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Leaf chains are steel chain assemblies that connect two plates. They are used for balancing, hanging, and motion transmission. They are often used as counterweight chains on forklift truck masts and machine tools. 

The leaf chain’s pins are connected with a press-fit or slip-fit connection. The pins receive tensile and shear forces as the chain articulate. To avoid damage, leaf chains should be maintained at their specified tension.

The leaf chain is a rollerless chain made of steel link plates mounted on pins. The design is similar to roller chains, except that leaf chains have more pins to adjust tension. The outer links of leaf chains can move in either direction without a meshing sprocket. Because the leaf chain’s design is flexible, it is ideal for balancing and hanging applications. 

There are many different types of leaf chains. Some are used in agriculture and other agricultural applications, while others are specifically designed for conveyor applications. Other types of leaf chains are flat-top leaf chains, silent chains, and roller chains with special attachments. 

Leaf chains are made up of steel link plates that can be adjusted to achieve the required tension. They are used where a chain needs to be held in tension and can move in either direction. These chains are used in many industries. Here are some things leaf chains are used for. 

• Agricultural Applications

A leaf chain is a specialized chain that consists of figure-eight steel link plates that move around the axis of a pin. They can move in either direction and are commonly used in agricultural applications. Agricultural leaf chains are a versatile choice for many applications. The design allows for more flexibility when it comes to customization. High-quality steel can be welded to bars and conveying components to meet any requirements. These chains are used in machines for enterprise-level farming. 

• Conveyor Applications

Leaf chains have a unique design. Unlike other types of chains, leaf chains consist of pins and link plates that alternate between the pin and articulated links. They are most commonly used for conveyor applications, counterbalancing, lifting, and straddle carriers. They are highly ductile, with high strength and high yield strength. Their high yield strength and low wear resistance make them the best choice for conveyors. A leaf chain is a movable assembly, and it needs to withstand high loads. It should be durable enough to handle the stresses placed on it.

• Industrial Applications

Leaf chains are a common transmission and lifting device. They are most often used in drives with high power and slow speeds. They are also suitable for use in clean environments and are able to withstand both high and low temperatures. These chains are used in many industrial applications, including in the bulk materials industry, lifting equipment, and construction machinery. They are specifically used for ascent and descent platforms. The leaf chain is manufactured according to various specifications. These leaf chains are commonly used in lift trucks and forklifts. Their design allows them to handle heavy loads without bending or breaking.

• Oil Field

Leaf chains are also used in oil fields. They are tested using a rigorous process to ensure that they meet the strict requirements of the industry. The chain’s pins are made of different metals that vary in thickness and hardness. The main features of oilfield chains are their perfect quality and very tight tolerances. They are designed to be used for an offshore application and must be certified by ANSI or API in order to work in this environment. They are also usually found in multi-row strands that have between eight to twelve pieces. To ensure that the chains will work properly, they must be cleaned and lubricated frequently. 

• Power Transmission Drive Applications

Leaf chains are flexible linkages that provide a connection between a power supply, such as a hydraulic cylinder, and the machine it is being driven by. They do not contain rollers or sprocket-engaging devices and are made with connector links at each end to connect the driven machine components. This allows for maximum flexibility and long service life. For this reason, leaf chains are used in many power transmission drive applications.