Tsubaki's lube-free Lambda chain has been used for a number of years on
machines throughout BSW Timber's South Wales sawmill, where it is
reported to have considerably eased the plant's maintenance burden.
Lambda's oil impregnated bushings, for example, effectively allow dry
running, thus avoiding sawdust building up and clogging the links.
Previous chain used in a chipper edging machine lasted around six months
due to the build-up of debris, whereas the Lambda replacement has only
required an adjustment once in two years.
On more recent machine upgrades, the chain's very low elongation
properties have been exploited to good effect. Standard chain used on the
transfer system pictured here would last three to six months, during
which time the automatic tensioners often failed or had to be padded out
until the chain stretched enough for an additional link to be inserted.
The low elongation properties of Lambda chain allowed the fitting of
smaller automatic tensioners, in an arrangement that has given 12 months
of trouble free operation.