Farm equipment questions

Rob30 · #1 04/21/08, 08:32 PM

First I am getting my old JD ground drive manure spreader working. I have been fixing it up for use. The problem is I keep breaking the apron chain. It is very old but looks in good shape. My latest idea is to soak the links in some old oil. Because I think they bind when under loads. I am hoping the oil will lube everything up so they stop binding and breaking. Not very good for the environment though. I also thought about injecting greese into the joints of the links. But that would take a while.
Second I am rebuilding the knotter on my NH273 baler. I just ordered bill hook. I also have some new brass rollers for the cam with twine cutters on them. I was loosing alot of bales last year. Any info on things to look for or people experiences would help. I need to bale some nice tight bales because I plan on using a friends ride on stooker this year.

DaleK · #2 04/21/08, 08:38 PM

The oil is worth trying. Sometimes things just break because they're old though, you might end up needing to replace the chain. If you can, jack the wheels up off the ground and have somebody turn them (if they aren't too stiff, might take a little too much elbow grease) and see if you can see if anythings rubbing or catching anywhere.

**Ross** · #3 04/21/08, 08:48 PM

Hate to say it but the apron chain is likely done. You can get NH knotter troubleshooting books on ebay etc. They help.

Up North · #4 04/22/08, 10:56 AM

On the manure spreader apron- Some things to check out -Is the tensioning set correctly? After it goes around the rear sprockets does it hang too low where it could bind as it enters the guides that carry the chain along underside of spreader? Are the guides where apron chain enters underside of floor bent or damaged? Or could it be too tight such that buildup of frozen manure/ice on the spreader floor pushes apron chain upward tightening beyond it's ability to stretch and hence causes breakage? Are front and back sprockets turning freely and lubricated?
We saved our engine waste oil and would apply it liberally to the floor, sidewalls, and apron chains during subzero weather to prevent buildup, freezing, and breakage on apron chains.