144031A1 Sprocket — 7-Tooth CA550 Replacement for Case IH Combine Elevator

Premium Agricultural Sprocket for Case IH Combine Grain Handling

OEM Part Numbers: 144031A1 / 1319176C1 / 87740180  |
Teeth: 7  |
Bore: 1.25″ (31.75 mm)  |
Chain Fit: CA550

The 144031A1 / 87740180 sprocket is a direct-fit aftermarket replacement for Case IH combine grain elevator systems. It serves two positions depending on the model: the lower clean grain elevator on early-series machines and the lower return grain elevator on the 2000–7000 series. Both positions run the CA550 agricultural chain, and this part is machined from 1045 grade round steel to match the original 7-tooth, 1.25″ bore specification.

The 1045 steel grade is a deliberate material choice for this application. It sits in the medium-carbon range, offering higher tensile strength than mild steel while remaining machinable to close tolerances. Teeth are hobbed on CNC equipment and then hardened, producing a wear surface that holds its profile geometry through a full harvest season of continuous elevator duty.

This combine harvester sprocket covers three OEM cross-references — 144031A1, 1319176C1, and 87740180 — under a single SKU. Dealers and fleet operators running mixed Case IH fleets can stock one part number in place of three, reducing both inventory cost and ordering complexity.

Technical Specifications & Critical Dimensions

Extensive Compatibility List for Case IH Harvester Models

Confirm your model and elevator position before ordering. The same sprocket serves two distinct positions depending on the machine series.

Serial number breaks on 1440 and 1460: Only units above ASN 30484 (1440) and ASN 33286 (1460) use this sprocket. Check your combine serial plate before ordering if you are servicing an early-production unit from either series.

Model not listed? Send your combine serial number and we will cross-reference against the 144031A1 specification within one business day.

Installation Guidance for Optimal Efficiency

A correctly fitted combine harvester sprocket runs quieter, wears slower, and transfers torque more efficiently than one that is installed without attention to shaft alignment and chain tension. Follow these steps to get the longest service life from your replacement.

• Replace chain and sprocket together. Fitting a new 7-tooth, 1.25″ bore sprocket onto a worn CA550 chain results in mismatched pitch contact. The new sprocket teeth will seat unevenly against stretched chain links, generating accelerated wear on both parts within the first 40–60 operating hours. If the chain has more than 3% elongation over a measured 10-link span, replace it at the same time.
• Check shaft alignment before tightening. Lateral misalignment between the drive and driven sprockets on the elevator puts side load on the chain plates, causing fatigue cracking at the pin holes. Use a straightedge across both sprocket faces to confirm they are coplanar before final tightening of the retaining hardware.
• Set chain tension correctly. On most Case IH clean grain elevator assemblies, the recommended chain sag at the slack-side midpoint is 10–15 mm. Under-tensioned chain slaps the housing at speed; over-tensioned chain loads the shaft bearings and raises operating temperature. Check tension after the first 10 hours of operation, as a new chain seats and relaxes.
• Lubricate before first run. Apply a light oil or chain lubricant to the CA550 chain before starting the elevator. Dry start-up on a new chain and sprocket combination increases the wear rate during the initial seating period.
• Inspect at 50-hour intervals. Check tooth-tip geometry for hooking or sharpening, and measure chain elongation. Early detection of abnormal wear prevents a field failure during harvest.

Why This Sprocket Fits Agricultural Operations

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Paired Components

The sprocket is one part of a chain drive system. These components are typically ordered or replaced at the same maintenance interval: