We have a New Idea 329 Super Sheller that breaks the drive chain and/or sprocket driving the throw out mechanism every time we start picking/shelling. The throw out mechanism runs the cross auger feeding cleaned corn to the auger going to the wagon. The throw out mechanism also runs the auger going to the wagon.
We have replaced the bottom bearing on the wagon auger, and both bearings on the shaft with the cross auger and throw out mechanism. We still have the issue.
The whole machine runs great when not loaded. Once we hit the corn rows we don't get 100 ft before we break the chain or sprocket.
There is another shaft that runs a gear box running the wagon auger. We have not replaced that bearing or dis-assembled the gear box yet, they turn nicely by hand. Regardless, we will be dis-assembling this next.
Does anyone have any experience with an issue like this? It's a simple mechanism, works well when not loaded but brakes the drive chain and/or sprocket when loaded while picking. We are pulling our hair out trying to solve this. Thanks, Paul
One place to check is if there is end play in either the auger under the sheller or the wagon auger. My thought is that even though it works fine when empty, one of these augers might be moving end-to-end when it gets loaded down with corn and then the auger catches on something and causes your chain to break.
Your thought of checking the gearbox inside the auger may be valid also. Something similar may be happening inside the gearbox.
Bottom line is - something is catching on something else when under load. It takes a pretty good shock load to break chains and sprockets. I'm surprised this is happening like this though - there is supposed to be a slip clutch on the driveline for that auger.
