An Economical Choice for Long Conveyor Systems

Not every conveyor requires heavy-duty transmission chain. Where products travel at moderate speeds over long distances, double pitch chain often delivers a more practical balance of durability, efficiency & replacement cost than standard roller chain.

Finer SSP Double Pitch Chain & Links (China) are suited to conveyor applications found throughout manufacturing, agricultural processing, warehousing & bulk material handling. Their extended pitch reduces the number of links needed across longer conveyor runs, making maintenance simpler while helping keep replacement costs under control. Before replacing chain, it's also worth inspecting associated components within Chains & Sprockets, as wear rarely occurs in isolation.

What Is Double Pitch Conveyor Chain?

Although it shares many similarities with standard roller chain, double pitch chain is designed with pins spaced twice as far apart. This construction reduces component count across the same conveyor length while remaining suitable for many slower-speed conveying applications.

Rather than transmitting high rotational loads, these chains are commonly selected for continuous conveying where reliability, serviceability & operating economy are priorities.

You'll commonly find them on:

• Carton & packaging conveyors

• Agricultural handling systems

• Timber processing lines

• Distribution centres

• Food manufacturing conveyors

• Assembly & transfer systems

If the conveyor also relies on wear components to maintain alignment, reviewing Chain Tensioners & Guides during maintenance can help improve chain tracking & reduce uneven wear.

Why Maintenance Teams Choose Double Pitch Chain?

Maintenance decisions aren't always driven by maximum strength. In many conveyor systems, the smarter investment is selecting a chain that matches the application rather than over-specifying every component.

Benefits include:

• Fewer links required across long conveyor lengths

• Cost-effective replacement for suitable conveyor designs

• Consistent running in moderate-speed applications

• Replacement connecting links available

• Straightforward maintenance

• Suitable for planned shutdown programs

Where chain replacement is already scheduled, inspect Sprockets – Simplex, Duplex, Taper Lock, Idler at the same time. Installing new chain onto heavily worn sprockets often shortens the life of both components.

Selecting the Right Chain

Choosing replacement conveyor chain starts with accurate identification rather than visual comparison.

Check:

Where lubrication intervals are difficult to maintain, Drive Lubrication Systems may help improve consistency across larger conveyor installations.

Expert Tips From the Workshop Floor

Small inspection habits often prevent large repair bills.

Rather than measuring only overall chain length, monitor chain elongation against the manufacturer's allowable wear limits. Excessive elongation changes sprocket engagement long before complete failure occurs.

Whenever replacement chain is fitted:

• Inspect sprocket tooth profiles.

• Confirm conveyor alignment.

• Replace damaged connecting links instead of reusing them.

• Check chain tension after initial operation.

• Re-lubricate according to operating conditions rather than fixed calendar dates.

Operations handling aggregates, quarry products or abrasive materials may also benefit from reading Quarry Crews Crusher Maintenance, which covers practical maintenance strategies for high-wear environments.