81X conveyor chain is a heavy-duty conveyor and elevator chain specification widely used in agricultural handling, timber processing, and bulk material handling throughout Australia. It is not a roller chain in the conventional sense — 81X is a bushed chain (no rollers in most versions) with a larger pitch, much higher capacity, and a completely different sprocket engagement geometry than standard ANSI or ISO roller chain.
What 81X Chain Is: Key Characteristics
| Characteristic | 81X Chain | Standard ANSI Roller Chain |
|---|---|---|
| Chain type | Bushed chain — no separate roller in most versions | Roller chain — separate roller turns freely on bushing |
| Pitch | 66.27 mm (2.609 inches) | 12.70 to 50.80 mm depending on ANSI size |
| Drive mechanism | Sprocket drives through the bushing OD directly | Sprocket drives through roller OD (roller rolls into tooth root) |
| Typical breaking load | ~160 kN standard 81X | 35 to 178 kN depending on ANSI size |
| Common applications | Grain conveyors, bucket elevators, timber conveyors | General industrial power transmission and conveying |
The 81X Chain Family: Variants
81X — Standard
Base specification for general grain conveyor and elevator applications at moderate loads.
81XH — Heavy
Increased plate height for higher capacity. Standard specification for most modern grain elevator and high-capacity conveyor applications.
81XHH — Extra Heavy
Double heavy plate height for high-throughput grain handling terminals and heavy-duty bulk material conveyors.
81XHE — Heavy with Extended Pitch
Extended sidebar plate with attachment holes for bucket mounting. The most common agricultural elevator specification for bucket elevator legs in on-farm and commercial grain storage.
Where 81X Chain Is Used in Australian Agriculture and Industry
In Australian agricultural applications, 81X and its variants are the standard chain type for large-capacity grain elevator legs — the vertical conveying sections that lift grain from receiving pits to storage bins in commercial grain receival facilities, port terminals, and large on-farm storages. In timber processing, 81X chain is the standard for lumber conveyors, log decks, and planer infeed chains in sawmill operations, where the heavy bushed construction handles severe impact loads.
81X Sprockets: Not Standard ANSI Sprockets
81X chain requires dedicated 81X sprockets machined to the 66.27 mm pitch and designed to engage the bushing OD of the chain links. Standard ANSI sprockets of any size are not compatible with 81X chain. 81X sprockets are typically specified by tooth count only (6-tooth, 8-tooth, and 10-tooth are the most common) and are available in cast iron or steel, with plain bore or finished bore.
EverPower Roller Chains Australia supplies 81X, 81XH, 81XHH, and 81XHE conveyor chain with matching sprockets for Australian grain handling and industrial applications. Contact +61 2 9708 3322 or [email protected].
+61 2 9708 3322 | [email protected] | 27 Harley Crescent, Condell Park NSW 2201