Forklift chains are critical safety components that require regular inspection and timely replacement. The two primary types are leaf chains (used in the mast for lifting) and tire chains (used for traction in winter or off-road conditions). This guide provides a comprehensive overview of where to buy, types available, and current pricing.
Types of Forklift Chains
1. Leaf Chains (Mast Lifting Chains)
Leaf chains are the most critical safety component in the mast system. They consist of interleaved plates connected by pins and are designed for vertical lifting. They are categorized into three series:
Series Standard Application
AL (American Light) ANSI / ISO 606 Series A Light-load lifting, machine tools
BL / LH (American Heavy) ANSI / ISO 606 Series A Heavy-duty forklift lifting
LL / EL (European) ISO 4347, DIN 8152 European standard leaf chain
Common BL series models include BL422, BL434, BL534, BL634, BL646, BL688, and BL823. Leaf chains are identified by pitch (e.g., 0.500", 0.625", 0.750") and lacing pattern (e.g., 2x2, 3x4, 4x4).
2. Tire Chains
Tire chains are used for traction on snow, ice, or off-road conditions. They are available in various sizes to match specific tire dimensions.
Major Suppliers and Manufacturers
Supplier Specialization Key Details
Regal Rexnord (Rex) Premium leaf chains Supplies to Toyota, KION, Hyster-Yale; ISO 4347 certified; BL/AL/F series; CE marked
FB Chain (Letchworth) Leaf chain specialist Manufactures anchor bolts, kits, pulleys; also produces Chain Wear Gauge for measuring elongation
U.S. Tsubaki Premium chains ISO 9001:2015; pitches 0.500–2"; tensile strength 3,700–238,300 lbs
PEER Chain AL Series leaf chains High-strength for forklifts, container lifts
Renold Jeffrey AL Series leaf chains Used globally for forklift trucks
Fast Lift Parts Aftermarket leaf chains 143320 mast leaf chain; cut-to-order; free shipping over $650
Crown Equipment OEM leaf & roller chains BL634 leaf chain (28 ft, $535.71); ANSI 40 roller chain ($38.50)
Vander Haag‘s New/used chains Sullivan-Palatek, ASV, John Deere chains
Jungheinrich Shop Tire chains 8.25-15 tire chains (€169.00); in-stock
Made-in-China Chinese manufacturers BL588, BL634, BL823; $0.50/meter (100m MOQ); SGS/BV certified
2026 Price Guide
Item Price Source
Jeremywell BL534 leaf chain (10 ft, 3x4 lacing) $119.95 Walmart Business
Crown BL634 leaf chain (28 ft) $535.71 Crown Equipment
Crown ANSI 40 roller chain (3.96 ft) $38.50 Crown Equipment
Jungheinrich tire chain (8.25-15) €169.00 (~$183 USD) Jungheinrich Shop
BL588 leaf chain (China, bulk) From $0.50/meter Made-in-China (100m MOQ)
Jeremywell BL422 leaf chain (10 ft) $59.95 (out of stock) Walmart Business
Crown tire chain set (fits 7.00-15, etc.) $151.20 Crown Equipment
Used heavy equipment chains From $150.00 Vander Haag‘s
Note: Prices are indicative and subject to change. Leaf chains are typically sold per foot or in bulk rolls. Chinese suppliers often require minimum order quantities (e.g., 100 meters).
How to Identify the Correct Chain
Check the existing chain part number – Located on the chain or in the service manual.
Measure the pitch – Distance between pin centers (e.g., 0.500", 0.625", 0.750").
Identify the lacing pattern – Number of plates per link (e.g., 3x4, 4x4).
Consult the forklift data plate – May indicate chain specifications.
Use a Chain Wear Gauge – FB Chain manufactures a gauge that measures elongation percentage.
Key Buying Considerations
1. Safety First
Leaf chains are safety components. Always replace chains when elongation reaches 3% (2% for VNA trucks and UK/Netherlands standards). Never use chains with cracks, protruding pins, or rust.
2. OEM vs. Aftermarket
OEM chains (Crown, Jungheinrich) guarantee exact fit and original specifications.
Aftermarket chains (Fast Lift Parts, Jeremywell) offer competitive pricing and comparable quality.
Premium manufacturers (Regal Rexnord, Tsubaki, FB Chain) supply chains used by major forklift producers.
3. Bulk vs. Cut-to-Order
Bulk chains (China suppliers) are cost-effective for large fleets but require minimum orders.
Cut-to-order chains (Fast Lift Parts, Crown) are available in specific lengths.
4. Check Certification
Look for ISO 9001, CE marking, and ISO 4347 compliance. Premium suppliers provide batch numbers and 3.1 certificates for traceability.
Summary
Forklift chains are available from OEM dealers (Crown, Jungheinrich), premium manufacturers (Regal Rexnord, Tsubaki, FB Chain), aftermarket suppliers (Fast Lift Parts, Jeremywell), and Chinese manufacturers (Made-in-China). Leaf chains (AL, BL, LL series) are used for mast lifting; tire chains are used for traction. Prices range from $0.50/meter for bulk Chinese BL chains** to **$535 for 28 ft of OEM BL634 leaf chain. When purchasing, verify pitch, lacing pattern, certification, and elongation limits. Always replace chains at 3% elongation and never compromise on safety-critical components.