Kelly 12X, Operating Manual

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13
SECTION 3 CHAIN OPERATION & CORRECT SETUP
Importance of Chain Tension
Operational
It is imperative that the correct adjustment be maintained. Only through correct adjustment can a
smooth and level finish be achieved in field working.
Loose chains lead to:
•
Uneven performance across the width of the machine
•
Uneven weed control
•
Unsatisfactory incorporation
•
Ineffective levelling
•
Accelerated or premature chain wear
•
Uneven field surface with ridges and furrows being created.
The leading 1/3rd of a loose chain is much more aggressive than the trailing 1/3rd and the centre.
This will mean that the middle of the machine’s front pair of chains will aggressively move soil
outwards. The machine’s rear pair of chains, if loose, have their aggressive 1/3rd near the wing
extremity. It follows then that as the front discs push soil outwards, the least aggressive portion of
the rear chain follows them and does not balance the soil movement. This is exacerbated at the
wings, effectively creating a broad ridge about halfway out each wing. It will not be evident in one
pass but is possible if care is not taken over time.
A correctly adjusted machine will not have this problem.
Chain Tension
1.
Loosen the lock nut on the draw bolt.
2.
Tighten the adjusting nut clockwise until the outer face of the spring retaining washer is pushed
with the body of the module tensioning unit.
3.
When 7-7/8" / 200mm or more of tensioner thread is visible then one link must be removed from
the chain set to maintain correct tension adjustment. Spring length of 330mm / 1’ 1”
4.
Retighten the lock nut.