John Deere 30 inch mechanical tiller disassembly problem

   / John Deere 30 inch mechanical tiller disassembly problem
  • Thread Starter
#21  
Only one more question and possible issue. I put the chain and tensioner on and it doesn't look right. The tensioner seems either on wrong or the chain has "stretched". Do I need to replace the chain to finish up or will this work ok? Again--no pictures anywhere on the internet and no specifications from JD regarding chain tension for this tiller using this tension block. I may just install it on the tractor and observe the chain movement before I make a mistake and put the grease and cover back on.
tiller chain.jpg
 
   / John Deere 30 inch mechanical tiller disassembly problem #22  
To me Al w. This looks like the chain needs some links removed. The picture or the tinesproves the sprockets rotate counterclockwise so everything is installed correctly. But in a short period of time things are going to collide in there. Just my take sir. Good luck
 
   / John Deere 30 inch mechanical tiller disassembly problem #23  
Just looking at the picture I would say the chain is installed correctly. Have you tried looking up the JD parts diagram for this tiller? there's usually a pretty good indication in there how things are assembled.

If you do decide to remove links instead of replacing the chain, remove 2 links and install a half link and you should be close.

After expanding the picture and having a look I would concider replacing the chain tightener. It looks pretty worn.

Just my thoughts.
 
   / John Deere 30 inch mechanical tiller disassembly problem
  • Thread Starter
#24  
To me Al w. This looks like the chain needs some links removed. The picture or the tinesproves the sprockets rotate counterclockwise so everything is installed correctly. But in a short period of time things are going to collide in there. Just my take sir. Good luck
I'm replacing that chain. If the sprockets rotate counterclockwise the chain direction would be as I labeled in the picture to be #2 correct? I noticed that the chain that was installed has the closed end of the master link in the opposite direction--towards what I labeled as #1. I thought the closed end was supposed to be in the same direction as the chain travel. Was this link installed backwards or is the chain travel in the direction I labeled as 1? I could remove the mower deck and mount the tiller on the tractor to see which way the chain travels but I was hoping not to have to do that until it was reassembled and ready to test.
 

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    tiller chain direction.jpg
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   / John Deere 30 inch mechanical tiller disassembly problem #25  
I'm replacing that chain. If the sprockets rotate counterclockwise the chain direction would be as I labeled in the picture to be #2 correct? I noticed that the chain that was installed has the closed end of the master link in the opposite direction--towards what I labeled as #1. I thought the closed end was supposed to be in the same direction as the chain travel. Was this link installed backwards or is the chain travel in the direction I labeled as 1? I could remove the mower deck and mount the tiller on the tractor to see which way the chain travels but I was hoping not to have to do that until it was reassembled and ready to test.
The chain direction is #2 or counterclockwise as indicated by the scoop and wear on the tiller blades. Not sure if the closed end of the master link would matter that much, but closed end in the direction of travel would be safest.
 
   / John Deere 30 inch mechanical tiller disassembly problem
  • Thread Starter
#26  
The chain direction is #2 or counterclockwise as indicated by the scoop and wear on the tiller blades. Not sure if the closed end of the master link would matter that much, but closed end in the direction of travel would be safest.
I thought it was counterclockwise. I just thought it was strange that the master link was on backwards when I got the tiller from John Deere. I guess they thought it wouldn't matter either.
 
   / John Deere 30 inch mechanical tiller disassembly problem #27  
I thought it was counterclockwise. I just thought it was strange that the master link was on backwards when I got the tiller from John Deere. I guess they thought it wouldn't matter either.
It does matter as there is less chance of the clip being removed as it rubs through the chain tensioner.

I'm pretty sure that John Deere thinks it matters. The person installing the chain wasn't as concerned about it.
 
   / John Deere 30 inch mechanical tiller disassembly problem
  • Thread Starter
#28  
Just looking at the picture I would say the chain is installed correctly. Have you tried looking up the JD parts diagram for this tiller? there's usually a pretty good indication in there how things are assembled.

If you do decide to remove links instead of replacing the chain, remove 2 links and install a half link and you should be close.

After expanding the picture and having a look I would concider replacing the chain tightener. It looks pretty worn.

Just my thoughts.
I replaced the chain. The new one was only about 1/2 inch shorter than the old one. I'm ordering the tension adjuster too. It is worn and replacing it should get things pretty close to perfect. Might as well do it right.
 
   / John Deere 30 inch mechanical tiller disassembly problem
  • Thread Starter
#29  
I just got the adjuster block from John Deere and had to post a photo of the old and new adjuster. I am glad pmsmechanic noticed the wear. I had no idea the old one wasn't supposed to look the way it did but I DID know that if it really was worn that a new adjuster would make a HUGE difference. That old one would not have lasted long. Thanks.
adjuster block.jpg
 
   / John Deere 30 inch mechanical tiller disassembly problem
  • Thread Starter
#30  
New chain and new adjuster. You can see a big difference. Now I just need to put grease on the chain and inside the chain shield, run sealant along the edge of the cover and close it up. I really appreciate all of the helpful input!
chain_new_adjuster_new.jpg
 

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