Elevator Chain, Manure Spreader Chain...a trick

[lastcowboy32]

These things bother me. It seems that I mess with one about once every other year. I always get them apart, and together. And I always end up beating my brains out and cussing a blue streak.

This time I wanted to do it a way that was sensible...and remember what I did.

I fiddled with it for about an hour, with various pliers, hammers, screwdrivers...

My wife came out, and after trying a few things...this is what we came up with. Once we put the "crook" of the link on the edge of the angle iron, and used a punch to punch the bar through? About 15 seconds and a few moderate taps on the punch. It did take two people, but it was so easy...next time I do this, I'm getting a helper, a piece of angle iron, a punch and a hammer.

 

[lastcowboy32]

 

[rustred]

there is a tool to hold that chain, in case u get mad at the wife.

 

[lastcowboy32]

This is why we split the chain...to take the whole end off.

We got this New Holland 155 for 500 bucks, but the bottom needs TLC.

I took the whole bottom off, probably going to build one from scratch, using the existing one as a template.

 

[caterpillar guy]

I just use a pair of Channel Lock pliers, to hold the link bent right so the edge will go through the slot when hit. Then set an old wood splitting wedge next to the link and hit the other link with a a hammer to start it then use a bar of steel to hit the link next to the separation point. No twisting and just loosen the chain for the job. Only takes a few minutes that way. A curved bar works beset for reassembly of the link. You can pry the link so the slot aligins with the side of the link.

 

[crsutton81]

There is a chain breaker made for
detachable chain like that. One link
fits into the breaker to be held
while the links are bent into
alignment and knocked apart with a
hammer. Saves quite a bit of foul
language.

 

[wore out]

I'm REALLY surprised no one mentioned/posted the correct tool for the job?

 

[Tony in SD]

X2 on the tool. I have used them on & off for 50 years.

 

[rustred]

I did post there was a tool for that job. I even looked for
mine and could not find it.

 

[paul]

Ive nearly always used the tool, thought everyone did. Was going to post a pic but glad you did.

The angle iron works too, something that doesnt give, and is a stable anchor point. Ive done that often enough
when the detach tool was several buildings away and something was handy that would work.

Pretty much have to do it by myself, so holding the angle iron, the chain, the punch, and swinging the hammer can
be a challenge!

The detach tool lets you hold and control the chain with one hand, and just have to tap the other link with the
hammer so just 2 hands is enough.

Glad you got it, even with all the right tools some days a person just wants to throw the hammer through something
it just doesnt go right.

Paul

 

[lastcowboy32]

(quoted from post at 03:50:27 07/30/23) Ive nearly always used the tool, thought everyone did. Was going to post a pic but glad you did.

The angle iron works too, something that doesnt give, and is a stable anchor point. Ive done that often enough
when the detach tool was several buildings away and something was handy that would work.

Pretty much have to do it by myself, so holding the angle iron, the chain, the punch, and swinging the hammer can
be a challenge!

The detach tool lets you hold and control the chain with one hand, and just have to tap the other link with the
hammer so just 2 hands is enough.

Glad you got it, even with all the right tools some days a person just wants to throw the hammer through something
it just doesnt go right.

Paul

Agree.

What led me to the angle iron was trying to get the link to take it's punishment like a man

I've done the channel lock thing mentioned above. It also seems as though using the special tool wouldn't really stabilize the link so that when you hit with the hammer, all the force goes to the link. I don't see an "anvil" in the photo of the tool, just something to hold the link, while you hit it.

The tray of this elevator is lightweight. There was nothing to set the link against to act as an anvil. That piece of angle iron had an edge to use as an anvil, and it was long enough to spread the force on the tray, so the link didn't bounce.

I would probably use the angle iron, even if I had the tool.

 

[Mike(NEOhio)]

I don't mess with those chains often. I have that tool but was never sure how to use it. FIL had a couple of manure spreaders so he probably used it a lot. All I have now is a COOP mower with just a short piece for the lift. Can someone post a picture of the tool in use?

 

[BarnyardEngineering]

The tool IS the anvil. Notice how it has a "foot" that you place on a solid surface.

We never had a tool but all our conveyors had detachable chain like that. Took out many many links over the years. We just used a second hammer, usually an 8lb sledge if there was room.

Get the angle right and get a good solid hit to get it started, and they come right apart. The hardest part was finding the "master link." Our conveyor chains had one link that had a pin you could remove to get the chain apart.

 

[showcrop]

(quoted from post at 21:05:53 07/29/23)
I'm REALLY surprised no one mentioned/posted the correct tool for the job?

No need to be "REALLY" surprised, just read the other posts first, LOL.

 

[wore out]

Can someone post a picture of the tool in use?

 

[Timmycornpicker]

They're still being made.
New Holland Elevator

 

[Texasmark]

We are talking about a Ladder chain. When I bought my JD N spreader one of the links was broken. I was surprised
that TSC carried Ladder parts. I don't recall having a problem fixing it once I figured out how its put together.

 

[lastcowboy32]

(quoted from post at 06:34:35 07/30/23) They're still being made.
New Holland Elevator

I'll have to check this website more.

I went to our local NH dealer for parts on Friday. We pulled up the diagrams..and every part that I nwmed came up "not available"

They did have some paddles, being made custom for them by a local Amish shop.

The kicker is...none of the parts come up in their system with descriptions...for instance, the pillow block bearings in the bottom hopper...they only come up with a part number. No specs, not even the shaft size. I went back home and measured...1" shaft... There are all sorts of aftermarket pillowblocks that I can buy....once I know the size.

The takeaway for me is...there are many standard parts that I can buy to rebuild this elevator, but I'm on my own to identify them.

 

[Timmycornpicker]

Sperry New Holland put the elevators into a separate division called Farmec in the early 70s and then sold Farmec off, so it's been a long time since New
Holland proper had anything to do with these elevators.

 

[caterpillar guy]

If you just hit the side of the link you are removing or driving down you don't need the punch and it will come apart. The more worn/stretched the chain is the easier it comes apart.