Why an idler sprocket??

[rhino89523]

As I am ordering up new parts to fix my timbersled I am wondering why we use sprockets to tension the chains. Obviously plastic is a poor choice for materials regardless but why a sprocket at all? why don't they use a wheel like a dirtbike or just a slider....like a dirtbike. Sort of wonder why its not under spring tension as well? My problems were all as a result of crappy JT chain but still don't love these plastic idler sprockets.

 

[n16ht5]

No idler on a SnowtechMX... its like a swingarm on a bike, just how it should be.

 

[Sheetmetalfab]

As I am ordering up new parts to fix my timbersled I am wondering why we use sprockets to tension the chains. Obviously plastic is a poor choice for materials regardless but why a sprocket at all? why don't they use a wheel like a dirtbike or just a slider....like a dirtbike. Sort of wonder why its not under spring tension as well? My problems were all as a result of crappy JT chain but still don't love these plastic idler sprockets.

The aro has plastic slider blocks and no idlers.
Both chains.

 

[CATSLEDMAN1]

in the end

I have made slidng blocks, steel idlers, ran wheels instead of sprockets, but last year I went back to stock TS plastic idler with a soft spring between the tension bolt and block the wheel runs off of.

Blocks of plastic sliders and steel worked and made more noise, very annoying. Plastic idler wheels wore quickly and began making noise and almost got square after 30 hours or so.

Thats my experience.

 

[skidooboy]

The aro has plastic slider blocks and no idlers.
Both chains.

chain in the drive case, has an idler for tensioner, in the aro platform. Ski

 

[El Gringo]

My guess, it's cheaper and easier to use an idler. Quite a lot more engineering to make slots and an adjuster. Yeti don't use an idler on the primary chain, but use one on the belt drive, likely to allow easy ratio changes without multiple belt lenths.

 

[Sheetmetalfab]

chain in the drive case, has an idler for tensioner, in the aro platform. Ski

It’s a round plastic piece that doesn’t spin.
Essentially a plastic slider........


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Hawkster]

My guess, it's cheaper and easier to use an idler. Quite a lot more engineering to make slots and an adjuster. Yeti don't use an idler on the primary chain, but use one on the belt drive, likely to allow easy ratio changes without multiple belt lenths.

That and a quality belt drive needs to be set at a proper tension . Not some factory assembly line slopped out specs .

 

[skidooboy]

It’s a round plastic piece that doesn’t spin.
Essentially a plastic slider........


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

the next time you are lubing, adjusting that drive chain with the cover off... spin that "slider" and let me know, what you think of the "doesn't spin, essentially a slider" comment.

just serviced my aro chain, cover last night again... it is a slider type material but, definitely is an idler/roller. Ski