RUD hoist chains ensure that heavy loads are lifted and moved safely and efficiently in industrial factories, entertainment halls, and wind turbines.

RUD has been manufacturing hoist chains for over 60 years, continuously innovating, developing, and refining them. At its production head office in Aalen, Germany, RUD manufactures hoist chains from the smallest (3 mm x 9 mm) to the largest (32 mm x 90 mm) chain dimensions under DIN EN 818-7. RUD hoist chains are used in motor-driven and manually driven hoists across various sectors, including industrial applications, wind turbines, offshore operations, and the entertainment industry.

Process Reliability and Efficiency

Hoist chains are critical for the safety and efficiency of various production facilities and workshop processes. They lift and lower heavy workpieces, machines, and products.

RUD hoist chains meet the requirements of standards such as DIN EN 818-7 and JIS 8812, making them suitable for the most challenging conditions. The chains are made from 3mm to 32mm hardened and tempered or case-hardened round or profile steel, with different surface treatments, including galvanised, phosphate, or coated finishes.

RUD offers various hoist chain versions for industrial use.

Tempered Round Chains

Tempered round steel chains in proprietary "RT" grade are suitable for manual hoists, pneumatic chain hoists, and electric chain hoists with reduced operating times.

Click here to read more about our tempered chains for manual hoists.

Case-Hardened Chains

Case-hardened chains are available in the "RTS," "RTD," and "RTB" grades, suitable for motor-driven hoists. They meet the high demands for strength, wear resistance, and reliability.

The benefits of case-hardened round chains are:

• They can be used in high-wear applications as per DIN EN 818-7-T
• They have a high vibration resistance, which helps to resist fatigue fractures during operation

Click here to read more about our case-hardened chains for motor-driven hoists.

D-Profile Chains

D-profile chain (square chain) is suitable for higher load capacities. The D-profile chain is the leading technologically advanced round steel chain. Because of its large cross-sectional area, it has a higher maximum load, is case-hardened and designed for higher wear demands.

The benefits of RUD D-Profile chains are:

• Used for motor-driven hoists.
• Used in high wear loads as per DIN EN 818-7-T
• Has approximately 8% higher load capacity than comparable round steel chains

In wind turbines (both onshore and offshore), hoist chains are installed as permanent units in the nacelles, raising and lowering spare parts, tools and equipment for maintenance and repairs. The tempered round steel chains are corrosion-resistant due to their galvanised coating.

Benefits of hoist chains:

• Help to raise and lower components within the nacelle for maintenance and repair, often using a jib crane within the nacelle
• Help to facilitate the safe and efficient transport of spare parts, tools, and equipment from the ground to the nacelle, eliminating the need for risky climbing or accessing through hatches
• The chains are safe and reliable in the challenging wind turbine environments

RUD has decades of expertise, including custom applications such as converting standard hoists. We can design and plan the layout of sprockets and chain guides, produce prototypes and test them with a series production. Our customised adaptation ensures the highest possible operational reliability, a long chain service life, smooth chain operation, and a precise fit between the chain and sprocket.

For more details on our hoist chains, click here to read our brochure.

Also read our blog article on drive and chain solutions for the event and entertainment industry here - https://www.rud.com.au/event-and-entertainment-solutions/

Original article in the Kuhn magazine in German here - https://maschinenbau.kuhn-fachmedien.de/2025/04/29/universelle-hebezeugketten/

Copyright to RUD: This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.