Heavy Duty Cranked-Link Transmission Chains

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EP-MXS, EP-SS, EP-2512, EP-2510, EP-R and specialty series heavy duty cranked-link chains for demanding power transmission in forklift trucks, industrial vehicles, agricultural machinery, and heavy plant. Pitch 42.01 mm to 78.10 mm. Up to 560 kN average tensile strength.

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30+ Models

MXS / SS / 2512 / 2510

42.01 to 78.10mm

Pitch Range

Up to 562 kN

Average Tensile Strength

ISO 9001

Certified Quality

Heavy Duty Cranked-Link Chain - Product Overview

Ever-Power heavy duty cranked-link transmission chains are a specialised family of roller chains designed for high-load, low-speed power transmission applications in heavy industrial equipment. The cranked-link design - also known as the offset-link or bent-link construction - uses link plates that are bent or cranked outward at the pin hole position rather than the conventional flat plate. This geometry allows the use of a larger-diameter pin and bush at the same pitch compared to a standard flat plate chain, resulting in a higher joint bearing area and significantly greater resistance to pin bending failure under the very high tensions encountered in these applications.

The cranked-link construction also has an important practical advantage: because the inner and outer plates are the same cranked profile rather than two different flat profiles, the chain can be assembled and disassembled using standard connecting links that are identical to the running links. This simplifies field maintenance and reduces the risk of incorrect connecting link installation. The standard roller chain connecting link (spring clip or cotter pin type) uses a plate that differs from the running inner plate, which can cause problems if the wrong connecting link is fitted. Cranked-link chains eliminate this issue entirely.

The EP cranked-link range covers four primary series. The MXS series (EP-MXS432, EP-MXS882, EP-MXS882F1, EP-MXS3011F1) covers light to medium duty cranked-link applications at 42 to 78 mm pitch. The SS series (EP-SS2065, EP-SS588, EP-SS588F1, EP-SS588F2, EP-SS588F7, EP-SS568H, EP-SS568HF2, EP-SS568HF3, EP-SS568HF4) provides the standard medium-heavy cranked-link range at 50.8 to 77.9 mm pitch, widely used in forklift truck main drives, industrial vehicle drives, and agricultural machinery primary transmission. The 2512 series (EP-2512, EP-2512F2, EP-2512F3, EP-2512F4) covers the heaviest forklift and heavy vehicle transmission applications at 77.9 mm pitch. The 2510 series (EP-2510, EP-2510F1, EP-2510F2, EP-2510H) at 78.1 mm pitch provides the maximum load capacity cranked-link configuration in the range.

Chains marked with an asterisk (*) in the EP model number are bush chains - the roller is replaced by a sleeve, and the d1 dimension in the specification table refers to the external diameter of the bush rather than an outer roller. The F suffix designations (F1, F2, F3, F4, F7) identify different plate geometry variants used by specific OEM manufacturers. The H suffix indicates a heavy plate variant with thicker link plates for higher fatigue life. The SH suffix indicates a super-heavy plate variant. All EP cranked-link chains are manufactured from alloy steel with heat-treated plates, case-hardened pins and bushes, and precision-ground pin diameters. Pre-loading is applied to all assembled chains before final pitch measurement and despatch.

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Dimension key: P = Pitch  |  d1 = Roller dia. max (bush chain: external bush dia.)  |  b1 = Inner width between plates min  |  d2 = Pin dia. max  |  L = Pin length max  |  h2 = Plate depth  |  T = Plate thickness  |  Q = Min. tensile strength kN/lbf  |  Q0 = Average tensile strength kN  |  q = Weight kg/m  |  * = Bush chain  |  F = Variant plate geometry  |  H = Heavy plate  |  SH = Super-heavy plate

Cranked-Link Chain Specifications

All dimensions in mm. Chains marked * are bush chains. F, H, SH suffixes denote plate geometry or weight variants as described above.

Heavy-duty-cranked-link-transmission-chains-dimension-1

EP Model P (mm) d1 max (mm) b1 min (mm) d2 max (mm) L max (mm) h2 (mm) T (mm) Q min (kN/lbf) Q0 (kN) q (kg/m)
MXS Series
EP-MXS432 42.01 22.23 25.40 11.10 57.9 28.50 4.8 80.80/18363 88.0 5.65
EP-MXS882 66.27 22.23 28.58 11.10 68.5 28.50 6.4 115.60/26272 124.8 5.30
EP-MXS882F1 66.27 22.10 28.58 11.10 68.5 28.50 6.4 110.00/24728 121.0 5.39
EP-*MXS3011F1 77.90 31.75 39.60 19.05 100.0 57.00 9.7 407.50/18363 468.0 17.68
EP-*MXS882F2 66.27 22.23 28.58 11.10 66.6 28.50 6.4 115.60/25987 124.8 5.39
Specialty Series (1409F1, R3112, SS2065, 2010)
EP-1409F1 44.45 25.40 25.40 13.97 65.9 43.20 6.3 217.00/48782 238.7 9.65
EP-R3112 50.80 28.70 31.00 14.20 73.9 41.40 6.4 168.90/38385 185.0 10.70
EP-R3112F1 50.80 28.70 31.00 15.06 79.5 41.40 7.9 195.60/18363 225.0 12.23
EP-SS2065 50.80 28.58 32.50 15.05 79.5 38.00 7.9 220.00/49998 242.0 12.14
EP-2010 63.50 31.75 38.10 15.90 89.0 47.80 7.9 250.00/56818 275.0 13.53
EP-2010H 63.50 31.75 31.75 15.88 97.0 41.50 9.5 250.00/56818 275.0 11.91
EP-2010SH 63.50 31.75 38.10 15.88 97.0 41.50 9.5 300.00/68181 330.0 12.00
SS588 Series
EP-*SS588F4 66.27 22.23 30.40 11.11 60.0 32.00 4.8 90.00/20454 103.0 5.05
EP-SS588 66.27 22.23 28.60 11.11 63.7 28.60 6.4 130.00/29545 144.0 5.46
EP-SS588F1 66.27 22.23 27.00 11.11 62.0 28.60 6.4 88.90/20205 97.8 5.39
EP-SS588F2 66.27 22.23 27.00 9.53 59.0 25.40 5.6 84.46/19195 91.2 4.26
EP-SS588F7 66.27 22.35 26.90 11.20 60.0 28.70 4.8 80.00/17984 88.0 4.52
*MX603 Series
EP-*MX603 76.20 22.50 38.00 14.00 88.0 40.00 8.0 147.00/33408 161.0 9.20
2512 Series (P 77.90 mm)
EP-2512(MXS3011) 77.90 41.28 39.60 19.05 100.0 57.00 9.7 340.00/77272 489.3 18.40
EP-2512F2 77.90 41.28 38.50 19.05 103.4 60.00 10.0 400.00/90909 420.0 20.28
EP-2512F3 77.90 41.28 40.00 18.60 104.2 46.70 11.0 340.00/77271 391.0 18.15
EP-2512F4 77.90 41.28 39.60 19.05 110.0 60.00 12.0 407.50/92612 468.0 23.60
SS568H Series (P 77.90 mm)
EP-SS568H 77.90 41.30 39.70 19.05 97.6 57.00 9.5 460.00/103408 515.0 19.80
EP-SS568HF2 77.90 31.75 39.70 19.05 98.5 57.00 9.5 447.00/101588 491.0 16.90
EP-SS568HF3 77.90 41.30 39.70 19.05 104.1 57.00 11.0 489.30/111203 562.0 20.85
EP-SS568HF4 77.90 41.30 39.70 19.05 100.0 57.00 10.0 490.00/110152 539.0 19.80
2510 Series (P 78.10 mm)
EP-2510 78.10 31.75 36.90 16.00 94.8 40.00 8.0 271.00/61590 292.6 10.72
EP-2510F1 78.10 31.75 36.60 16.00 88.9 38.10 8.0 124.50/28295 137.0 9.93
EP-2510F2 78.10 31.75 36.60 15.75 88.0 38.10 8.0 225.00/51135 248.0 11.70
EP-2510H 78.10 31.75 36.90 16.50 95.3 45.00 9.5 280.40/63727 302.8 12.70

Cranked-Link Chain - Key Technical Features

Cranked Plate Geometry

The link plate is bent (cranked) outward at the pin hole, allowing all plates in the assembly to be the same cranked profile. This enables a larger-diameter pin and bush at the same pitch compared to a flat plate chain, increasing the joint bearing area and fatigue resistance without increasing the chain width or pitch. The geometry is particularly effective in forklift and vehicle drives where mounting envelope constraints prevent moving to a larger pitch standard chain.

Simplified Field Maintenance

All links in a cranked-link chain - running links and connecting links - use the same plate profile. This means there is no risk of fitting a standard inner plate connecting link in place of a cranked plate, as can happen with conventional roller chains. Field maintenance technicians can disconnect and rejoin the chain at any position without needing a different connecting link type, reducing both the risk of incorrect reassembly and the number of spare parts that need to be carried on site.

High Load Density

At pitch for pitch, cranked-link chains carry higher loads than equivalent standard flat plate chains because the larger pin and bush diameter provides greater joint bearing area. The EP-SS568H series at 77.9 mm pitch reaches 515 kN average tensile strength and the EP-SS568HF3 reaches 562 kN - performance levels that would require a significantly larger pitch standard roller chain to match. This is why cranked-link chains are preferred in compact drive applications where pitch and sprocket size cannot be increased.

Multiple Plate Variants

The F-suffix variants (F1, F2, F3, F4, F7) reflect different plate geometries developed for specific OEM forklift and industrial vehicle platforms. Different manufacturers specify different plate dimensions to suit their sprocket geometry and frame clearances. EP maintains production tooling for all major OEM plate profiles and can produce replacement chains to any variant without requiring a minimum order for the tooling if the chain number is already in the EP production database.

Heat-Treated Alloy Steel Components

All EP cranked-link chain plates are heat-treated after forming to achieve the required combination of tensile strength and ductility. Pins are through-hardened alloy steel ground to size. Bushes (for bush chain variants marked *) are case-hardened and ground. Rollers (for roller chain variants) are precision-turned and through-hardened. The assembly is pre-loaded after chain assembly to seat all joint clearances, eliminating initial elongation on installation.

Bush Chain Variants

Models marked with an asterisk (*) - including EP-*SS588F4, EP-*MXS882F2, EP-*MXS3011F1, EP-*MX603, and EP-*MXS882F2 - are bush chain variants where no separate outer roller is fitted. The bush surface contacts the sprocket tooth directly. Bush chains have a slightly lighter weight than equivalent roller chains at the same pitch and are suitable for low-speed drives where the chordal impact that would cause roller fatigue under high-speed sprocket engagement is not present. The d1 dimension for these chains is the external diameter of the bush.

Applications

Forklift Truck Main Drives

EP-SS588, EP-SS568H, EP-2512, and EP-2510 series chains are the primary specification for forklift truck main drive and mast chain applications. Forklift drives are among the most demanding for chain - very high load at low speed, frequent reversals under full load, exposure to contamination, and the requirement for very long service life between replacements. The cranked-link geometry provides the high joint bearing area needed to achieve this service life in the compact drive configuration of a forklift transmission.

Agricultural Machinery

EP-MXS432, EP-1409F1, EP-R3112, and EP-SS2065 series cranked-link chains for combine harvester threshing drum drives, header auger drives, and grain tank unloading drives. These applications combine intermittent very high torque peaks - particularly when the drum processes a dense section of crop - with the need for compact drive geometry and long field service life. The cranked-link design handles the shock loading better than equivalent flat plate chains in these conditions.

Industrial Vehicles and Construction Plant

EP-2010, EP-2010H, EP-2010SH, EP-2512, and EP-SS568H series for industrial vehicle final drives, reach stacker main chains, container handler slew drives, and heavy construction plant chain drives. These applications require very high tensile strength in a chain that must fit within existing sprocket-to-sprocket geometry. The EP-SS568HF3 at 562 kN average tensile strength is particularly suited to the heaviest-duty applications in this category.

Ever-Power cranked-link chain production and heat treatment

Matching Sprockets and Other Chain Types

Ever-Power sprockets and chain wheels for cranked-link chains

Matching sprockets for EP cranked-link chain series - including forklift drive sprockets in C45 and alloy steel with OEM-matched tooth profiles - are available through our partner site sprocket-chain.net.

View Matching Sprockets →

Other Chains

Korea Ever-Power stainless steel chains SUS304 SUS316L

Stainless Steel Chains

SUS304 and SUS316L roller chains for food, pharmaceutical, and corrosive environments.

View Range

Korea Ever-Power agricultural chains CA CC S series

Agricultural Chains

CA, CC, and S series for combine harvesters, balers, and crop handling machinery. ISO 487 standard.

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Korea Ever-Power engineering chains WH welded steel

Engineering Chains

WH welded steel, cast, and round link chains for cement, mining, and heavy plant conveying.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cranked-link chain and how does it differ from a standard roller chain?
A standard roller chain uses two different plate profiles: flat inner plates with the bush pressed in, and flat outer plates with the pin pressed in. A cranked-link chain uses one plate profile for all links - the plate is bent (cranked) outward at the pin hole, so the pin diameter can be larger than the inner width would normally allow in a flat plate design. This means the chain can carry a larger pin and bush at the same pitch, giving higher joint bearing area and tensile strength without increasing chain width or pitch. The practical effect is that a cranked-link chain provides higher load capacity in the same mounting envelope as a standard chain.
What do the F-suffix numbers mean (F1, F2, F3, F4, F7)?
The F-suffix numbers identify different plate geometry variants developed for specific OEM equipment manufacturers. Different forklift and industrial vehicle OEMs specify slightly different plate widths, plate heights, inner widths, and pin lengths for the same nominal pitch chain, to match their proprietary sprocket geometry, frame clearances, and attachment configurations. EP maintains production tooling for all major F-suffix variants in the product range. When ordering a replacement chain, always specify the complete EP model number including the F-suffix to ensure dimensional compatibility with the existing sprockets and drive configuration.
Can I identify a replacement chain from a sample of the worn-out chain?
Yes. Send a sample of at least 3 connected links to EP for dimensional survey. The key measurements EP will take are: pitch (across 3 pin centres, divided by 2), roller or bush diameter, inner width between plates at the joint, pin diameter, plate overall depth (h2), and plate thickness. From these measurements EP will identify the closest match in the product range and verify the correct EP model number. For urgent replacements, measure pitch by placing 10 pins in a row of holes in a flat surface and measuring across the outer pins, dividing by 9 to get average pitch. Also measure roller diameter and inner width with calipers and provide photographs from face and side view of the chain.
What is the difference between the H and SH variants (e.g. EP-2010, EP-2010H, EP-2010SH)?
The base designation (EP-2010) uses the standard plate thickness for that chain series. The H variant (EP-2010H) uses a heavier plate - typically 20% to 35% thicker - giving higher fatigue resistance and a higher tensile strength rating. The SH variant (EP-2010SH) uses a super-heavy plate - even thicker than the H variant - for the most demanding applications where the standard and H variants have been found to have insufficient plate life. The H and SH variants have the same pitch and roller diameter as the base chain, so they fit the same sprockets; the plate thickness change does not affect sprocket engagement.
How are cranked-link chains lubricated in forklift and vehicle applications?
Most forklift and industrial vehicle cranked-link chain drives use a combination of initial factory-applied grease and periodic field lubrication with chain oil applied by brush or spray at each maintenance interval. Unlike high-speed power transmission drives that can use drip oilers or bath lubrication, forklift drives typically operate at very low speed in contaminated environments where conventional lubrication systems are impractical. EP recommends using a penetrating chain lubricant that can reach the pin-bush interface rather than a heavy grease that stays on the outer surface. Apply lubricant to the chain as it is slowly rotated through the drive to reach all joint positions. Frequency depends on operating environment - at minimum, lubricate at each planned maintenance interval for the vehicle.
Can you supply non-standard variants not shown in the specification table?
Yes. The specification table shows the standard EP production programme for cranked-link chains. For chain models not listed - whether from other manufacturers, or custom configurations with non-standard pitch, inner width, or plate geometry - EP can produce replacement chains from a dimensional survey of a sample chain or from a customer drawing. Minimum order for non-standard cranked-link chains is typically 5 metres or one complete circuit, whichever is greater. Lead time for non-standard variants is 15 to 25 working days depending on the tooling required. For very high volume requirements, EP can hold non-standard variants as managed stock.

What Our Customers Say

★★★★★

"We operate a fleet of 140 counterbalance forklifts across three warehouses. We switched to EP-SS568H chains for our 7-tonne units two years ago. Average chain replacement interval has gone from 4,500 hours to 7,200 hours. The dimensional consistency is excellent - we have never needed to adjust sprocket centres after an EP chain installation."

D.K., Fleet Manager
South Korea - Logistics Centre

★★★★★

"We maintain combine harvesters for a large cooperative. The EP-SS2065 chains for threshing drum drives have given us two full harvests without replacement. The previous chains from another supplier needed replacement mid-season in year 1. The EP chains showed 1.4% elongation at the end of the second harvest, still within limit."

M.T., Service Manager
France - Agricultural Machinery Dealer

★★★★★

"We needed EP-2512F4 chains as OEM replacement for a heavy reach stacker fleet. EP identified the chain from our sample within 3 working days, confirmed the dimensional match, and shipped 8 complete circuit lengths within 12 working days. The chains fitted without adjustment. We now hold EP-2512F4 on our approved vendor list for this application."

J.L., Procurement Manager
Netherlands - Port Terminal Operator

★★★★★

"We distribute forklift parts across Southeast Asia. EP cranked-link chains cover over 85% of the models we encounter in the field. The batch-to-batch consistency is the key advantage - our technicians know that an EP chain will fit the first time without measuring every individual chain. That reliability is worth more than a small price difference."

C.S., Technical Director
Thailand - Forklift Parts Distributor

Request a Quotation for EP Cranked-Link Chains

Provide the complete EP model number from the specification table (including any F, H, or SH suffix), quantity in metres or link count, and whether connecting links are required. For non-standard chains not shown in the table, please provide a sample chain or dimensional drawing. Our team responds within one business day.

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