Drag Feeders & Reclaim Feeders Maintenance
What is the proper tension for the conveyor chain?
In order for the Drag Feeder and Reclaim Feeder to operate efficiently, the conveyor chain should be slightly slack on the return side but with constant tension. The returning chain should not hang loose or be pulled tight.
How to I tighten the conveyor chain?
Lockout/tagout all electrical controls to the machine before performing an adjustment to the chain.
- Position the valve handle to extend and pump oil into the cylinder until the chain is at the proper tension.
- Insert the required shims to lock the cylinder in place.
- Release pressure at the hand pump by placing the valve handle in the neutral position.
- Repeat steps 1-3 for the cylinder ont he opposite side of the tail shaft.
Note: An equal amount of shims must be added to both cylinders to keep the chain parallel from the head shaft through to the tail shaft. Uneven wear will result is the chain is not running parallel.
How do I loosen the conveyor chain?
Lockout/tagout all electrical controls to the machine before performing any adjustment to the chain.
- Extend the handle and pump oil into the cylinder until pressure is relieved on the shims.
- Remove the required shims until the chain is at the desired tension.
- Release pressure at the hand pump by placing the valve handle in the neutral position. Note: If the assembly does not slide all the way back against the remaining shims, the hand pump can be used to retract the assembly by positioning the valve handle in the retract position.
- Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the cylinder on the opposite side of the shaft.
Note: You must add an equal number of shims to both cylinders so that the chain remains parallel from the head shaft through to the tail shaft. Chains that are not running parallel will result in uneven wear.
How do I replace the chain and flight bars?
Drag Feeders and Reclaim Feeders have conveyors comprised of flight bars and a chain assembly. Refer to the Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual for the complete replacement procedure.
Operational Best Practices
What is the proper feed configuration?
Drag Feeders and Reclaim Feeders can be designed to accept various feed configurations. They can be installed under hoppers to accompany truck/dump applications, can accommodate dozer trap configurations, and can be fed by FELs.
What is the difference between an electro-mechanical conveyor drive arrangement and a hydraulic conveyor drive arrangement?
Both the electro-mechanical and hydraulic drives are attached to the head shaft of the conveyor. The difference is that the electro-mechanical drive has an electric motor, coupling and reducer, while the hydraulic drive has a hydraulic motor and is powered by a hydraulic power unit.
Recommended Spare Parts
It is recommended that you keep certain Drag and Reclaim Feeder replacement parts at your facility. McLanahan Corporation stocks a wide variety of commonly used components; however, storing these parts at your facility, will eliminate the expense of air-freighting critical parts that may be required during a breakdown situation
For Drag Feeders
Part Name | Quantity |
| Conveyor Chain Assembly | 4 |
| Extended Pin Link | 8 |
| Head Shaft Assembly | 2 |
| Tail Shaft Assembly | 2 |
For Reclaim Feeders
Part Name | Quantity |
| Flight Bar | 6 |
| Head Shaft Assembly | 1 |
| Spherical Plain Bearing | 1 |
| Tail Shaft Assembly | 1 |
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