Attachments are any parts ‘attached’ to a plain conveyor chain in order to adapt it for a particular purpose.
Attachments can either be an integral part of a link plate or they can be built into a chain, replacing a standard link. The more common types of attachments or either welded, riveted or bolted onto the chain.
Hollow pin chain is not normally supplied with attachments. The hollow pins offer an existing facility for fitting attachments, usually by bolts or tie rods. It should be noted that if bolting an attachment rigidly through two hollow pins then this should be done on outer links, to ensure unhindered articulation of the chain.
Most attachments are designated by a letter of the alphabet. However, it should be noted that not all manufacturers use the same letter designations.


A & K Attachments
This is the most common type of attachment, generally used for fixing apron slats, rubber belts and buckets on elevators. The attachment offers a platform parallel to the chain axis, usually containing one or two holes for attaching additional components. A1 and K1 attachments offer one hole, while A2 and K2 attachments offer 2 holes in the platform. ‘A’ generally designates an attachment on only one side of the chain, while ‘K’ designates that the attachment is on both sides of the chain. The spacing of the attachment is usually designated after the attachment type and number of holes. For example, a platform attachment on both sides of the chain with two holes, every fourth pitch, would be designated K2-04.
A & K Attachments
This is the most common type of attachment, generally used for fixing apron slats, rubber belts and buckets on elevators. The attachment offers a platform parallel to the chain axis, usually containing one or two holes for attaching additional components. A1 and K1 attachments offer one hole, while A2 and K2 attachments offer 2 holes in the platform. ‘A’ generally designates an attachment on only one side of the chain, while ‘K’ designates that the attachment is on both sides of the chain. The spacing of the attachment is usually designated after the attachment type and number of holes. For example, a platform attachment on both sides of the chain with two holes, every fourth pitch, would be designated K2-04.
For large batches of chains where investment in special tooling is cost effective, the attachments form an integral part of the link plate, being bent over at 90 degrees. For higher strength conveyor chains, small quantities or non standard attachment heights, separate attachments are fitted to the chain by either welding, riveting or bolting. In order to bolt an attachment to solid pin conveyor chain, a special extended bolted bearing pin is used.

F Attachments


M Attachments
‘M’ attachments offer a flat surface, usually on one side of the chain, parallel to the chain line and are basically an extended link plate where the top edge of the link is extended. ‘M’ type attachments follow the standard with regards to the number of holes provided with M2 attachments containing two holes. This type of attachment is usually integral to the chain, although ‘M’ type attachments can be welded to the link plate if required.
M Attachments
‘M’ attachments offer a flat surface, usually on one side of the chain, parallel to the chain line and are basically an extended link plate where the top edge of the link is extended. ‘M’ type attachments follow the standard with regards to the number of holes provided with M2 attachments containing two holes. This type of attachment is usually integral to the chain, although ‘M’ type attachments can be welded to the link plate if required.

G Attachments


L Attachments
L Attachments

S or Pusher Attachments
It should also be noted that for heavy duty applications, it is common to mount outboard rollers on both sides of the chain before and after the pusher dog. The outboard rollers resist the reactive forces on the pusher dog, preventing the chain from ‘kinking’ and therefore lifting off the conveyor track.


Extended Bearing Pins & Spigot Pins
Extended Bearing Pins & Spigot Pins

Stay or Cross bars


Top Plates
Top Plates

Outboard Rollers


Non Standard Attachments
Non Standard Attachments
