Article

Agricultural Detachable Chain & Attachment Links

What it is: interlocking formed-steel chain used on certain agricultural machines and conveyors.

Detachable chain uses interlocking formed steel links. Unlike conventional roller chains, the links are designed to be disassembled at specific points, making them useful on some older and specialty farm machines. Common applications include agricultural conveyors, manure spreaders, elevators, and other equipment designed specifically for detachable chain.

Key takeaways

Identify the Correct Chain Size: Agricultural steel detachable chain is available in multiple sizes. Always verify the chain number and measurements before ordering replacement sections or links.
Understand Chain Pitch: Pitch is the distance between the centers of adjacent chain joints. Correct pitch is essential for proper sprocket engagement and smooth operation.
Measure Before Ordering: Compare pitch (P), overall width (M), inside opening (E), hook dimension (D), and material thickness (T) using the Cottage Craft Works detachable chain sizing chart.
Choose the Correct Attachment Links: Attachment links are available in different configurations for agricultural equipment. Match the chain size, attachment style, mounting dimensions, and application.
Common Agricultural Applications: Detachable chain and attachment links are used on corn pickers, manure spreaders, agricultural conveyors, elevators, and other vintage farm equipment.
Determine the Correct Chain Length: Measure the complete chain path around the sprockets or count the links in the original chain. Chain size and total chain length are two separate measurements.
10-Foot Replacement Chain Sections: Cottage Craft Works offers selected detachable chain sizes in convenient 10-foot sections. Chain weights vary by size, making proper selection important for both equipment operation and shipping.
Maintain and Inspect Chain Regularly: Check for worn hooks, stretched links, damaged attachments, misaligned sprockets, and excessive wear. Replace damaged components before returning equipment to service.

Steel detachable chain is used in agricultural equipment and conveying applications where links may need to be assembled, removed, or replaced without dismantling an entire drive. This guide explains the key dimensions to consider when identifying a replacement chain or matching an attachment link.

Before ordering: Match the original chain number when available, then verify the actual dimensions and attachment configuration. Chain numbers alone are not a reliable substitute for measurements. Check the machine manual for the required chain type, strength, and operating conditions.

1. What is an agricultural steel detachable chain?

A detachable chain uses interlocking formed steel links. Unlike conventional roller chains, the links can be disassembled at specific points, making them useful on some older and specialty farm machines. Common applications include agricultural conveyors, manure spreaders, elevators, and other equipment designed specifically for detachable chain. Always verify the equipment's original specifications rather than assuming all detachable chains are interchangeable.

2. How to measure detachable chain

How to identify chain size and determine replacement length

Use the illustrated guide below to understand the chain path around the sprockets and estimate the length needed. For the correct chain size, confirm pitch by measuring between the centers of adjacent chain joints and comparing the other dimensions in our chart. Sprocket tooth-tip spacing alone is not a reliable final pitch measurement.

Cottage Craft Works guide to measuring agricultural detachable chain size and chain length around sprockets — Illustrated chain path and length-measuring guide. Confirm chain size against the dimensional chart before ordering.

Clean the chain and, if possible, measure an unworn sample. A digital caliper is strongly recommended for decimal measurements. Compare more than one link: wear, stretching, and deformation can change readings.

Find the pitch (P). Measure between equivalent joint centers on adjacent links, following the reference drawing. Do not measure overall link length and call it pitch.
Measure overall width (M). Measure the widest outside dimension indicated in the drawing.
Measure inside opening (E). Check the clear opening where the connecting link or attachment must fit.
Measure hook dimension (D). Use the exact points shown in the reference diagram.
Measure steel thickness (T). Use calipers and compare with the tolerance shown for the chain size.
Compare the full set of dimensions. Two chains may look alike but have different widths, thicknesses, or strength ratings.

Measurement-point drawing

Decimal and ruler reference

0.500 in = 1/2 in; 0.750 in = 3/4 in; 1.000 in = 1 in; 1.508 in ≈ 1 1/2 in; 1.654 in ≈ 1 21/32 in; 2.313 in ≈ 2 5/16 in. The fractions are approximate—use decimal caliper readings for identification.

3. Detachable chain size and dimension chart

The following data are transcribed from our reference sizing chart. All dimensions are in inches unless noted. The listed chain sizes are reference sizes, not a statement of current stock availability. Confirm measurements and specifications with the manufacturer before publication or ordering.

Chain	Links / 10 ft	Lb / 100 ft	Ultimate strength (lb)	Minimum strength (lb)	P pitch	M width	E opening	D hook	T thickness
25	133	20	950	760	.904	45/64	.438	.422	.073 ± .006
32	104	32	1650	1320	1.157	1 5/16	.610	.594	.090 ± .006
32W	104	39	1650	1320	1.157	1 7/16	.610	.594	.079 ± .006
33	86	39	1650	1320	1.402	1 1/16	.627	.610	.095 ± .006
42	87	50	2300	1680	1.375	1 7/32	.800	.781	.105 ± .006
50H	87	63	2600	2240	1.375	1 9/32	.798	.781	.125 ± .006
51	106	40	2100	1680	1.133	1 3/32	.720	.703	.105 ± .006
52	80	66	2700	2160	1.508	1 13/32	.760	.840	.125 ± .006
55	74	62	2800	2240	1.630	1 9/32	.813	.796	.125 ± .006
62	73	90	4200	3520	1.654	1 9/16	1.002	.984	.148 ± .007
62A	72	131	5500	4000	1.654	1 15/16	1.002	.984	.172 ± .007
62H	73	112	4400	3600	1.654	1 7/8	1.002	.984	.148 ± .007
67H	52	137	5500	4400	2.313	1 7/8	1.110	1.093	.185 ± .007
67XH	52	145	6800	5500	2.313	1 7/8	1.110	1.093	.200 ± .010
67W	52	144	4800	3800	2.313	2 3/8	1.110	1.093	.148 ± .007
70	60	130	4800	4000	2.013	1 15/16	1.110	1.093	.172 ± .007
72	59	131	4800	4000	2.025	1 15/16	1.110	1.093	.172 ± .007
S	41	130	4800	3840	2.906	1 15/16	1.116	1.093	.172 ± .007
72 1/2	73	115	4500	3600	1.643	2	1.172	1.156	.148 ± .007

Strength values are reference ratings, not permissible working loads. Do not use ultimate or minimum breaking strength as a working-load rating. Confirm all tolerances and the machine manufacturer's requirements.

How much does a 10-foot section weigh?

Divide the published pounds-per-100-feet figure by ten. For example, No. 25 weighs approximately 2.0 lb per 10 ft; No. 67XH approximately 14.5 lb per 10 ft. Other listed sizes may weigh slightly more or less than No. 67XH, so compare the full chart rather than assuming a particular number is always the heaviest. Packaging adds to shipping weight.

4. Understanding detachable chain attachment links

Attachment links are specialty links that connect chain to a flight, scraper, slat, crossbar, carrier, or other equipment component. They are not all interchangeable, even if the base chain size matches. Attachments may differ in mounting position, direction, hole size, offset, and orientation.

What to compare on an attachment link

Chain designation: match the parent chain size and geometry.
Attachment type and direction: identify whether the mounting feature faces inward, outward, upward, or downward when installed.
Hole spacing and hole diameter: measure center-to-center distances and hardware clearance.
Offset and overall dimensions: confirm that flights or slats will clear the equipment frame.
Left-hand versus right-hand: verify mirrored configurations where applicable.
Quantity: determine whether the machine uses single, paired, or regularly spaced attachments.

Use our four attachment-link identification picture pages to match the shape and part number, then compare the dimensional drawing below each link. Do not order by appearance alone. The picture-page numbers are identification aids, not chain size numbers.

5. Choosing between a replacement link and a 10-foot section

You may replace a single damaged link when the remaining chain is within the manufacturer's wear limits. If multiple links are worn, stretched, bent, cracked, or corroded, replacing a complete section may be more appropriate. Verify sprocket condition, chain tension, and alignment; worn sprockets can quickly damage new chain.

6. How to order the correct chain or attachment

Find the equipment make, model, and original part number, if available.
Identify the chain size using the measurement chart.
For a 10-foot section, select the matching chain designation and required length.
For an attachment link, match its photograph, part number, mounting geometry, and measurements.
Confirm the quantity and any left/right orientation.
Review current product-page price, availability, lead time, and shipping before checkout.

7. Installation and safety considerations

Turn off and lock out equipment before inspecting or changing chain. Never work near a moving conveyor or exposed sprocket. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for link orientation, chain tension, guards, and lubrication. Do not weld, bend, or modify a link to make an incompatible part fit. Do not substitute chain with a lower required rating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I identify a detachable chain if the part number is missing?

Measure pitch, outside width, inside opening, hook dimension, and steel thickness, then compare all five measurements with the chart. Equipment model information helps confirm the result.

Is pitch the same as the chain number?

No. Pitch is a measured distance between equivalent joint centers. A chain designation is a product identification number, not a formula for converting directly into inches.

Will an attachment link fit any chain with the same pitch?

No. Width, hook shape, thickness, orientation, and attachment mounting geometry must also match.

Can I replace only one damaged link?

Sometimes, if the chain and sprockets remain serviceable and the replacement matches the original specification. Inspect the complete chain and follow the equipment manufacturer's guidance.

Are 10-foot chain sections exactly 10 feet long?

Chain sections consist of whole links, so nominal length may be rounded to an achievable link count. Confirm the supplied link count and exact finished length for the selected size.

How much does a 10-foot section weigh?

Weight depends on size. Our reference chart ranges from about 2 lb per 10 feet for No. 25 to approximately 14.5 lb for No. 67XH; some other listed sizes weigh similarly. Packaging is additional.