Leaf Chains (LH Series)

What Is a Leaf Chain and How Does It Differ from a Roller Chain?

A leaf chain is a load-bearing chain that consists only of link plates and pins — there are no rollers or bushings. This simple construction gives leaf chains very high fatigue strength, because there are fewer components subject to wear and stress concentration. Compared to precision roller chains of the same pitch, leaf chains have higher tensile strength ratings and are better suited for high-load and high-impact environments.[reference:0]

The trade-off is wear resistance: because leaf chains do not have the classic pin and bush bearings common to roller chains, they are designed for straight-line pulling and lifting rather than rotational power transmission. Leaf chains run over sheaves rather than sprockets, and the maximum recommended chain speed is 100 ft/min (30 m/min).[reference:1][reference:2]

Raydafon leaf chains are manufactured to ISO 4347, DIN 8152, ANSI B29.8 and JIS B 1804 standards. The LH/BL series is the American heavy series, where link plate dimensions follow ANSI standard roller chains but the pin diameter and plate thickness correspond to the next larger chain size.[reference:3]

Leaf chain LH/BL series — link plates and pins only, no rollers — for lifting and hoisting applications

LH Series vs BL Series vs LL Series vs AL Series — What's the Difference?

Leaf chains are classified under a single unified standard, ISO 4347. However, different designation systems exist depending on the region and the original standard from which the chain was derived.

LH series and BL series are the same chain — they are synonymously classified. For example, LH0822 = BL422, LH1222 = BL622, LH1622 = BL822.[reference:4]

How to Read the Leaf Chain Part Number

Understanding the part number is the fastest way to confirm whether a leaf chain matches your equipment. The number contains three pieces of information: pitch, series and plate lacing.

For LH series, dividing the first two digits by 16 gives the pitch in inches. For BL series, divide the first digit (or first two digits for pitches ≥1.25 in) by 8. For LL series, the first two digits are rounded up to the next full inch.[reference:5]

Plate Lacing Configurations — 2×2, 4×4, 6×6 and 8×8

Plate lacing describes the number of plates in the outer and inner links. The greater the number of plates, the higher the tensile strength. Choosing the right lacing is critical for matching the chain to your load requirements.

The tensile strength range shown is indicative — actual values depend on the specific chain number and material. Send your load requirements for a precise recommendation.

Technical Specifications — LH Series / BL Series

All leaf chains are manufactured to ISO 4347 and ANSI B29.8 standards. The table below shows key parameters for the LH/BL series. For dimensions of specific chain numbers, please refer to the dimension tables below.

Dimension Diagram & Product View

The dimension diagram below shows the key reference points for LH series leaf chains. The product view shows the link plate and pin construction — note the absence of rollers.

LH series dimension diagram — pitch (p1), pin diameter (d1), plate height (h4), plate thickness and lacing references

Leaf chain construction — stacked link plates press-fitted and riveted to pins, no rollers or bushings

Typical Applications — Forklift Masts, Counterweight Chains & Lifting Equipment

Leaf chains are used wherever loads must be lifted, hoisted or pulled and high fatigue strength is critical to function and safety. The most common application is in forklift truck masts, but leaf chains are also found in a wide range of industrial lifting and balancing systems.[reference:6]

How to Select the Right Leaf Chain — 6-Step Guide

1. STEP 1 Identify the application and load Determine the maximum load to be lifted or pulled. Leaf chains are rated by tensile strength — ensure the chain's minimum ultimate strength exceeds your calculated maximum tension.
2. STEP 2 Calculate required tensile strength Use the formula: Minimum Ultimate Strength > Calculated Maximum Chain Tension × Duty Factor × Service Factor. Duty and service factors account for shock loads, start-stop cycles and safety requirements.[reference:9]
3. STEP 3 Determine chain number and lacing Select the chain number based on pitch and required tensile strength. Lacing options range from 2×2 (light duty) to 8×8 (heavy duty). Higher lacing = higher strength.[reference:10]
4. STEP 4 Choose material and coating Carbon steel for standard applications; Delta-Tone coated for enhanced corrosion resistance; stainless steel for maximum corrosion resistance in wash-down or outdoor environments.
5. STEP 5 Specify end fittings and clevis pins Leaf chains connect to clevis blocks using clevis pins with cotters. Specify male or female ends based on your equipment. Even-pitch chains have one male and one female end; odd-pitch chains typically have two male ends.[reference:11]
6. STEP 6 Confirm quantity and delivery Provide chain number, lacing, length, quantity, destination port and whether OEM branding or matched pairs are needed.

Why Choose Raydafon Leaf Chains?

Ordering & Supply Information

Frequently Asked Questions