Skid steers are compact, versatile machines widely used in construction, landscaping and agriculture settings. These four-wheeled or tracked vehicles excel in tight spaces due to their unique steering mechanism, where wheels on one side can rotate independently or in opposite directions to "skid" the machine into turns. Invented in the 1950s, skid steers have evolved into essential equipment for tasks like digging, lifting, grading, and snow removal, with popular brands including Bobcat, Caterpillar, and John Deere.
At the heart of a skid steer's performance is its drive system, which transmits power from the engine (often diesel or hydraulic) to the wheels or tracks. Unlike traditional vehicles that use direct drives, many skid steers rely on chain drives for this purpose. The drive chain connects the hydraulic motors or gearboxes to the axles, ensuring smooth power delivery even under heavy loads and rough terrain. These chains must withstand high torque, shock loads, and exposure to dirt, debris, and moisture, making their selection and maintenance critical for longevity and safety.
The Role of Roller Chains in Skid Steer Drive Systems
Roller chains are the most common type of chain used in skid steer drives because of their efficiency in power transmission. They consist of interconnected links with cylindrical rollers that reduce friction and wear when engaging with sprockets. According to industry standards, these chains are governed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) B29.1 specifications, which define dimensions, tensile strength, and performance criteria.
In skid steers, drive chains are typically sized in the #60, #80, or #100 range (indicating pitch, roller diameter and inner width), with lengths customized to the model's axle configuration. For example, Caterpillar skid steers often use #100H chains, while models like the Mustang 960 employ #60H and #80HK variants. The "H" designation refers to heavy series, which is designed with thicker plates for enhanced durability.
The Two Most Common Chain Types
When it comes to skid steer drive chains, there are two chain types that dominate due to their balance of cost, availability, and performance. All chains adhere to ANSI B29.1 but differ in construction to suit varying operational demands.
- ANSI Standard Roller Chain: This is the baseline design for many applications, featuring standard plate thickness and manufactured with both solid bushing & rollers. It's suitable for lighter-duty skid steers or less demanding environments, offering good fatigue resistance and affordability. Common in sizes like #80, these chains are versatile and widely available. For more details check out our line of Standard Roller Chains.
- ANSI Heavy Series Roller Chains: Engineered for tougher conditions, heavy series chains have thicker side plates to handle higher shock loads, increased tensile strength, and improve fatigue resistance. This makes them ideal for heavy-duty skid steers operating in construction sites. Explore our all of our Heavy Series Roller Chain sizes.
Generally, the heavy series chains are most commonly used for skid steers because of the machines' exposure to high-impact tasks. So which one should you go with? The chain should be replaced with the exact same chain. Why? The engineers that designed the chain drive use a wide range of formulas, parameters and historical information to carefully select the proper chain for the skid steer model.
Maintenance Tips for Skid Steer Drive Chains
To maximize the life of your drive chains:
- Inspect Regularly: Check for wear, elongation (over 3% or more signals replacement), and proper tension per the skid steer manufacturers manual.
- Lubricate Properly: Lube, Lube & Lube. The most common reason chains fail is due to poor lubrication.
- Replace in Pairs: Always swap both sides simultaneously. An old chain will be elongated (commonly referred to stretch) compared to a new roller chain. Changing one side will put excessive loads on the new chain that can lead excessive elongation or failure.
If you're in the market for replacements, consult your equipment manual to obtain the correct chain number and contact us for a quote. Cant find the chain number? You can take measurements off the old chain and compare them to our roller chain size charts.
