The AL Series (American Standards)
leaf chains are built using components from ANSI roller chains, featuring the same plate configuration, thickness, and pin diameter. Manufactured to the ANSI B29.9 standard, these lightweight chains are designed for light-load lifting applications and machine tools. As the first ANSI leaf chain series introduced, the AL Series remains popular today for its high-strength, space-saving design, making it an ideal “lighter duty” option for lifting applications.

The LL Series (European Standards)
leaf chains, produced according to ISO 4347, DIN 8152, and NFE 26107 standards, follow a similar construction using roller chain components but are built to European specifications. Like the AL Series, the LL chain is also lightweight and intended for light-load lifting applications and machine tools.

BL Series (LH Series)
BL leaf chains consist of link plates which are thicker and larger in contour than the AL Series link plates of the same pitch. The link plates have the same thickness as the link plates of the next larger pitch size in ANSI roller chains. The pins have the same diameter as those of ANSI roller chains of the next larger pitch. The leaf chain, be it the AL, LL or BL series, is generally the most simple of steel chains. It consists of link plates connected by pins, and it runs over sheaves rather than sprockets. Though each type has its uses, OEMs and distributors are advised to go for BL leaf chain when the applications overlap. This is because the BL series leaf chain consists of relatively thick and large link plates and is known for its superior consistency, strength and availability. If you’re an OEM or distributor, read on to find out the benefits of BL leaf chain and why you should consider going for it.

1. It Is the Only Leaf Chain Included in Two Standards. While LL chains are only in the ISO standard, AL chains are not regulated and have dimensions that vary between manufacturers. However, BL leaf chain is included in the international chain standards ISO4347 and BS29.8.

2. It Offers Great Length Consistency. Because it is constructed from specific components, the BL series leaf chain has a consistent and reliable pitch and length.

3. It Has a Relatively Better Tensile Strength Ratio. The BL series leaf chain has higher tensile strength and lower weight. The tensile strength ratio can be up to 15% better than the LL leaf chain, for example, making it ideal for forklift masts and telescopic booms.

4. It Is Widely Available at Competitive Prices. The BL leaf chain is probably the most popular leaf chain globally, making it readily available for purchase and at a good price. What’s more, it boasts an array of associated parts, including chain anchor bolts and clevis pins.

5. It Is Built for a Greater Bearing Area and Longer Working Life. Because the BL series leaf chain offers the option of odd lacing (4×6, for example), it increases bearing areas by 66%, resulting in a prolonged working life as the load is spread across more links.

6. It Can Be Used With Smaller Pulleys To Save on Space. BL leaf chains can be used with smaller pulleys, allowing equipment designers to fit the mechanism into more compact spaces.

BL Leaf Chain Applications.  As a common transmission and lifting device, leaf chain is generally used in drives with large power and slow speed, and it is also suitable for corrosion-resistant, clean or demanding chemical fields and high and low temperature environments. Leaf chains are widely used in lifting equipment industry, construction machinery industry, bulk material industry, etc. Specific applications include forklifts, stackers, parking garages, ascending platforms, etc. BL series leaf chain is ideal for heavy-duty hanging, balancing or motion transmission applications like:

• Forklifts
• Material handling
• Lift trucks
• Container lifts
• Machine tools
• Elevator and oven doors
• Spinning frames