CHAIN FEED

551 753 06A CHAIN FEED The feed chain is responsible for transmitting power from the feed motor to the drifter cradle, moving the entire rock drill assembly forward and backward along the feed beam. Its correct operation is fundamental for achieving the right feed pressure and penetration rate, directly influencing how efficiently and quickly a hole is drilled.

Over time, a feed chain will naturally stretch and wear. If a worn chain is not replaced, it can lead to inconsistent feed force, causing the drill bit to either jam in the rock or skate on the surface. A sudden failure of the chain will bring drilling to an immediate halt, resulting in costly downtime and a potential safety risk from uncontrolled drifter movement.

Listen for unusual grinding noises from the feed and look for excessive slack in the chain. Regular inspection for proper tension and lubrication is the best way to maximize its service life. When replacing a worn chain, always inspect the drive and idler sprockets, as worn sprockets will cause premature failure of the new chain.