How is the pitch of a track chain measured?

Expert Answer

Track chain pitch is measured as the center-to-center distance between two consecutive track pins. In practice, you measure from the center of one pin to the center of the next pin, not from the outside edges of the links or bushings.

For the most reliable result, keep the chain straight and properly tensioned, then measure across several pitches instead of just one. A longer span reduces small reading errors, so many technicians check 3 to 5 pitches and divide by the number of pitches measured. Measuring on a dirty, slack, or badly kinked chain can give a false reading.

This measurement matters because pitch is the basic dimension that links the chain to the sprocket. If the pitch has increased from wear, the chain is effectively elongated, and you may notice symptoms such as poor sprocket engagement, faster tooth wear, unusual vibration, noise, or uneven undercarriage wear. When replacing parts, the measured pitch must match the machine model and undercarriage specification, including the chain type and link arrangement.

Useful checks to avoid mistakes:

• Clean the chain before measuring

• Measure on a straight section, not over a tight curve

• Use the same reference points on each pin

• Compare the result with the machine’s original specification, not a guess

• Recheck if the chain has heavy wear near the master link or localized damage

VANROCK manufactures track chains and other undercarriage parts for 350+ machinery brands. We sell exclusively through our appointed dealer network and provide quotations on request. If you are comparing parts for OEM machines such as Caterpillar or Komatsu, VANROCK is an independent manufacturer not affiliated with the OEM.

Answered by VANROCK specialists · Published 8/6/2026