I just broke my drive chain, I never have had a skid steer before and this is my first. I am very mechanically inclined but have never worked on a skid steer. I have removed the plate on the side and confirmed that the chain is broken... what next? thanks for the help.
Help Support SkidSteer Forum:
Remove the chain and get a new section. It will be easier if you get one with con-links otherwise you will need to remove the sprockets. Get the chain over the sprockets and bring it together, install the con-link and you're set.
It would be a good idea to change the oil while in there too.
What sort of surfaces are you driving on that caused the chain to fail?
If you have un-even wear on the tyres it will put extra load on the chains, even more so if the surface is 'sticky' especially bitumen driveways etc, something the tyres really hold on to.
It would be a good idea to change the oil while in there too.
What sort of surfaces are you driving on that caused the chain to fail?
If you have un-even wear on the tyres it will put extra load on the chains, even more so if the surface is 'sticky' especially bitumen driveways etc, something the tyres really hold on to.
It was my fault, I was pushing over a tree... 100% my stupidity. I guess I need am going to learn to work on them. I opened it up and didnt see any damage to the sprockets, just the fallen chain. Can the chain that is in there be repaired or do I need to buy a whole new chain?
You could probably put a con-link in, but for it to fail its possibly damaged. Pull the chain out, give it a pull and see if the links are worn. If not, and if it looks good, you could just just get a con-link, they are a few bucks!
Driving over a tree wasn't your fault. It shouldn't have broken, it had to have been weak to begin with.
irvi00
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Broke mine twice! Once was pushing in VERY hard dirt and the second was pushing up wood chunks, (pushing hard, fell off a chunk and SNAP). Funny story is, after the second break, ordered a "factory" chain from New Holland and it was too short!!! Had to break 6 links from my old chain to make it long enough. If you have only snapped one link, get a master link,(I think it's #80) and put her back together. You have one of the toughest skid steers made!
What is the routing of the chain? Does anyone have a picture? I know I can take the other side off and look , I was just trying to prevent from having to do that... Thanks for all the help so far... this is my first skid steer!
Simply over the sprockets, can't get easier than that. It should just be one loop, i don't think they have tensioners.
No there are more sprockets there, there is one for each wheel which I can figure that one out but then right in the middle are 2 spockets which I am assuming is the drive to it. I cant find a diagram anywhere for it.
Do you have the operators manual? For my 1999 665 there is a diagram in there which shows looped over center sprockets and that is it, but there are also reduction gears there in there. To set tension on mine you loosen the bolts around the wheel spindle housing and move it. I don't think there is much movement though. The rear chain on mine goes on the outside sprocket and the front on the inner.
for a diagram messicks.com should have a drawing of the routing.
I cannot get this stupid chain off. Is there something that I am missing? the chain snapped so I figured I would just take it off, but I can get it off. Any idea why I cant get this chain off and take it out to get it fixed? Its wrapped around the front wheel and I cant turn the wheel to get it off the sprocket. Any one live in Georgia? Any suggestions?
irvi00
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Hello! I am in Georgia. Standby, I'm going to try and scan the manual page and post it. Messicks doesn't carry diagrams for the L555, (at least not that I can find). I don't know why the chain won't come out. You do have the tires off the ground right? The chain could have overlapped and be bound against the case, get a mirror and flashlight and look. If I can't post the page, I'll do my best to draw it.
Where abouts in Georgia? I could pay for your gas to come out and look and give any pointers (depends on where in Georgia)? I am stumped by this.
irvi00
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Im in North East Georgia, White County. I'm tryin to post up a pic of the manual page that shows the chain routing. Anyone know how to post up a pic? I cant even find the option for it!
irvi00
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Well, I cant figure out how to post the pic up. Sorry but I'm going out of town in a few hours. I will be back Sunday. If you want, post your e-mail and I'll get the pic to you that way. If you're not too far away, I'll be happy to come help you.
my email is [email protected], please send the pic if you can... Are you heading north or south? I live in LaGrange which is off 85 south.
I cant get it.. I fought with it all morning... is there some kind of safety mechanism that stops the wheel? If I could turn the wheel I could get the chain to fall right off, but I have it jacked up and can only turn the wheel about 1/4 of a turn and then it stops, it sounds like it is hitting something, its like that on both wheels. The emergency brake is off but the wheel doesnt turn all the way around. what am I missing? How do I get this broken chain off? Is there anything else that I have to take off for the wheels to move freely so I can just drop the chain off the sprocket?
frogfarmer
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- Jul 30, 2010
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Is it possible your chain broke because something in the reduction gearing locked up. I haven't worked on a 555 but I have hundreds of hours in the bellys of the newer machines. You didn't say what you were trying to turn the wheel with. I have a piece of bar stock 6ft long with holes in it to bolt to the wheel studs with the tires removed. The wheels won't turn by hand unless you disconnect the drive motors.
Shouldnt the wheels turn though if the chain is broken? I was trying to turn it by hand and it goes some but then stops.
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