Use and Care Manual

14
Replacing Load Chain
Over time, the load chain will wear or elongate.
This can cause damage to the hoist, breakage, or
non-engagement of the load sheave. The following
procedures describe replacing the load chain for
single and multiple fall hoists. These procedures
should be performed by experienced personnel
only.
How to Cut Chains
Use a bolt cutter with special cutter jaws for cutting
hardened chain. Cut only one side of the link at a
time. When making the second cut, place a mat
over the chain to catch the flying chain section.
Making a C-Link
Replacing load chain will require the use of a C-link
(in some cases, two C-links), which you can easily
make as follows:
1. Cut a link from the old chain.
2. Cut the weld from the link leaving an opening
approximately 1.25 times the diameter of the
link material. See Figure 15.
3. Grind the cut areas smooth and remove all
burrs.
Figure 15
Single Fall Chain Hoist
1. Lower the load hook until only 1 to 2 feet of
slack chain remains in the chain container.
2. Remove chain container.
3. On the slack side of the chain, remove the
chain stop and the spring (Figure 16). Keep
these handy for later re-installing.
4. Using a C-link, connect the new chain to the
old chain. Be sure vertical link welds face
away from load sprocket (see Figure 17).
5. Keep tension on both sides of the chain and
lower the load hook to pull the new chain
through the hoist. Do not let the chain twist or
bind as it is being pulled through the hoist.
Figure 16
6. Stop hoist when 1 to 2 feet of new chain
remains on the slack side.
7. Install the spring and chain stop on the slack
end of the chain.
8. Remove the load hook and the spring from the
old chain, and install them on the new chain.
Inspect condition of both spring and hook.
9. Lower load hook until the limit switch stops
hoist movement. Inspect the chain for any
signs of twist.
10. Install chain container following the
instructions in this manual. Do not fill chain
container by hand.
11. It is recommended that after installing new
chain, the first few lifts be limited to no more
than 25-50% of the rated load. Thoroughly
Inspect chain for twist before placing hoist in
routine service.
Vertical and Horizontal Links
Vertical and horizontal are determined by the
relationship with the load sprocket. Vertical links
will be guided by the center slit in the load
sprocket. Horizontal links will engage in the oval
pockets on the sprocket. See Figure 17.
Figure 17