User Manual

Technical maintenance
Page 50 of 68
5478EN-3
6.2.3 Shorten chain
If the conveyor chain stretch exceeds the limit (see Section 6.1.2 on page
44) the chain must be shortened.
Shortening the chain can best be done at the lower end. FlexLink delivers
a chain tensioner with the machine to assist in this procedure.
Procedure to shorten the chain:
• Every 5 m [16' 5"] the metal chain is connected with 2 connecting
links. The slats located above these links are marked with two red
dots. The chain can easily be shortened by removing one of these
two connecting links.
• Create access to the metal chain by removing the conveyor slats
with the red dot plus several conveyor slats either side. The slats
are removed when in the position at the end of the lower end unit.
The procedure for slat removal is detailed in section 6.2.2. The
conveyor chain will need to be moved around to access the slats
and the procedure for this is detailed in section 6.2.1
• First remove the security locks from both connecting links. Once
these have been removed the gold coloured plates and the
connecting link can be removed.
• Now place the chain tensioner if available at both loose ends of
the chain and turn it until both ends meet see Fig. 13.
• Place back one connecting link (including the security lock) and
the chain is then shortened. Fig. 14 shows what parts are taken
out of the belt.
• Return the chain back to the service location and place the new
slats back on the chain. Make sure you place a marked slat over
the connecting link.
• If the metal chain is still too long, repeat this procedure at another
location which still has two connecting links. At least one
connecting link must remain at each relevant location.
Figure 14 Working room at lower end Figure 15 Tensioning the chain Figure 16 What remains!