chain tension and tensioners

[ygmir]

Hi all,
Well,
I started tearing into the new Hustler today, and, have a couple of questions.
I hope this is the right catagory.
I got no books or anything with this rig, so, am flying by the seat of my pants, as it were.....

I'm wondering how tight the drive chains should be?
I'm guessing it's fairly important they be equal?

They seem kind of loose, some draging on frame parts......
The sprockets seem pretty good, teeth mostly have a little "square" left on the ends...the chain seems good, too.

Also:
Are the chain tensioners, except for the main power from the trans, which are both sprockets, supposed to by just nylon rollers? They all look the same, so, I'm guessing they are, but, one is pretty shot, so, I need to find a new one, I just want to make sure if I'm replacing something, it is the correct thing in the first place. I'd rather replace them all now with the correct part if they're wrong.......

The axles look good, bearings look to have new grease, and, don't seem to wobble.

The frame doesn't seem to have any big breaks, although, it looks to have been fixed and modified over the years a few times.......

It has a hand brake, but, not hooked to anything. Is there a provision for a "parking brake" that I just can't see?

It has an automotive battery with tray, that look like they were added. Good job though, and, with the extra alternator, seems a good set up.

I put the new drive belt that came with it on.....I'm sure there's an easier way than how I did it........hahaha can someone tell me the correct procedure?

I'll quit for now, in hopes you all don't get to frustrated with my "newbie" questions........

I'm wondering if there is a good repair manual available?

Thanks,

[Mike]

I'll leave the Hustler-specific questions up to someone who knows more than me but as for the chain tightness, you want 1/2" of deflection. So push the chain down and hold a tape measure next to it. When you pull the chain up you should be 1/2" higher than before.

In other words, when the chain is at rest you should have 1/4" deflection in either direction.

You might want to check out the 6x6 How To Articles section. Specifically the T20 skid steer removal/installation article and the Chain Guide Replacement article.

They both are specific to the Max II but a lot of the same principles apply to your Hustler. Hope that kicks it off and maybe a Hustler guru will chime in on some of the other issues.

[ygmir]

Thanks Mike,

[REB181]

Thanks Mike,

the nylon rollers you can get from richard at route6x6.com. he also has a hustler manuel you can get....

[ygmir]

thanks Reb, that'll help.
Henry

[Russh]

In a ack of desperation, I went to a tractor suply store and pick up a universal chain tentioner for farm equipment. It may sound stupid but it works 100% better that stock!! It is a hardend steal roler, full bearing , with a super hard rubber outer wheel . I have been running it for about 2 months, no sign of ware, the chains have not even marded the rubber. It was only 25$ and I did not have to wait for the mail!!!!

[RickMo]

I'd like to see a pic of it.Rick

[ygmir]

yeah, I'd like to see a pic, too.
I'm also thinking of making idlers using a tough polymer and turning it on my lathe......

[ygmir]

drive chains and rollers

Hi all,
as I continue to tear into my "new" Hustler.......

I note that the chains are pretty loose, and, not a lot of adjustment left in the, system.
The thing is, the chains and sprockets are in pretty darn good shape, so, I'm thinking the PO had new chains made and made them a little to long......is there any reason I couldn't or shouldn't take a link or so out? Just wondering.

And then, the Idlers......two spin, one is oblong, one flat......
I'll be replacing them all with new rollers ordered from Richard overa at Route 6x6. Seemed a good price at 42.00 including shipping, for 4 of them........

I may re-work some of the Idler mount/adjustment hardware, though........I don't know if it's stock, but, it's a little 'funky' IMHO.

I sure learned:
Even though the seller seems sincere in saying the rig is really good and all new stuff and needs nothing......maybe he just don't get it...........

Henry

[hdble]

Hi Henry,

Sure seems like some peoples idea of great shape and needs nothing, is not quiet the same feeling as others.

Once you put the new rollers on, I don't see any reason not to remove a couple of links to correct your chain tension. But make sure that there are no other reasons for the chains to be loose.


Have a great day, and enjoy your hustler!

[ygmir]

Thanks Bruce,
I checked, but, will double check to make sure nothing is loose in the axle/sprocket/bearing/frame system......
Good thought.