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John deere 566 pickup chain

259 Views 8 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  Hawkins2015
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So I'm in the process of replacing some worn out sprockets on the pickup and while in there said may as well do new chains too. Doesn't make sense not to start fresh. My problem is that when I went to install the chain with calls for 42 links including the master it was too tight to put the master link in. The old chain was really loose. (probably a combo of worn sprockets and stretched chain)

The tech manual says to loosen the bearing bolts and pry the chain tight. But in my reading online it says to only do that if the chain is loose. So my question is what do I do to get the chain to fit? Can I use a half link? Is there a way to do this correctly?

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No offset linked needed & chain would be way too long!! . Assemble connected chain on both sprockets then slide both sprockets on hex shafts simultaneously. BTDT several times with new chain. At some point JD even offered that chain connected with no master link coupler. There's also a tool one can use to squeeze links together so coupler link can be installed BUT space is very limited for installing that short chain. Zip tie can also be utilized to pull chain together to aid in installation of coupler link then cut zip tie..
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Adding a half link will hurt nothing. Probably after you run it a little it will loosen up and you can take it back out or just try what Jim said.
Pettibone do you own/operate a JD rd baler? As I stated a offset link could cause that short chain that has NO IDLER SPROCKET to flop on sprockets & possibly climb sprocket teeth then BREAK. That chain powers starter roller & ultimately the pickup attachment. My advise is repair back to the way it was designed without an offset link. I've been utilizing JD rd balers with that 41 link chain plus coupler since 1987. This doesn't include my experience repairing them beginning in 1983 when the 430/530 was introduced.
Thank you! I'll try that when I get home from work. Two other questions about the chains themselves. Can a roller chain be too tight? And the upper Drive chain and the pickup chain are 60H but the scraper roll chain which appears to drive the pickup chain is only a 60? Seems kinda weird.
According 566 parts catalog starter roll drive chain was RC60H. Yes a roller chain should be operated without too much tension.
So thank for the help on that double sprocket. Doing it at once was just the ticket but the chain is pretty tight. Had to use a mallet to put the sprocket on because there wasn't any extra slack. Is that something to worry about or will just using it break it in.
You're very welcome. Just lubricate chain & you should be fine. BTDT several times
Funny you post this, as I did the job a week ago and had the same problem. Put an offset link in, thinking after spinning it for a couple minutes it would loosen the new chain up enough to get it together. Did not work. I just put the old chain on for now.

I will do as @Tx Jim said and you have done.
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