Chain Inspection

& Maintenance

TM
 If Chains Are Not
Carefully Inspected
for Wear And Properly
Maintained, Ultimately
They Will Fail
What Will Chain Inspection and
Proper Maintenance Do For Your
Lift Truck Fleet?

 Determine Chain Condition

 Promote Maximum Service Life of Chain
Determine Chain Condition

 Elongation
 Rust Corrosion
 Cracked Plates
 Protruding Pins
 Misalignment
 Chain Anchor and Sheave Wear or Damage
Elongation

 Chain elongated 3% or more should be

replaced

This lengthening of the chain could reduce its

strength by as much as 18%
Chain Wear Gauge
 This tool is used to measure
the lengthening of chains
 When the points on the gauge
appear at the center of the pin
ends, the chain condition is
acceptable
 If the points on the gauge
appear opposite the center of
the pin ends, the chain is
worn out and should be
replaced
Rust Corrosion

 May cause side plate cracking and reduced

load carrying capacity
 Chains must always be completely protected
by a film of lubricant
Cracked Plates

 Repeated heavy loads over a period of time

may crack the plates and eventually break the
chain
 The chains must be replaced if a crack is
discovered
Protruding Pins

 Heavy loaded chains operating with little

lubrication generate friction between the pin
and plates
 Over time, pins will slowly work out of the chain
causing chain failure
Misalignment

 Is determined by a wear pattern on pin heads

and outside plates
 Will damage the chain and sheaves and cause
internal friction in the chain
Chain Anchors and Sheaves

 Check chain anchors for wear, damage, and

incorrect alignment
 Anchors with worn or broken fingers must be
replaced
 Chain anchor pins and their retention should
be checked and pins replaced as necessary
Promote Maximum Service Life
 Inadequate maintenance accounts for most complaints
of unsatisfactory chain performance
 Each lift chain should be checked after every 8 hours
of operation and inspected and lubricated after every
250 operating hours
 Do not try to repair worn sections or splice a new or
used piece of chain
 Replace complete chain, if wear is indicated
 Replace lift chains in pairs
Why Replacement of Both Chains is
Mandatory

 Older chain could sustain fatigue cracks

 Older chain has experienced stretch
 Chain anchor adjustments may not be
sufficient for the new chain
 Chain wear will be uneven, thus accelerating
wear on new chain
 New chain will have less rolling resistance
When You Select UNISOURCE
Chain, You Choose . . .


– Durability/Reliability
– Availability
– Economy
Durability/Reliability
 An extensive quality control system assures
consistent high quality and durability
 Every component from raw materials to the
finished product is thoroughly inspected
 Roller and leaf chain both comply with ANSI
standards
 Chain is pre-lubricated with a rust inhibitor and
lubricant
UNISOURCE Chain Is Designed
For:

 High fatigue strength

 Long service life
 Resistance to wear
 Compact design-optimum size/strength ratio
UNISOURCE Chain Availability

 Conforms to ANSI requirements

 Available in common sizes and types
 Stocked in bulk quantities
UNISOURCE Chain Economy

 Cut and shipped in the manufacturer’s

specified lengths
 High quality chain at everyday low pricing
 Single source for your lift truck chain
requirements
UNISOURCE Chain Warranty

 Backed by the UNISOURCE Parts Warranty

– 6 months from date of installation
– No operating hour limit during the warranty period
What Will You Receive From The
Inspection?

 A complete chain inspection will be performed

at your location by qualified dealer staff
 You will receive a management report
summarizing the chain condition and
recommended action for each truck in your
fleet
 UNISOURCE Chain Inspection &
Maintenance
Customer: Wilson Distribution
Location: Danville, IL
Date: 1/15/97

Unit Brand & Truck Truck Chain Over 3% Broken/ Mis- Cracked Protruding Rust Comments
Number Model Serial No. Capacity Type Elong- Worn Anchors Alignment Plates Pins Corrosion
ation Or Sheeves
1 HYSTER R
12 H40XL B1777B1501 4000 BL546 L X Need Service

2 HYSTER R
41 S120XL D4V4434 12000 BL846 L Meets Mfg. Spec.

3 CAT R X
49 V50C 29R13946 5000 BL1266 L Replace Chains

4 CLARK R
5 C300Y50 3405 5000 BL634 L Meets Mfg. Spec.

5 HYSTER BL546 R X
14 E40XL C108V1788 4000 L Repl. Anchors or Sheeves

6 HYSTER R
10 H50XL B1778B1207 5000 BL546 L Meets Mfg. Spec.

NOTE: "X" in Over 3% Elongation, Broken/Worn Anchors or Sheeves, Misalignment, Cracked Plates, Protruding Pins, or Rust Corrosion
indicates the condition is unacceptable!
May We Schedule
Your
Chain Inspection?