv's are new to me. I got rid of most my toys to get into this sport as it seems to match my hunting lifestyle much better. Thanks for all the input guys! I'm sure you'll see another newb question or two from me!!!

[spookum]

I just bought some chain for my Super Swamp Fox. After researching specs and prices, I found a good source for #50 chain, with very high tensile strength that is similar to diamond chain. Here's the source: Welcome to WWW.BELARUSAGSUPPLY.COM - Belarus Agricultural Supply™ <BR>Division Of Belarus Tractor International, I ordered the chain on a Tuesday, and it was delivered by UPS the next day. For anyone who needs high quality chain at a reasonable price, you owe it to yourself to check this place out.

How is that chain hangin in there? If it works decent, WOWZA that is nice and cheap. 25 dollars for 10' of double fifty.. nice and the HID lights? WOW im going to have to get a pair, the trapazoid beam 55w for 200 bucks for two? i cant even get ONE up here in AK for that little! You know it has to be viberation resistant and with a 3.2 amp draw, i can run up to 4 safely!

[zoood]

I also found a reasonable price for #50 chain at 50' lengths at this link

[thebuggyman1]

It scares me because it doesn't list the strength.
This is diamonds brand of imported chain. New 100' RSC Sapphire 5/8" Pitch Roller Chain #50-1R | eBay
Diamond lists the strength on thier website, and its approx 3/4 as strong as thier premium chain. I tried a roll, it's on a MaxII with 16hp (light machine/low HP). It had quite a bit of initial stretch, but hasn't stretched since.....but I'm only at about 25 hrs.