At Jeremywell International, we understand that in the world of industrial machinery and heavy-duty applications, reliability and strength are non-negotiable. Among the various parts ensuring the smooth operation of equipment, leaf chains are often the key component. These specialized chains, unlike standard roller chains, are designed to handle high loads and demanding conditions that are typical in lifting applications such as forklifts, cranes, and hoists.

Leaf chains are a cornerstone of our product lineup due to their exceptional tensile strength and durability. In this blog post, we will dive into the essential features of leaf chains, highlighting their unique design, the different types that we offer, as well as the diverse applications that depend on them. Understanding these elements is crucial for ensuring the efficiency and longevity of your industrial operations. At Jeremywell, we’re committed to providing you with the knowledge and products you need to keep your operations running smoothly, follow along as we dive in!

Essential Features of Leaf Chains

Unlike roller chains, leaf chains do not have bushes or rollers, they consist solely of alternating link plates and pins. This simplifies their construction but enhances their load-bearing capacity, making them suitable for heavy duty applications. Jeremywell leaf chains go through a stringent manufacturing process that results in high quality, heavy-duty chains made for the toughest applications. The link plates are typically thicker, they share a figure 8 shape like those on a standard roller chain and first go through plate blanking, followed by an optimized heat treatment and shot-peening process to improve their overall fatigue strength. The pins are hardened and smoothly finished, delivering a high wear life.

AL Series and BL Series Leaf Chains

The AL and BL series leaf chains differ primarily in their design and load capacity. AL series chains are generally lighter and are used in lighter-duty applications, while BL series chains are built for heavier loads, featuring thicker plates and a higher tensile strength. Selecting between the AL and BL series leaf chains depends on the specific requirements of the machinery and the operational demands. AL series may be suitable for less strenuous tasks, whereas BL series is the choice for more demanding environments, where the equipment faces heavier loads and requires a chain that can withstand greater stress.

Jeremywell offers the best prices and quality on heavy-duty BL series leaf chains that meet ANSI standards. From BL422 to BL1688 and everything in between, we have a range of leaf chains to better suit your needs. 

Identifying Your Chain

Identifying your leaf chain is an easy task that can prevent you from getting the wrong product. To start off, you want to ID the series of your chain. You can do this by simply looking at the side plate of your chain, you will see a letter followed by a number this will indicate the series and size/pitch of the chain. For example the link plate can have "BL" stamped followed by the number "8". This will indicate that it is a heavy BL series #80 chain. If your chain doesn't have any stampings on the link plates, you will need to measure the following:

• Side Plate Thickness
• Plate Height
• Pitch 

Having difficulty identifying your chain? Give us a call! Our knowledgeable team will gladly assist in helping you find the correct leaf chain for your application. 

Plate Lacing

Once you have identified the series and size chain you need, you will need to know the lacing of the chain. Plate lacing, also referred to as leaf pattern, is the way to identify the plate configuration of the assembled leaf chain. To identify the correct plate lacing of your chain you will need to add up the number of outer plate links followed by adding the number of inner plate links. For example, our BL634 chain is a BL6 series with a 3x4 plate lacing. Accordingly, a BL666 will have a 6x6 lacing, and a BL844 will have a 4x4 plate lacing.  

Leaf Chain Applications

Leaf chains are commonly used in forklifts, boom trucks, bucket lifts, elevators, oven doors and other material handling equipment. They are suitable for applications involving hanging, balancing, or motion transmission. When you purchase leaf chains from Jeremywell, you can rest assured knowing that you won't need a replacement for a long time. We take pride in the quality of our chains and their durability. Browse our selection of heavy-duty BL series chains with confidence. If you're not sure what chain you need, contact us and we'll guide you through it. 

 

Conclusion

At Jeremywell International, we take pride in offering top-quality leaf chains that stand up to the rigors of industrial machinery and heavy-duty applications. Our comprehensive range of leaf chains ensures that we have the right product to meet the diverse needs of your equipment, from lighter tasks to the most demanding environments. 

Our commitment to quality and customer support means you can rely on us to provide the best solutions for your industrial needs. Whether you're identifying a chain or choosing between different series, our knowledgeable team is here to help. Trust Jeremywell International for durable, reliable leaf chains that keep your operations running smoothly. Explore our selection today and experience the difference our products can make in your machinery’s performance.

FAQ

1. What size leaf chain do I need?

The size of the leaf chain required depends on the application and the load it needs to handle. Factors such as the series, pitch, and plate lacing must be identified to ensure the right chain is being used for your specific needs. If you have difficulty identifying your leaf chain, contact our team for assistance. We are more than happy to help you find the correct chain for your application, ensuring you get the right product the first time.

2. What maintenance is required for leaf chains? 

Regular maintenance is essential for leaf chains. This includes proper lubrication, routine inspections for wear and elongation, cleaning to remove debris, and timely replacement of worn components.

3. What are leaf chains and how do they differ from roller chains?

Leaf chains consist solely of alternating link plates and pins, without bushes or rollers. This design enhances their load-bearing capacity, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications like forklifts, cranes, and hoists, unlike roller chains which are typically used for lighter-duty tasks.

4.  What types of applications are leaf chains suitable for?

Leaf chains are used in various material handling equipment such as forklifts, boom trucks, bucket lifts, and elevators. They are suitable for tasks involving hanging, balancing, or motion transmission due to their high tensile strength and flexibility.

 

5. Why should I choose Jeremywell International for my leaf chain needs?

Jeremywell International offers high-quality, heavy-duty leaf chains that meet ANSI standards. Our products are designed for durability and performance in demanding applications. Additionally, our knowledgeable team is dedicated to helping you find the perfect chain for your needs, ensuring your operations run smoothly and efficiently.