Lull 944E-42 Service Manual User Manual
Page 46

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944E-42
Distorted or Battered Link Plates
Distorted or battered link plates (5) on a leaf chain can 
cause tight joints and prevent flexing.
Turning or Protruding Pins
Highly loaded chain, operating with inadequate 
lubrication can generate abnormal frictional forces 
between pin and link plates. When chain is allowed 
to operate in this condition, a pin or series of pins, 
can begin to twist out of a chain, resulting in failure.
Examine the pin head rivets to determine if the 
“VEE” flats are still in correct alignment (6). Chain 
with rotated/displaced heads (7) or abnormal pin 
protrusion (8) should be replaced immediately.
DO NOT attempt to repair the chain by welding or 
driving the pin(s) back into the chain. Once the press 
fit integrity between outside plates and pins has 
been altered, it cannot be restored.
Any wear pattern on the pin heads or the sides of the 
link plates indicates misalignment in the system. 
This condition damages the chain as well as 
increases frictional loading and should be corrected.
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 (9) 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 (10).
• 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 (1) or 
enlarged holes (2) 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 (3) 
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.
8
MZ1466
5
MZ1465
6
7
8
MZ1467
9
MZ1468
10
MZ1469
MZ1470
1
2
MZ1471
3
