Chain Sizes out of T-20 Outputs

[BobW]

Hi, folks.

Some of you know I am building this tracked vehicle using a T-20 and a Duromax 16hp engine and a Comet clutch. I have only the gear reduction of the Comet clutch before I run a long #50 chain through about a 2:1 reduction using say a 15-tooth sprocket driving a 30-tooth sprocket at the T-20 inputs. I think that is good so far. But then, the T-20's approximately 6:1 reduction kicks in as the final reduction to the final drive shafts to the outside world. I have #50 sprockets (15-tooth) welded (nicely) on on the T-20 output shafts that use a very short run of #50 chain to get to the 15-tooth sprockets on the final axles. Probably the loaded vehicle weight is 1800 pounds with fabulous traction. What are the odds the #50 chain at the final drives will be breaking? Can a special brand of #50 work better. Will it just need frequent upkeep due to stretching? Am I destined to mill off the #50 sprockets and weld on #60. Thoughts?

Thanks.

[jpswift1]

The 60 sounds like a good idea. But for now, maybe you could use extra high tensile strength lift/hoist chain. Here's a quote from a post by Mr. Bill Gerber of Attex. As you'll read in his post, it's not cheap. Here's a link, brace yourself for this when you see the price for 10 feet of it.

https://wbcindustrial.com/diamond-62...h-hoist-chains

"As for chains. When the 500 Superchief came out. We experimented with all kinds of chains and had nothing but problems.. So we tried Hoist chain. We used Diamond 625 hoist chain (yes, made for chain hoists) on the rears and what ever on the fronts on the production machines. A little more expensive but real reliable. I never broke a piece of diamond 625 chain. Even on my Racer. Im not saying its never been done but i have yet to see it and it don't stretch much. It is still available. I ordered it from my local bearing company (Bearing Service inc.) in the pittsburgh area. If you cant find it locally, I am sure they could ship it to you. ,, I think the problem with the high performance motorcycle chain is that it is all metric. I never tried it to see if any of it would fit. If your putting it on the rears you might as well put it on the front. And don't forget to order the special Diamond 625 master links with it. They have to be pressed on. I have a pair of vice grips that i have a hole for the pin of the master link to push into. just get it started and go back and forth doing one side at a time, until you can get the clip on. And you need a chain breaker to remove it.. Its a pain in the butt to work with, but put it on and forget about chain problems. Don't tell them what you want it for or they don't want to sell it to you. They say "This chain is not recommended for your application". PS:. Never use Half links on the rear, unless you like walking home. I will not use them anywhere. And be careful with the rear adjusters. There is enough leverage on them to bend the frame if over tightened, or it can rip the tranny loose. Remember the sprockets are not machined true and have some runout, so there could be a tight spot some where in rotation. Leave them a little loose. the tranny shifts easier that way. Blaw blaw blaw, I could go on and on.. Good luck, Keep the rubber side down !!!"

[thebuggyman1]

Diamond chain is excellent chain, and if you look here Diamond Series Chain | Diamond Chain you can get the strengths.
The hoist chain is rated at 8000 #, and that is good, BUT there are motorcycle chains out there (#530 o-ring) that will fit your sprockets and be much stronger. I've seen claims of 12000#

Good luck

[Noel Woods]

Diamond actually in #50 is rated around 5000lb-6000lb+ tensile strength. There is nothing wrong with #50, in fact its on my 1999 Max4 with a 20 HP Kohler. If your machine is geared down as you describe I think you will be ok. A high powered application with tracks and or large tires would be better with #60. Many of the machines I've seen over the years had #50 chain and functioned well, the main issues are to keep the chain in tension but no so tight there isn't some deflection at the mid point, and to keep the chains clean and well lubricated. Some older machines out there did well for many years with just #40.

Here a source for chain I just got some from : [url=http://www.thebigbearingstore.com

[jpswift1]

https://wbcindustrial.com/diamond-625-riv-10ft-high-strength-hoist-chains

The Diamond Hoist chain in this link is rated for 8,000 lbs because it's used for hoist/lifting applications. Like Buggyman said, 530 motorcycle chain, like the good RK brand would be an excellent choice.

[BobW]

Great to know about. I have these 15-tooth sprockets about 5" center-center, so cost per foot of chain will not be totally painful.

Very much appreciated.

[samodelkin ptz]

It is possible to make a double sprockets for Imported 50-2 RIV 100FT Standard Series Roller Chains. Connect 2 near a spacer. for example