FB Chain lifts port operations

The new SuperEndurance chain is said to offer a fatigue and wear-resistant alternative to all equivalent ISO4347 BL (LH) series leaf chains, which are often fitted to high-capacity applications and regularly bear loads of five to 80 tonnes.

“The initial outlay and ongoing maintenance charges associated with leaf chains for port handling equipment are high. However, the losses incurred when a large piece of equipment is out of service due to chain failure are far greater,” said Peter Church, managing director, FB Chain.

“Our long-life SuperEndurance chain helps reduce fleet operating costs for all port-based applications, not only because users buy less chain but their equipment spends more time on the job,” he added.

FB Chain says its new series differs from standard leaf chains since it has internal bushes connecting each pair of inner plates. This is said to improve the tensile and compressive strength of the chain by ensuring maximum contact between the bearing plates and the bearing pin. The load is distributed evenly on the pin and the risk of pin turning under loads is said to be dramatically reduced.

The new design also incorporates O-ring seals, marking the first time they have been used on a materials handling chain. Factory tests showed a 20% greater wear-resistance of SuperEndurance chain fitted with the seals, compared to standard construction leaf chains.

To combat corrosion caused by salt spray and airborne saltwater droplets, all SuperEndurance chains are treated with a SuperShield coating – a three-stage process whereby the chain is pre-treated, applied with an anti-corrosion and a further top coat. FB Chain says tests revealed SuperShield-treated chains remained rust-free for over 500 hours – the equivalent of five years in a ‘real-world’ situation.

“Because the FB SuperEndurance chain is relatively new to the market, we’ve yet to discover the true average service life in the field – and hope not to for at least another five years – but with test results like these, SuperEndurance chain is an innovation that ought not to be ignored,” Mr Church concluded.

FB Chain is the UK arm of the FB Group, owned by Swedish company Addtech AB. From its production facility in Hertfordshire, FB Chain manufactures leaf chain, anchor bolts, pins and pulleys for the materials handling industry.