How to shorten hay elevator chain?

[CobyRupert]

I have a old New Holland tube steel type hay elevator with the center "detachable" chain. Every 10 links or so there is a spike that grabs the bale.
The chain links are sort of like one side of an apron chain you'd find on old equipment, or a manure spreader, etc...
Looks something likes this: Steel Detachable Chain (1' Roll) | Agri Supply 11367

I want to shorten the elevator by unbolting and removing a middle section of it and will need to shorten the chain when reassembled. I looked for a master link to no avail. Looking at the above link, I don't think they have any.

Looking for tips.
What's a good way to break chain to shorten and how to reconnect links? Heat? Big hammer and chisel?
How to reconnect?

 

[airbiscuit]

Every link is a master link. You fold over a link 90 degrees so the slot of one lines up with the side of the adjoining link. You rest it on something solid (that allows a slight over hang) and hammer the adjacent link through the slot. It is a tight fit, so you do have to hammer it. Just make sure the slot is lined up well. Reassembly is pretty much the same thing.

 

[airbiscuit]

 

[airbiscuit]

 

[rockinmywaypa]

if you want to cheat a little thenrun a grinder blade along the inside edge of the loop to make the slot wider.

 

[CobyRupert]

Last night I sprayed with penetrating oil all the bolts that hold an individual elevator tube segment to adjacent segments. 28 bolts that haven't been turned probably in over 40 years.

Regarding the chain: I loosened the adjustable tensioner sprocket at the top end of the elevator to get as much slack in the chain as possible, but that doesn't provide enough slack that I can fold the chain over on itself to take apart or to get it off (to the side of) the end sprocket to get more slack.

I'm thinking I need to take a fencing (block and tackle) pulley (or a come-along) and start pulling the chain loop unto itself (if that makes sense) to create slack. But the chain slack this creates will be right under the come-a-long which will be right in the way.

An easy work-around solution to getting enough slack may become apparent when I actually do this, but any tips?

 

[fidowanttobe]

These guys have all the parts you will need.
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[RickB]

If you work that middle section of the elevator out you will have all the chain slack you can stand.

 

[CobyRupert]

If you work that middle section of the elevator out you will have all the chain slack you can stand.

On this model, the chain on the underside of the elevator runs inside an enclosed metal channel. That is, each section’s channel connects to the next to make a continuous enclosed chain on the underside. It is safer than the ones I grew up with.

Bottom line is the middle section can’t be removed unless the split chain is pulled out of the connected channels.

 

[RickB]

Well that sucks.