Construction Implements Depot
PAGE 9
Trencher
September 2017
Service
Chain Tension
Chain tension is critical on a skid steer
attachment. A chain that is over tightened
will not allow the soil material to escape
from around the nose wheel in some soil
conditions, and will rob necessary power
from your chain line. As the soil material
starts to pack in around the chain
components, the result causes the chain
to stretch and builds pressure on the
chain links and boom components.
To tighten or loosen the chain, loosen the
hardware on the side of the outer boom
section (#6), then loosen the adjusting
bolt jam nuts and screw the tensioning
bolt (#5) clockwise until there is only
about between 1 and 2 inches sag
between the chain and the boom at the
middle of the boom when the boom is in a
horizontal position.
Trencher Chain Adjustment
Chain Slack
Tighten the jam nuts and side plate
hardware before returning the equipment
back to work.
Chain Removal &
Installation
Machinery parts sometimes have
sharp edges. Wear work gloves when
moving parts to avoid Minor or Serious
Injury.
Chains are heavy and difficult to
handle. Use proper assistive devices for
lifting, holding and positioning the chain
to avoid Minor or Serious Injury during
removal or installation of a chain.
To maximize the life
and efficiency of a new chain, always
install a new drive sprocket and nose
roller.
Rotate the chain line until the chain’s
master link is on the top of the boom.
Relieve the chain tension by loosening the
side plate hardware and adjustment bolt.
Install an assistive device to safely control
the chain when the master link pin is
removed. Remove the master pin keeper
and master pin from the chain. Remove
the chain from the boom using an
adequate assistive device.
Note: It can help to use the machines
hydraulics to slowly roll the chain off the
drive sprocket.
Use an assistive device (like a lifting strap)
to pull the chain to be installed over the
sprocket, then “slowly and carefully”