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.
When operating a BBI spreader it is natural for your bed chain to stretch over time. After the initial break-in period chain stretch should be minimal. Ensuring the correct tension on the bar chain is crucial for optimal performance. In this guide, we’ll walk through the step-by-step process to adjust the bar chain properly, ensuring smooth operation and preventing unnecessary wear.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Understanding the Adjustment Mechanism
The bar chain tension is adjusted by moving the front roller toward the front of the machine. This is done using the pusher rods located on both sides of the spreader.
- The left-side pusher rod moves the shaft forward on that side.
- The right-side pusher rod adjusts the bearing on that side.
- It is essential to maintain even tension on both sides for proper alignment.
Step 2: Measuring and Aligning the Front Roller
To ensure the chain is evenly tensioned:
- Measure the distance from the front of the bearing to the end of the rail.
- Keep this distance the same on both sides to ensure the front roller remains parallel as it moves out.
Step 3: Setting the Correct Chain Tension
- Look approximately two feet back inside the spreader for the cross channel that the chain runs over.
- Adjust the front roller outward until there is a ¼ to ⅜ inch gap between the chain and the top of the cross channel.
- This ensures proper chain tension without excessive slack or tightness.
NOTE: 1/4 inch gap on the front cross angle only the chain will touch the middle ones.
Step 4: Final Adjustments and Checks
- Once the proper chain tension is achieved, secure the adjustments by tightening the pusher rods.
- Double-check the alignment of the front roller to prevent uneven wear.
- Perform a visual inspection of the chain and rollers before operation.
- It’s important to keep the shaft parallel as you adjust the slack out of it, and if the gap in between the chain and the first cross channel ends up a little bit different on one side then the other, that’s fine you just need to keep the front rollers parallel.
Tips and Troubleshooting
- If the chain is too tight, it may cause excessive wear on the rollers and bearings.
- If the chain is too loose, it may slip or jump off track, affecting material distribution.
- Regularly inspect and lubricate the chain to extend its lifespan.
Proper bar chain adjustment is essential for maintaining the efficiency of your BBI Endurance spreader. By following these steps, you can ensure optimal performance and reduce downtime due to chain-related issues.
For more detailed instructions, check out our YouTube video on BBI Bar Chain Adjustment. 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.
