What is track pitch and how do I measure it?

Expert_Answer

Track pitch is the distance from the centre of one chain pin to the centre of the next — the fundamental dimension that must match between chain, sprocket and (on rubber tracks) the drive lugs. On a steel chain, measure across four or five pitches from pin centre to pin centre with the track tensioned, then divide by the number of pitches; measuring several at once averages out wear. Comparing the result against the nominal pitch tells you the chain's elongation: around 3% growth means the chain is due for close monitoring, and at roughly 5% it has consumed its internal wear reserve. On rubber tracks, pitch is the middle number of the size marking (e.g. 300×52.5×80). Every VANROCK chain listing states the nominal pitch for reference.

Answered by VANROCK specialists · Published 7/25/2026