vermeer 352 ground drive chains

[tlbsg]

i have just removed covers welded up where the bottom corner folds in put larger washers where hydraulic motors bolt on and and sealed where covers bolt on will be dirt and chip proof now going to run chains dry should last longer than full of dirt etc

 

[Bigstumps]

If that doesn't work you might try to run them totally open where you can easily clean and oil them. That is what I did with my Rayco.

 

[bombdude]

Been running mine w/o covers for a few months now. A lot easier to clean. Too soon to tell on extending the life, but I have no plans to put the covers back on.

 

[stevieb]

Are you guy's actually saying that you have had broken chains? or are you just heading off a potential problem?

 

[bombdude]

I've broken 2 in the year & a half that I've owned my machine.

 

[stevieb]

When you get a breakage im guessing the machine is still maneuverable? I have only 390 hours on mine should I be carrying a spare chain in the truck?

 

[Bigstumps]

When you get a breakage im guessing the machine is still maneuverable? I have only 390 hours on mine should I be carrying a spare chain in the truck?

When it breaks you are done. Chains are inexpensive, might want to carry a sprocket and key also.

 

[stumper63]

Why are these prone to breakage? Is it the opposing forces from two separate drive motors/axles when turning? Maybe even worse if you have the 4WD model, not sure. Do the hydraulic motors for each wheel have some kind of relief for tight turns, or do the wheels just try to spin?

Just put a new chain on the 252, but we're over 2800 hours on the first one, tho probably could have been done a little sooner. Never broken one tho.

Stumper63

 

[bombdude]

When you get a breakage im guessing the machine is still maneuverable? I have only 390 hours on mine should I be carrying a spare chain in the truck?

My first break, I had to limp it onto the trailer to get to the shop. w/o 4wd, I wouldn't have budged it. It was still under warranty. Second go around, I got it to break loose, & was able to drive it with the positive traction engaged. It depends on whether the chain bunches up between the sprocket & housing or "falls free" & lets the wheels turn.

It seems that the dirt buildup in the housing causes excess wear from the grit. The loose chain causes binding, & eventually a break. As stated earlier, I took the covers off, & have been running them that way for a couple months now. I can wash the chains, & hopefully extend the life do to less grit in the chain.

 

[stevieb]

I think I will souce a spare chain. Now been told about this its bound to happen.

 

[kiwidiesel]

Have had chain guards fiilling up with dirt, causing chains to bind. Took guards off and drilled 25mm (1 inch) hole in underside of guard just behind large sprocket. Have had no problems since refitting guards six months ago.