Table of contents
What is Pintle Chain
Pintle chain is a unique and diverse high-strength chain type that is manufactured worldwide for a range of applications. The term pintle is defined as a pin that acts as a pivot, and a chain is defined as a connected series of metal links; thus, the name pintle chain was created because the chain utilizes a solid forged or stamped link connected by way of pins. At USA Roller Chain, we have the largest selection of pintle chains online, including 400-class, 600-class, 700-class, 800-class, and 900-class pintle chains with accompanying sprockets and attachment types manufactured to be dimensionally conformant with ASME Standards.
Pintle Chain History
Pintle chains were formerly created in 1962 as an open barrel-designed chain as a solution for agricultural implements. The simplistic design consists of one piece formed links connected by pins that articulate within the barrels of adjacent links. From the success of pintle chains usage in the agricultural industry, it has since become a favorite in many other sectors such as road equipment, industrial material handling, drive systems in abrasive environments, and much more. Additionally, many improvements have been microscopically made to pintle chains, such as minor dimensional changes, raw materials used, specific manufacturing and assembly processes, and various heat-treatment techniques that improve the strength and lifespan of pintle chains.
Pintle Chain Interchangeability
Pintle chains are manufactured under the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B29.25 Standard, which essentially outlines basic dimensions, form, and function of pintle chains along with their accompanying attachments and sprockets. However, this does not mean that pintle chains will interlace (connect to) cross manufacturers. This is due to different pin and link chain producers around the world utilizing slightly different pin and link dimensions. It is always recommended when replacing just a section of pintle chain to replace it with the exact same brand as the remaining section not being replaced. However, if replacing an entire pintle chain loop or assembly, any brand that conforms to ASME dimensions will work on existing sprockets and tracks if present.
Pintle Chain Classes
There are five different classes of pintle chains, each class was created for specific industries and applications.
- 400-Class Pintle Chains – These pintle chains are a closed-barrel design and utilize solid forged cast links with steel pins. This class of pintle chain is utilized in wastewater, agricultural, and abrasive material handling applications. The majority of these chains are cottered construction with stainless steel cotters to suit abrasive and corrosive applications.
- 600-Class Pintle Chains – Perhaps the most commonly used series of pintle chains in the industry, this series offers high-strength with versatility in a broad range of applications such as agriculture, road machinery, conveying, and drive systems.
- 700-Class Pintle Chain – Specifically designed for rectangular clarifiers in wastewater and environmental applications, this series of pintle chains is supplied in the following materials: cast, stainless steel, non-metallic (plastic), and carbon steel.
- 800-Class Pintle Chains – Designed with special pins that prevent failure and pin-rotation in heavy-duty applications such as mining, forestry, and material handling bucket elevator systems. This class of pintle chain is manufactured as a solid cast link construction with steel pins.
- 900-Class Pintle Chains – This class of pintle chain is the heaviest class of pintle chain and is utilized in palm oil and sugar mill applications. It is also the most uncommon pintle chain class and only features one size (907-E51).
Pintle Chain Sizes
There are several sizes of pintle chains. We created this chart by class with the sizes of pintle chains within each class as a quick reference. We also have a more in-depth pintle chain size chart, along with how to identify a pintle chain here!
The following dimensions are usually required when identifying a pintle chain:
- Pitch
- Pin/ Barrel diameter
- Sidebar Hight
- Sidebar Thickness
- Pin Length
400-Class Pintle Chain
Our 400-class pintle chains are manufactured from high-grade cast steel with mild steel pins featuring stainless steel cotter pins, built to withstand abrasive materials in some of the most demanding applications worldwide!
600-Class Pintle Chain
As the most common class of pintle chain, our 600-class pintle chains are 2nd class to none! These chains conform to ASME standards and are the trusted choice for a wide range of applications. We also supply a wide assortment of attachments and sprockets for 600-class pintle chains!
700-Class Pintle Chain
Primarily found in wastewater rectangular clarifiers, 700-class pintle chains are engineered for effective bulk material handling by way of utilizing paddles for skimming the tops of rectangular clarifier tanks to collect solids. We supply these chains in materials such as cast, non-metallic, stainless, and mild steel.
800-Class Pintle Chain
This heavy-duty class of pintle chains is used for bucket elevators and mining applications. Our 800-class pintle chains utilize a special pin and link design to prevent pin rolling and failure.
900-Class Pintle Chain
This class of pintle chain is utilized in the palm oil and sugar industry and is the heaviest class of pintle chain period. Some design engineers have implemented this pintle chain into bulk material handling applications within abrasive environments due to its construction and high strength!
Pintle Chain Drive
Pintle chains in drive applications have become more widespread than ever due to the lightweight-to-load capacity nature of the chain, reduced maintenance, and easy weldability for attachments or cross bars. In driven applications, pintle chains offer great support and longevity for many bulk material applications and drives. Our pintle chains utilize a unique hardened pin that is designed to withstand constant torque and shock loads with frequent stopping and starting. A typical pintle chain drive will consist of a pintle chain sprocket (driving sprocket) attached to a driven shaft powered by a motor and gear reducer, with a specific length of pintle chain looping around another sprocket (driven sprocket) to transmit energy with a high degree of efficiency.
Pintle Chain Sprockets
We supply an array of pintle chain sprockets for all classes of pintle chains! We offer pintle chain sprockets in the following materials: mild steel, polymer, and cast. We also supply these sprockets in split configuration for easy replacement, and for 700-class pintle chains, we have sprockets with replaceable teeth! Request a quote from our team today on your pintle chain sprockets.
Please have the following information ready when requesting:
- Pintle Chain Size
- Tooth Count
- Bore Size
- Sprocket Type (Idler or Drive)
- Preferred Material
- Hub Configuration (A-Plate, B-Hub, or C-Hub)
Pintle Chain Attachments
When it comes to attachments, we offer an array of attachment types for 400, 600, and 700-class pintle chains. The 400 and 700-class pintle chain attachments are forged or molded as an entire link based on the material (cast or plastic), while the 600-class pint chain attachments are typically welded on. We supply pintle chains with attachments in any designated spacing needed!
Written By: Connor Eversen
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
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