Question about 2 ton chandler spreader

[steve-in-ga]

This is a new to me 2 ton chandler spreader that I just purchased. According to the guy I purchased it from, it was manufactured in 2014 or 2015. It is ground driven with a hydraulic cylinder that applies a metal 'tire' to the wheel to cause everything to work; spinners to spin and chain to walk inside the bed. It needs a new set of belts. I downloaded the owners manual from the Chandler website but it doesn't show how to change the belts. One set of belts has a tensioner so those are obvious how to change. However, there is a set of belts that run the spinners that I can't figure out how to change. The belts I'm referring to are twisted between the 2 pulleys in a figure 8. There is no tensioner. I was wondering if anyone on here has one and knows the secret to changing these belts.

 

[Jim.ME]

This is a new to me 2 ton chandler spreader that I just purchased. According to the guy I purchased it from, it was manufactured in 2014 or 2015. It is ground driven with a hydraulic cylinder that applies a metal 'tire' to the wheel to cause everything to work; spinners to spin and chain to walk inside the bed. It needs a new set of belts. I downloaded the owners manual from the Chandler website but it doesn't show how to change the belts. One set of belts has a tensioner so those are obvious how to change. However, there is a set of belts that run the spinners that I can't figure out how to change. The belts I'm referring to are twisted between the 2 pulleys in a figure 8. There is no tensioner. I was wondering if anyone on here has one and knows the secret to changing these belts.

I will say up front, I don't have one. It would help if you had posted the actual Chandler model and some pictures. on the Chandler site I found a manual for one set up like yours from your description (model 9PT). For the spinner belts I would look closely at the bearing mounting points for the vertical spinner shafts. I would expect to see slots in the frame, or bearing housings, to allow for adjustment. It would look like the spinners would slide toward each other for belt installation. The spinners would be slid apart to tighten the belts. The outer belts, with the tensioner for them, would be installed after the spinner belts are set.

 

[steve-in-ga]

I removed the verticle spinner shafts and you are correct in that the frame is slotted. The washers are so big i couldn't see the slots. Appreciate the help.

 

[Jim.ME]

I removed the verticle spinner shafts and you are correct in that the frame is slotted. The washers are so big i couldn't see the slots. Appreciate the help.

Good to hear you got it. Given no mechanical method (adjuster) of moving the shafts is shown in the parts book, I figured it would be. It is fairly common to have slotted frames. I have seen some use a 1/2"(+) thick bar both bolts for a bearing thread into, instead of using washers and nuts, to help reinforce the frame where it is slotted.