slow enough speed on that chain, and working in the dirt it's not going to last many operating hours anyway, so I wouldn't worry about a tensioner. A block of wood works fine for tension, but it needs to be stout if that chain runs both ways.
There is a cover, I removed for the pic.It doesn't look like there tension adjustment for the chain? It will continue to stretch with use and become worse. Being exposed to the elements will accelerate wear too. Couldn't hurt to put a tensioner on.
My Harley Rake has a tensioner and the chain is within a sealed oil bath.
It does spin slowly... but not that slow . I’m concerned it will eat up those sprockets or start jumping offDefinitely do not lube the chain. i don’t think that spins excessively fast, not sure a tensioner is necessary. Harley rakes have em in the chain case but they run both directions and a little faster than the rockhounds do.
Just bolt a chunk of hardwood to the side? Maybe some plastic instead?slow enough speed on that chain, and working in the dirt it's not going to last many operating hours anyway, so I wouldn't worry about a tensioner. A block of wood works fine for tension, but it needs to be stout if that chain runs both ways.
I like that setup!I’ve attached a parts breakdown of a Harley rake chain drive and it shows how they tension the chain. Fairly simple, two arms that hold a “roller skate” wheel on each arm and a spring between each arm to keep the wheels pulling towards each other on the chain. Wouldn’t be too hard to make something similar.
https://store.germanbliss.com/land-pride-sr2672-power-rake-skid-steer-attachment-chain-case-parts.
I believe you want to look at part #39, 30, & 6