During the early stages of development of JCB’s golfing, farm and ground-keeping utility vehicle – the Groundhog -, it was discovered that the chain driving the prototype vehicle's rear wheels was wearing too rapidly. Apart from the rigours of off-road conditions, the chain has to operate in an aggressive environment where temperatures can reach 100ºC, a problem caused by the drive chain’s close proximity to the Groundhog's diesel engine.
Chain supplier, Renold worked closely with JCB for a number of months on this problem, and while neither company is prepared to divulge any ‘secrets’ they do reveal that the chosen method involved a combination of redesigned sprockets, the application of Renold’s ultra-tough Sovereign chain and the selection of a heat-resistant lubricant. The companies succeeded in achieving an abrasion-resistant chain drive that met all the requirements of this new vehicle.
Renold’s Sovereign chain provides a greater resistance to wear in adverse conditions - particularly dirty, dusty environments where abrasive particles are present – thanks to surface treated pins and special bush geometry.