OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Reel-Type Mowers SB 45 sprocket pics

Hi all,new chains, new sprockets, cleaned &





greased up & ready to go. See the pics

cheers Ross

Hi Ross, fantastic job there mate....the sprockets were not painted originally, but they do look schmick.
The chains look tight...I hope you have left some play, otherwise the chains and sprockets will wear very quickly.

Thanks Deejay, yes there is some play there approx 5-10 mm. Have taken plenty of notice of the forums (although they do look tight in the pics). The new chains were actually a link or 2 short, so needed to adjust the tensioner accordingly.
As mentioned in a previous post however I have a slight problem (I think). When I rotate the reel, the chain which runs from the cutter sprocket over the plastic chain tensioner then to the engine shaft sprocket tightens slightly then slackens off again as it rotates further. It is only minimal but I am unsure if this is normal although it doesn't sound right. The chains / sprockets were worn & I thought replacing may resolve the issue but this has not been the case. By process of elimination the only possibility I can think of is that the shaft of the reel may be bent slightly at the sprocket end and as it rotates it pulls on the chain. I am thinking at its tightest point this is where I may need to adjust the tensionser back a little to ensure its a little loose rather than too tight. Have you heard of a similar issue and if so would you or any other members have any thoughts on this one? Do you think it may cause unnecessary wear on the chains and or sprockets?
cheers Ross

Hi Ross, a link or two short in the chain length concerns me a little...the original chain would have stretched over time...but to two links...I don't think so...

I'm at a loss here, I haven't had to purchase new chains for my machine as yet...so I don't know the "correct" length for the primary...

However, here is a possible solution, just purchase another 'removable link' and place it in the chain and see if that relieves the problem...it may if the chain you purchased was a link short...I honestly doubt if the shaft is bent....the engineer would have seen that prob as soon as the lathe started spinning the reel...it would have been undulating around its own axis...
There should be around 1/2" (12.5mm) play in the chain when correctly adjusted...
It will cause wear on the sprockets and the new chain if incorrectly adjusted.
Please keep your eyes on it....and let us know how you get on, Ross,