This is a 2 part article.

Lifting chains are critical components in material handling and heavy lifting applications. Grade 80, Grade 100 and Grade 120 lifting chains each offer different levels of strength, weight reduction and durability. Modern lifting chains provide superior adjustability, temperature resistance and sharp-edge performance compared to wire rope and synthetic slings, making them ideal for demanding industrial environments.

What are Lifting Chains?

The age-old proverb, "A chain is only as strong as its weakest link," first used in Thomas Reid’s “Essays on the Intellectual Powers of Man” in 1786, perfectly encapsulates the critical role of lifting chains in material handling. This article delves into the world of lifting chains, exploring their types, grades, uses, and essential safety considerations.

Lifting chains are crucial connectors between a load and a lifting hook. They are typically secured to a designated lifting point on the load, ensuring safe and secure lifting. Lifting chains form part of chain suspensions, which, along with the chains, include a master link, end components like hooks, connecting or shortening components and balancers if required.

Evolution of Lifting Chains

Modern lifting chains have significantly improved compared to their predecessors. While older chains suffered from lower material strength and cumbersome weight, today’s lifting chains offer high strength, durability and cost-effectiveness, making them the preferred choice for lifting and lashing applications. Modern lifting chains also weigh considerably less for the same Working Load Limit (WLL), which is beneficial when lifting heavy loads.

Types of Lifting Equipment

While wire rope and synthetic slings offer alternative lifting options, they have limitations, particularly in terms of adjustability, susceptibility to sharp edges and performance under extreme temperatures.

Lifting chains stand out because of their:

• Adjustability - Length can be easily modified using additional components.
• Sharp-edge resistance - Greater resilience against damage from sharp edges.
• Temperature tolerance - Suitable for a wider range of operating temperatures.

Choosing the Right Chain Grade

Several lifting chain grades exist, including Grade 80, Grade 100 and Grade 120, each with its own Working Load Limit (WLL). Selecting the appropriate grade is critical for safety and efficiency.

Grade 80 Lifting Chain

Grade 80 lifting chain has been in existence since 1970 and remains popular in some parts of the world because it offers affordability. However, it has a lower breaking force and higher weight compared to newer grades. Tip: RUD was the first chain manufacturer approved for Grade 80 in 1972.

Grade 100 Lifting Chain

Grade 100 lifting chain has been in existence for more than 30 years and is widely used across lifting applications. It is a step up from Grade 80 and provides a balance between cost and performance. Tip: RUD launched Grade 100 as VIP (Verwechslungsfrei in Pink) in 2006, and it remains a popular solution for many lifting applications.

Grade 120 Lifting Chain

Grade 120 is the latest and strongest lifting chain grade, offering lighter weight and higher breaking force than Grade 80. It is exclusive to only a few manufacturers, including RUD.

Grade 120 lifting chains provide:

• A 30% reduction in weight compared to Grade 80
• A 60% higher breaking force than Grade 80
• Excellent robustness and resistance to sharp and rough edges

This means that an ICE Grade 120 lifting or lashing chain, regardless of nominal thickness, can replace a Grade 80 chain of the next higher nominal thickness. Click here for more details on RUD ICE 120 Chains.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are lifting chains used for?

Lifting chains are used in material handling and lifting applications to connect loads to lifting equipment safely and securely.

What is the difference between Grade 80, Grade 100 and Grade 120 lifting chains?

Grade 80 is a traditional lifting chain grade offering affordability. Grade 100 provides improved strength and performance, while Grade 120 offers the highest strength, lower weight and increased durability.

Why are lifting chains preferred over synthetic slings?

Lifting chains provide better adjustability, improved resistance to sharp edges and better performance under extreme temperatures.

What does WLL mean in lifting chains?

WLL stands for Working Load Limit, which is the maximum load a lifting chain can safely lift under normal operating conditions.

What are the advantages of Grade 120 lifting chains?

Grade 120 lifting chains offer reduced weight, higher breaking force and greater resistance to harsh lifting environments compared to lower chain grades.

to be continued ...

Article copyright to RUD Australia. This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise. Some pictures are for illustration only.