Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Just thought that I would share how I wound up redesigning the chain tensioner on my Ariens 1028.  If some of you might recall at WTB, I was complaining how the chain tensioner would be "bent" away from the chain during heavy loading and thus would leave the chain slack during easy going.  This slack would cause the chain to bunch up and jamb at the lower gear to case location.  I wound up using an original Ariens hex shaft and modified it by having a larger diameter sleeve bushing welded onto the threaded end of the shaft.  After cutting to the proper length, I mounted it into a rigid flange bearing.  Careful locating and drilling of hole and SUCCESS!!

Here is the link to the photos of this modification, I hope it works.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v715/bbwb/Chaintensionercloseup.jpg

I believe that the original configuration that is on my machine is the same as the current ones....Maybe if PK takes this back to the company I might get a large royalty check so that I may retire???

Let me know what you guys think.

bbwb

Jonathan

After reading your post about the radially off center gear reminded me of a message that I received from PK.  In the message he said that the hex shaft might have a weld filet binding on the chain or possibly some weld splatter.  Another thing to look for would be that the hex shaft if very straight.  Hope this helps.

bbwb

Great idea!  Nice design you've got there.