Stay safe. Follow procedures in the Operation Manual. Always use proper protective equipment, fully power down machines and use locks before service. Salford is not liable for injury or damage caused by improper maintenance or operation. Contact your Salford dealer for more information or support.
If you need to remove links from a BBI bar chain, this guide will walk you through the process step by step. Whether you’re performing maintenance or adjusting chain length for better performance, following these instructions will ensure you get the job done efficiently.
When to Remove Bar Chain Links
You may need to remove links from your bar chain if:
- The front roller is fully extended, but tension is still too loose.
- Damage to a section of the bar chain has occurred.
Tools You’ll Need
Before starting, gather these essential tools:
- Grinder – for grinding down pin heads
- Punch – to drive the pins out
- Hammer – for tapping out pins
- Needle-nose pliers – for handling small parts
- Safety gear (gloves, safety glasses)
- Optional: Replacement 88K chain link kit (includes 2 pins, 2 cotter keys, 1 link)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Evaluate Chain Tension and Roller Adjustment
- On new units, the front roller often has plenty of room left for adjustment.
- If your chain has stretched over time, the pusher rod may be fully extended.
- Leave the front roller adjusted out until you’ve removed the necessary links.
2. Locate the Pin(s) to Remove
- Inspect your chain for a master pin (with a cotter key).
- If no master pin is available at the removal point, identify standard pins that have been staked or bradded over to prevent movement.
3. Grind the Pin Head Flat
- Use a grinder to shave the pin head flush with the chain link.
- For easier access, grind the pin from the inside of the chain, if possible.
4. Drive the Pin Out
- Place a punch on the ground-down pin.
- Tap with a hammer to knock it out.
- Alternative method: Remove the master pin (if accessible) by aligning it with the chain slot, removing the cotter key, and punching it out.
5. Adjust the Chain Length
- Move the front roller all the way back to maximize future adjustment range.
- If removing more than one link, grind and remove the additional pins either in front of or behind the master pin.
6. Reassemble the Chain
- Reconnect using the master link and cotter key.
- If you’ve removed too many links, an 88K chain link kit is available for purchase to extend the chain length. Contact your local Salford BBI dealer for assistance with parts ordering.
- Always bend the cotter key securely once reassembled.
7. Final Adjustments
- Adjust the roller, increasing tension, until there’s about 1/8″ to 1/4″ gap between the chain and the first crossmember.
Tips and Troubleshooting
- Always measure from the bearing to the front of the rail on both sides for even adjustment.to avoid uneven wear.
- Use proper safety equipment when grinding and punching pins.
- Keep a spare chain link kit on hand for emergencies or over-corrections.
By following these steps, you can efficiently remove links from your BBI bar chain and keep your equipment running smoothly.
For more detailed instructions, check out our YouTube video on the BBI Bar Chain Link Removal. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more helpful videos.
For additional support, contact your Salford dealer or visit the Salford Connect Portal.
