Sprockets for Grain Elevators

Sprockets for Grain Elevators — Vertical Bulk Grain Transport Chain Drives

Grain elevator sprockets drive the bucket chain that lifts grain vertically from receiving pits to storage silos, processing facilities, and loading points. These sprockets must handle continuous abrasive grain dust, heavy bucket loads, and seasonal peak throughput without failure. We supply grain elevator sprockets in ANSI #60–#100 and ISO 12B–20B with duplex configurations, 4140 alloy steel for heavy-duty elevators, zinc plating for corrosion protection, and split hub options for field maintenance.

Specifications

Parameter	Range	Custom
Pitch	19.05–31.75mm	Yes
Chain	ANSI #60–#100 / ISO 12B–20B	Yes
Teeth	15–30T	9–45T
Material	C45 / 4140	—
Hardness	HRC 40–50	—
Surface	Zinc plated	HDG, zinc-nickel
Hub	B-Hub / Split	TL, QD
Bore	H7, 25–70mm	QD to 90mm+
Strand	Duplex (standard)	Simplex, Triplex
Speed	Up to 600 RPM	—
Throughput	50–500 tonne/hr	—
Elevator Height	5–60m	—
Temp	-5°C to +55°C	—
Dust	Extreme — ATEX zone consideration	—
TIR	≤0.03mm	—
Keyway	DIN 6885	Imperial
PD (21T #80 duplex)	170.3mm	—
OD (21T #80)	183.7mm	—
Max Bore (21T #80)	45mm	QD extends
Cert	ISO 9001, EN 10204 3.1	—

Working Principle / Advantages

Where: Head shaft (top, drive), boot shaft (bottom, tension). Function: The head sprocket pulls duplex bucket chain vertically, lifting grain-filled buckets from the boot pit to the discharge point at the top.

✅ Duplex standard — two-strand chain distributes load evenly across elevator height.

✅ 4140 for high-throughput elevators — handles 500+ tonne/hr peak harvest loads.

✅ Split hub — field replacement without removing 40m of bucket chain. Critical during harvest.

Compatibility / Selection / Install / Troubleshoot

OEM: AGI*, Bühler*, GSI*, Allied Grain Systems* bucket elevators. *Compatibility reference only.

Select: ❶ Chain pitch ❷ Shaft bore ❸ Teeth ❹ Duplex standard ❺ Split hub for 24/7 sites ❻ Zinc for outdoor.

Install: LOTO → support chain weight on backstop → remove tension → swap head sprocket (split hub = no chain removal) → align → tension → test empty then loaded.

Issues: Chain slip at head = worn teeth (replace both). Vibration = misalignment. Bucket jam = check boot tension. Noise = dry chain (lubricate).

Case Studies

Moree, NSW — Grain Receival: “Split hub #80 duplex on our 40m elevator head. Replaced during harvest in 2 hours. Saved a day of downtime.” ★★★★★

Dubbo, NSW — Silo Complex: “4140 sprockets on our high-capacity elevator. Running 300 tonne/hr peak without issue.” ★★★★★

Toowoomba, QLD — Export Terminal: “QD bushed #100 duplex for our port elevator. 70mm bore, rapid install.” ★★★★☆

Geraldton, WA — CBH Site: “Zinc-plated sprockets surviving coastal salt air. Good corrosion protection.” ★★★★★

Port Adelaide, SA — Flour Mill: “Consistent quality across 3 years of orders. Material certs always included.” ★★★★★

FAQ

Why duplex for elevators?

Duplex distributes the vertical chain load across two strands, reducing stress per strand and providing redundancy. Standard for elevators above 10m.

Split hub vs standard for elevators?

Split hub allows head sprocket replacement without removing the entire bucket chain. Essential for tall elevators where chain removal costs days of downtime.

Dust explosion risk?

Grain dust is combustible. Proper sprocket alignment and lubrication reduces friction-generated heat. Our precision sprockets minimise chain-on-sprocket friction.

Segmental rim?

Yes. Bolt-on segmental rim available for the largest elevators where complete sprocket replacement is impractical.

MOQ?

One piece with material cert.

Elevator Chains

Tensioners

✅ ISO 9001 ✅ ANSI/ISO ✅ EN 10204 3.1 ✅ Split hub ✅ 4140 available

Ever-Power: 15+ yrs, grain elevator specialist, split hub + segmental rim capability.