Guide · 5 Min Read
Pin & Bushing Turn: What It Is and When It's Worth It
What a pin and bushing turn is, how it restores track chain pitch, what it costs versus a new chain, and the cases where turning is — and isn't — worth the money.
01What a pin and bushing turn actually does
Bushings wear on one side: externally where the sprocket engages, and internally against the pin — both on the drive side. A 'turn' presses the chain apart, rotates pins and bushings 180°, and reassembles it so the unworn side takes the load. Done at the right time, it can restore most of the chain's remaining structural life and returns the pitch close to nominal, protecting the sprocket.
02The timing window
Turning only makes sense inside a window: after external bushing wear reaches roughly its limit but BEFORE internal wear (pitch stretch) or link rail wear consume the chain. Turn too late and the pitch is already gone — the chain will still hammer the sprocket. As a rule, a turn is considered around 100% external bushing wear with link height still under ~50% worn. Dry chains are the classic candidates; sealed and lubricated chains often reach link and shoe limits first, making a turn less useful.
03Turn vs new chain: the honest math
A press-shop turn typically costs 40–60% of a new chain once labour, transport and downtime are counted — and the turned chain is not new: seals are disturbed, and remaining life is usually 60–80% of a fresh chain. With today's manufacturer-direct chain pricing, many fleets find a new sealed & lubricated chain the better cost-per-hour, especially for machines far from a press shop. Turning still wins for large dozers with expensive chains, fleets with in-house press capacity, and remote operations where a chain is easier to service than to freight.
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How much does a pin and bushing turn cost?+
Typically 40–60% of a new chain including press labour and downtime, varying by region and chain size. Get both numbers before deciding — request a new-chain quote for your model and compare cost per remaining hour.
Can sealed and lubricated chains be turned?+
Physically yes, but the turn destroys the factory seals and the lubricant advantage, so remaining internal life drops sharply. SALT chains are usually run to their limits and replaced instead.
How do I know if my chain is still turnable?+
Measure external bushing OD, pitch elongation and link height. Turnable = bushings at/near external limit while pitch and link height retain meaningful life. Send us your measurements — we'll tell you honestly whether a turn or a new chain wins.
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