my chain keeps stretching!!!!! help!!!

[jamesg]

Have a 96 max 2 .put all new chains on (usa drives brand) was told its quality chain and looks to be.but.... it keeps stretching .iv adjusted at least 5 times in the last month after every ride. Sprockets are good theres maybe 30 or 40 hrs on this machine. Im second owner.guy before me just rode it in his field...my left front chain taps on the tub & its gettn irritating. Is tsubaki or diamond brand the top of the line?? Should i get idler sprocket s instead of stock max notch adjusters.i fabbed them with a nut welded to adjusters then a small plate w/ nut welded & ran a bolt thru bolting it to th frane notches so it wont jump out(works excellent by the way)will post pics soon.

[thebuggyman1]

It's not abnormal for chain to stretch when new. After a couple hours, most of the initial stretch should be over. You will still have to check them periodically after that, like when you lube them.
There are several threads on making tensioners, but the stock ones work well until worn out or dirty.....then they slip. I think most people just copy the style that richards relics sells (for big $$$). I think you can make a set of 4 for $20-25.

Here is an old thread on tensioners http://www.6x6world.com/forums/max-a...adjusters.html

[lewis]

I only use the U.S.A Diamond brand or the US Tsubaki which have been prestretched. These brand are in my opinion the best for these machines. Lower cost chains will just continue to stretch and cause problems. This is my opinion from using them on the Argo's and the Attex. We see a lot of machines come in for service with cheap chain and the effects are always the same. Stay away from the Diamond Saphire it is made in China.

This is my opinion.

[eddieb1965]

The terminology is really misleading on this subject.Chains really DONT stretch,they will grow in length for a couple of reasons.1- is a new chain will be loaded with lube inside the links and pins.putting a load on it will naturally force lube from this area and make chain grow.2- actually wear of the rollers and pin material,the only way to combat this is chain lube and plenty of it.You also need to clean in a solvent solution and then resoak chain to get lube back into the pins.An O-ring chain will alleviate some of this,but as it starts to wear,it will keep the abrasive material trapped inside,and spray lubing will only lube the chain rollers.Chains will keep increasing in length,but routine maintenance will keep" stretch" to a minimum.

[Rusty-Gunn]

Eddie... what chain do you recommend?
Is non-oring chain better because it can be lubed more easier?
Thank you.

[wfo]

Tsubaki

[maicolover]

We run Diamond in our 6 wheelers. Great product! I haven't tried any Tsubaki.

[eddieb1965]

Just use a good reputable manufacturer,the cheap stuff wont have the hardness to keep from wearing.no matter how you maintain it.P.S. some people swear by o-ring chain,but I dont use it,because when you lube the chain all you are lubing is the chain roller it wont get to the pins.

[Bazooo guy]

It's not abnormal for chain to stretch when new. After a couple hours, most of the initial stretch should be over.

Just re-adjust and check the tension again.
Are you sure the tensioner is not moving?

[Noel Woods]

Just re-adjust and check the tension again.
Are you sure the tensioner is not moving?

That was my thought. Those ratcheting tensioners are known to move. Get yourself some good quality tensioners and I bet the problem goes away.
The better quality chain will not lengthen very much. I put some diamond chain on my green max2 awhile back and its holding very true to specs. Good deals can be found on ebay, I just got some Diamond #50 new in the box for about $3/foot.

[jerseybigfoot]

Had similar issues with Drives chain. It may be made here but it's not very good. Used some EK 520 and 530 on the Max 4 with good results.

[blown84gt]

I second the EK chain, pretty good stuff.