help troubleshooting "skipping" issue

[Todd]

My 2012 is skipping when lumber is being fed trough. I can't tell if it's in the roller linkage or the cutterhead linkage. The roller bearings do not seem to be worn (how could I tell?) and the chain drive sprockets look fine (one of them is new a replacement ordered from you guys). The only thing that seems odd is that one of the roller shafts does have about a 1/2" of side to side movement when the chain and its sprocket are removed. The other roller does not slide like this. Could this be the problem? Do I need to crack the motor housing to look at the gears in there? Is there something I should test before doing this? Thanks.

[Mark]

Hi Todd,

I am guessing that the "skipping" is related to the play in the roller. The feed rollers sit in metal bushings. I am going to guess that one of the bushings has worn out and is no longer supporting the roller. With the roller not supported slack will develop in the chain and then it will skip on the cogs. You will want to inspect all four of the roller bushings, item numbers: 65, 73, 92 and 97. There may also be damage to the rollers themselves, item numbers: 67 and 94.

I hope this helps with your repair!

-Mark