General maintenance – SkyTrak 6036 Operation Manual User Manual
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Model 6036
General Maintenance
Cracked Plates
Inspect the chains very carefully, front and back as well as side to side, 
for any evidence of cracked plates. If any one crack is discovered, the 
chain should be replaced in its entirety.
It is important, however to determine the cause of the crack before 
installing a new chain so the condition does not repeat itself.
The types of cracks are:
• Fatigue Cracking - Fatigue
cracks (1) are a result of 
repeated cyclic loading beyond 
the chain’s endurance limit.
• Stress Corrosion Cracking -
The outside link plates are 
particularly susceptible to stress 
corrosion cracking (2).
• Corrosion Fatigue Cracking - Corrosion fatigue cracks are very
similar to fatigue cracks in appearance. Corrosion fatigue is the 
combined action of an aggressive environment and cyclic stress.
Other Modes of Failure
• Ultimate Strength Failure -
These types of failures are 
caused by overloads far in 
excess of the design load. 
Either fractured plates (3) or 
enlarged holes (4) can occur. If 
either of these failures occurs, 
the chain should be replaced 
immediately.
• Tight Joints - All joints in
the chain should flex freely. 
Tight joints (5) resist 
flexing.
If the problem is caused by 
dirt or foreign substance 
packed in the joints, clean 
and lubricate thoroughly before re-installing the chain.
If the problem is caused by corrosion and rust or bent pins, 
replace the chain.
MM2070
1
MM2080
2
MM2100
3
MM2090
4
MM2110
5
