Last modified: 2026-05-16 08:47:17
< 2026-05-11The chain jumped off the tractor again the other day, so I decided to rectify this "once and for all" by adding an idler sprocket to increase the wrap angle:
It looks to have been kind of successful: the wrap angle is increased and the tractor still works.
But it makes a rather crunchy noise in reverse. The sprocket has integrated bearings, but no spacer, so if you tighten the bolt up the bearings bind up, and if you leave it loose it is all floppy. I have tried to just gently nip up the bolt, but perhaps it is too tight for the bearings already, and probably will come loose.
I know it looks like the two big washers are pressing against the outer race, but they're actually not, there is a small washer in between the inner race and the big washer to provide clearance.
When the nut falls off I will Loctite it on. When the bearing fails I will scratch my head and think of something else.
< 2026-05-11