Leaf Chain
AL Series leaf chains are manufactured in accordance with ANSI leaf chain specification dimensions and are considered to be the modern-day "lighter" duty of leaf chains. AL leaf chains were the first series of ANSI leaf chains around and are still utilized today in many lifting applications due to the space-saving high-strength lifting design and nature of this chain. What puts our selection of leaf chains in another class of their own is the utilization of high-strength hardened pins, heat-treated plates, and shot-peened components. The chain is also factory pre-stressed to reduce initial install stretching.
Typically leaf chains are stocked in 10ft boxes, 50ft reels, and 100ft reels, but we also supply cut-to-length and custom leaf chains. The below charts show our standard leaf chain sizes in each series (AL3 - AL16). For custom leaf chains or help identifying leaf chains contact us, and we will be happy to assist you.
AL Series Leaf Chains Size Chart
Chain Size | Lacing | Pitch (P) | Min. Tensile Strength | Weight (Per Ft) | Pin Diameter (D) | Pin Length (L) | Plate Height | Plate Thickness (T) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AL322 | 2X2 | 0.375" | 2,045 lbs | 0.2 lbs | 0.141" | 0.27" | 0.30" | 0.051" |
AL344 | 4X4 | 0.375" | 4,090 lbs | 0.3 lbs | 0.141" | 0.46" | 0.30" | 0.051" |
AL422 | 2X2 | 0.500" | 3,205 lbs | 0.3 lbs | 0.156" | 0.33" | 0.41" | 0.059" |
AL444 | 4X4 | 0.500" | 6,409 lbs | 0.5 lbs | 0.156" | 0.57" | 0.41" | 0.059" |
AL466 | 6X6 | 0.500" | 9,614 lbs | 0.8 lbs | 0.156" | 0.81" | 0.41" | 0.059" |
AL522 | 2X2 | 0.625" | 5,000 lbs | 0.4 lbs | 0.200" | 0.44" | 0.50" | 0.080" |
AL534 | 3X4 | 0.625" | 7,500 lbs | 0.7 lbs | 0.200" | 0.67" | 0.50" | 0.080" |
AL544 | 4X4 | 0.625" | 10,000 lbs | 0.8 lbs | 0.200" | 0.76" | 0.50" | 0.080" |
AL566 | 6X6 | 0.625" | 15,000 lbs | 1.2 lbs | 0.200" | 1.08" | 0.50" | 0.080" |
AL622 | 2X2 | 0.750" | 8,409 lbs | 0.6 lbs | 0.234" | 0.51" | 0.61" | 0.095" |
AL644 | 4X4 | 0.750" | 14,450 lbs | 1.2 lbs | 0.234" | 0.89" | 0.61" | 0.095" |
AL666 | 6X6 | 0.750" | 22,750 lbs | 1.8 lbs | 0.234" | 1.27" | 0.61" | 0.095" |
AL688 | 8X8 | 0.750" | 30,317 lbs | 2.4 lbs | 0.234" | 1.66" | 0.61" | 0.095" |
AL822 | 2X2 | 1.000" | 12,886 lbs | 1.0 lbs | 0.312" | 0.63" | 0.81" | 0.128" |
AL844 | 4X4 | 1.000" | 25,773 lbs | 2.0 lbs | 0.312" | 1.16" | 0.81" | 0.128" |
AL866 | 6X6 | 1.000" | 38,636 lbs | 3.0 lbs | 0.312" | 1.74" | 0.81" | 0.128" |
AL1022 | 2X2 | 1.250" | 20,114 lbs | 1.6 lbs | 0.375" | 0.77" | 1.01" | 0.157" |
AL1044 | 4X4 | 1.250" | 40,227 lbs | 3.1 lbs | 0.375" | 1.43" | 1.01" | 0.157" |
AL1066 | 6X6 | 1.250" | 60,227 lbs | 4.8 lbs | 0.375" | 2.06" | 1.01" | 0.157" |
AL1088 | 8X8 | 1.250" | 80,454 lbs | 6.7 lbs | 0.375" | 2.70" | 1.01" | 0.157" |
AL1222 | 2X2 | 1.500" | 28,864 lbs | 2.5 lbs | 0.437" | 0.96" | 1.20" | 0.189" |
AL1244 | 4X4 | 1.500" | 57,727 lbs | 4.7 lbs | 0.437" | 1.72" | 1.20" | 0.189" |
AL1266 | 6X6 | 1.500" | 86,591 lbs | 7.1 lbs | 0.437" | 2.49" | 1.20" | 0.189" |
AL1288 | 8X8 | 1.500" | 115,450 lbs | 9.4 lbs | 0.437" | 3.25" | 1.20" | 0.189" |
AL1444 | 4X4 | 1.750" | 84,705 lbs | 7.0 lbs | 0.498" | 2.02" | 1.43" | 0.220" |
AL1466 | 6X6 | 1.750" | 127,045 lbs | 10.2 lbs | 0.498" | 2.94" | 1.43" | 0.220" |
AL1644 | 4X4 | 2.000" | 107,045 lbs | 8.7 lbs | 0.559" | 2.28" | 1.64" | 0.252" |
AL1666 | 6X6 | 2.000" | 160,454 lbs | 13.3 lbs | 0.559" | 3.30" | 1.64" | 0.252" |
AL1688 | 8X8 | 2.000" | 214,090 lbs | 17.1 lbs | 0.559" | 4.31" | 1.64" | 0.252" |
AL Series Leaf Chains Benefits
• Increased wear resistance for longer life and maintenance savings
• Higher breaking loads, giving greater safety factors and more reliability
• Improved fatigue resistance, which means increased durability and lower replacement costs.
AL Series Leaf Chains Features
Classification of Leaf Chain
AL Series (American Standards)
Plate configuration and thickness are the same as ANSI roller chain. Pin diameter is almost the same as ANSI roller chain. AL leaf chain (manufactured to the ANSI B29.9 standard) is constructed from American standard roller chain components. AL series chain is lightweight chain used for light load lifting applications and machine tools.
LL Series (European Standards)
LL leaf chain, manufactured according to ISO4347, DIN8152, and NFE26107 standards, is constructed from roller chain components to European standards. Like the AL chain, the LL chain is a lightweight chain used for light load-lifting applications and machine tools.
BL Series (LH Series)
BL leaf chains consist of link plates which are thicker and larger in contour than the AL Series link plates of the same pitch. The link plates have the same thickness as the link plates of the next larger pitch size in ANSI roller chains. The pins have the same diameter as those of ANSI roller chains of the next larger pitch.
How to Select Leaf Chain for Your Application?
1. Determine the Type of Leaf Chains and Service Factor from the Below Application Table.
Shock Load | Application | Chain Type | Chain Speed | Service Factor |
Smooth Running | Smooth start & stop
Slow operating Gentle vibration |
AL Series | Less than 100 ft. / min. | 1.0 |
Moderate Shock | Frequent start & stop
Constant variation of load Reverse operating |
BL Series | 1.3 | |
Heavy Shock | Sudden start & stop
Constant variation of load Reverse operating |
BL Series | 1.5 |
2. Multiply the Required Working Load of Your Lead Chain by Above Service Factor and Below Safety Factor to Obtain the Tensile Strength.
Chain Type | Chain Speed | Max. numbers of Reciprocation | Safety Factor |
AL Series | Less than 100 ft. / min. | Less than 100 times per day | 12 |
BL Series | Less than 100 ft. / min. | Less than 1000 times per day | 9 |
3. Select the Proper Leaf Chain with the Minimum Tensile Strength Above the Value Obtained in Step 2.
Working Load x Service Factor x Safety Factor ≥ Leaf Chain with Minimum Tensile Strength.
Leaf Chain Manufacturing Process
The basic technological process of leaf chain manufacturing includes raw material preparation, parts processing (chain plates, pins), rolling processing, parts heat treatment, surface treatment, parts oiling, assembly, and other steps.
- Selected high-quality raw materials
Leaf chain carefully selects high-performance raw materials, including high-quality carbon structural steel, alloy structural steel, and spring steel, and strictly controls the raw materials.
- Rigorous and comprehensive raw material testing
We has advanced and complete testing laboratories at each of our factories, which conduct scientific and rigorous comprehensive testing of each raw material to ensure that they meet the quality and safety requirements.
- High-quality and efficient parts processing
The parts are processed by high-precision, high-speed punches, high-speed cutting equipment, etc.
- Heat treatment of parts
The fully automated mesh belt furnace line, rotary furnaces, converter, and other equipment are used to process the leaf chain parts to improve the strength and toughness of the leaf chain.
- Assembly
The leaf chain goes through automated assembly and testing production lines to accurately and efficiently assemble the finished leaf chain.
- Finished product inspection
Before leaving the factory, the leaf chain needs to complete a series of inspections and tests, including chain performance tests such as tension, wear, and fatigue.
Leaf Chain Lubrication and Inspection
Adequate lubrication is another key factor that will have a significant effect on the wear life of the leaf chain. Forklift chains that operate outdoors where they are vulnerable to dirt and debris, in cold stores where they are subject to condensation, or in highly corrosive environments will need to be regularly washed and re-oiled to ensure optimum performance.
The life of a sufficiently lubricated leaf chain has been estimated to be sixty times longer than that of a dry-running chain. Even temporary incidents of dry running can result in a significantly reduced service life.
It is vital to frequently inspect leaf chains and to establish a schedule for their replacement, to avoid the risk of forklift truck chain failure.It is recommended, for example, that forklift truck chains that operate in extreme or challenging environments have their leaf chains and leaf chain anchor pins replaced after a maximum of 4000 operating hours – or every two years (whichever comes first).
If a lifting mechanism uses a single leaf chain (e.g., a free lift section), any leaf chain anchor bolts should also be replaced together with the chain.
The environments in which your forklift trucks operate can have a significant impact on the efficient running, endurance and safety of your leaf chain mechanisms. Being mindful of environmental conditions, maintenance of equipment and the conducting of regular inspections can all play a vital role in ensuring optimum performance and extending service life.
AL Series Leaf Chain Applications
As a common transmission and lifting device, a leaf chain is generally used in drives with large power and slow speed, and it is also suitable for corrosion-resistant, clean, or demanding chemical fields and high and low-temperature environments.
AL Series Leaf chains are widely used in the lifting equipment industry, construction machinery industry, bulk material industry, etc. Specific applications include forklifts, stackers, parking garages, ascending platforms, etc.
Other Chains Related Products
We specialize in chains made to customers’ drawings and specifications. Our advantage is reliable quality, competitive price, prompt delivery, and good service. Standard products include various transmission and conveyor chains, like roller chains, double pitch conveyor chains, hollow pin chains, leaf chains, flat top chains, side bow chains, lumber chains, agriculture chains, silent chains, PIV chains, stainless steel chains, nickel/ zinc plated chain, slient chain, engineering chain, steel pintle chain, welded steel chain, forged chain, malleable iron chain, and many other types. Different kinds of attachments are available.
We are one of the best leaf chain manufacturers. We have exported our products to clients around the world and earned a good reputation because of our superior product quality and after-sales service. We warmly welcome customers both at home and abroad to contact us to negotiate business, exchange information, and cooperate with us!
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