CHAIN WHEEL

332 300 18 CHAINWHEEL Positioned at the end of the feed beam, this CHAIN WHEEL is responsible for driving the feed chain that moves the entire drifter assembly. It transfers power from the feed motor, converting rotational motion into the linear force required to advance the drifter during drilling and retract it afterwards. Proper engagement between the wheel's teeth and the chain links is fundamental for smooth, controlled operation.

A worn CHAIN WHEEL significantly degrades drilling performance and can lead to other failures. When the teeth become hooked or sharp, they can cause the feed chain to jump, leading to inconsistent feed pressure and poor bit contact with the rock. This not only slows down penetration but also puts immense stress on the feed motor and can cause premature chain failure, resulting in costly downtime.

During routine maintenance, look for visible signs of wear on the teeth, such as thinning or a hooked shape. A noisy or jerky feed is a common indicator that the wheel needs inspection. It is highly recommended to replace the chain wheels at the same time as the feed chain; running a new chain on a worn wheel will drastically shorten its service life.