chain sprockets question

[john swenson]

guys, if you had each of 3 axles on a machine with each sprocket the same place on each axle and the drive sprocket was maybe 8'' above the center axle sprocket in the same place.. could you run all three axles with one chain ? facing this setup, the chain would drop down from the drive sprocket..wrap around the the right side of the center axle sprocket..go to the rear axle sprocket..around that..back to the front axle sprocket...under it and around..then back to a adjustable idler sprocket a little to the right and above the center axle sprocket (for clearance ) the up and connect the chain. one chain with one tensioner. would it work ? it this scenario there is plenty of room. johnboy va.

[john swenson]

p.s. there would need to be a idler sprocket on the lower chain running from the rear to front sprocket in order to clear the chain going around the center axle sprocket.

[jerseybigfoot]

as long as the wrap gave it the same rotation direction and did not cross. you would also need at least 180 deg of wrap other wise your tensioners would have to be super strong and carry an enormous chain tension. also i think with your setup the center axle would be going in the wrong direction. you would probably be better off with a 4 chain ATTEX setup.

[dirtdobber]

with each sprocket the same place on each axle

If I understand your scenario, all 4 sprockets are running in the same plane. Therefore, when the chain runs from the rear sprocket to the front sprocket it will be in conflict with the center. You would have to somehow bend the chain around the center sprocket, which I don't think is possible. You could route the chain in a way such that it doesn't cross itself at the center sprocket, but you wind up with less chain/sprocket contact that you need.

[john swenson]

actually the drive sprocket is above the center axle sprocket, but as jersey said as the chain drops down to the center axle sprocket on the front side and then around to the back axle sprocket, there will only be a small portion of the center axle sprocket being driven. i may try eliminating the center sprocket drive and just drop down to a idler, then to the back sprocket,back up to the front sprocket ,around and then horizontal to a adjustable tensioner for slack adjustment and back up for connection. basically picture a inverted T with idlers at the corners. with the tracks, the center wheel freewheeling is like having a track tuner there. plus with this setup it would be 1 chain and 1 tensioner. with no sprocket on the center axle the chain has plenty of clearance. always tinkering and thinking about new things to try........johnboy va.

[john swenson]

also, with the above setup (center wheel not driving ) without the tracks on would it still turn.. not in mud and snow but just dry ground. anyone ever break off the center wheel ? and how did it drive ? thanks, j.b.

[ARGOJIM]

also, with the above setup (center wheel not driving ) without the tracks on would it still turn.. not in mud and snow but just dry ground. anyone ever break off the center wheel ? and how did it drive ? thanks, j.b.

[john swenson]

thanks jim......good answer. a picture is worth 1000 words. going to remove my center tires and take a spin around to see how it operates and feels. when my tracks are off, i'm pretty much just driving around the fields and down gravel roads. johnboy