After all of the fun of mounting the picker this weekend, my dad and I are stumped. We started the picker, very carefully and slowly, only to find out that the right gathering unit would not work. We looked the right side over, up and down to discover that the chain that connects the upper slip clutch was very tight. We discconnected the drive chain so we could turn the drive shaft with a crescent wrench. I could turn the shaft to a point and then that upper slip clutch would pop/engage. Next we tracked the chain down to the lower sprocket that is attached to the lower gear box which drives the lower gathering chains. We first found a cone and sprocket stuck together. Dad and I took that all apart and cleaned that. But after getting that all back together, still that same action. I took the cover off of the gear box, lots of grease in there, felt around for any bad/damaged teeth, nothing but grease and two gears. I can take the chain and turn the sprocket, not more than a quarter turn or so, but there still seems to be something that isn't allowing that to turn free. ANY help/guidance/words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. Maybe I am looking in the wrong place.
This is a NI 319 gathering unit. The picker worked the last time we took it off of the tractor, 15 years ago.
Where all the drive chains are kind of together in one spot, start taking them off one at a time, turning the slip clutch shaft with your wrench every time you remove another chain. This should help you pinpoint your problem thru the process of elimination. There are many things that could be catching on something so this should help you find it. Also check the open gears inside the picker frame that drive the snapping rolls - maybe something is caught in there.
Thanks Tom! After a few moments of re-checking everything and taking your chain idea, the problem/solution presented itself. The cone inside the sprocket of the gathering chain was worn and didn't allow the sprocket to run freely. Replace the cone with a new one and presto! The picker is running and sounding ready to hit the fields!! Now, just a few more days of sun and wind!! Thanks again Tom!!
