Lifting and Transport Chains: A Buyer’s Guide to Chain Grades
Any time heavy equipment, materials, or supplies need to be moved or hoisted, the chain you choose is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Get it right, and your load stays secure. Get it wrong, and you're looking at damaged goods, downed equipment, or worse — a serious safety incident on the jobsite.
The two factors that matter most when evaluating industrial chains are the material they're constructed from and the amount of stress they're rated to handle. This guide walks you through the chain grade system, so you can match the right chain to your specific transport or lifting application with confidence.
Breaking Down Industrial Chain Grades
Think of chain grades as a standardized rating system for the tensile strength or breaking strength of your transport or lifting chains. The most common industrial chain grades used today are G30, G43, G70, G80, G100, and G120. The numbers are newtons per square millimeter and one tenth of the actual mathematical grades. For example, G80 grade chains have a tensile strength of 800 N/mm2 (newtons per square millimeter).
Here's how they stack up:
Grade 30 – The entry level option in the chain grade lineup, G30 is a general purpose chain built from low strength carbon steel. It's a practical choice for securing basic loads in farming, light construction, and logging operations.
Grade 43 – Stepping up from G30, Grade 43 transport chains are produced from higher grade carbon steel, giving them a meaningful boost in load capacity. These are frequently found in towing setups, marine environments, logging sites, and container applications.
Grade 70 – Purpose built for the demands of trucking and freight, G70 lifting chains undergo a heat treatment process that elevates both their strength and wear resistance. They outperform Grade 43 chains by roughly 20% and are a standard specification for trailer tie downs and heavy equipment transport.
Grade 80 – Once you move into alloy steel territory, the performance ceiling rises considerably. Grade 80 industrial chains are rated for overhead lifting, making them a staple in rigging operations. They also hold up well in heavy duty towing and tie down situations where standard carbon steel chains fall short.
Grade 100 – At the higher end of the spectrum, G100 chains deliver approximately 25% greater load capacity than their Grade 80 counterparts. These heavy duty lifting chains are engineered for the most demanding overhead and rigging applications, including large scale construction lifts and industrial equipment handling.
Why Working Load Limit Matters as Much as Grade
Chain grade tells you about a chain's theoretical breaking point, but its working load limit (WLL) is what governs safe, real world use. The WLL, measured in pounds, defines the maximum tension a chain in good condition should ever be subjected to during normal operation.
Two chains of the same grade can carry different working load limits depending on their diameter and link geometry, so it's always worth checking the specific WLL rather than assuming grade alone is enough. When planning a lifting application, factor in not just the static weight of the load, but also the added stress that comes from rigging angles, dynamic movement, and hitch configuration.
It's also worth noting that a chain's WLL isn't a fixed number over its lifespan. Corrosion, repeated overloading, physical deformation, and general wear all chip away at a chain's rated capacity. Any chain used in regular transport or lifting service should be inspected on a consistent schedule to catch signs of degradation before they become a hazard.
Chain Grade Working Load Limit Reference Chart
| Chain Grade | Working Load Limit Range |
|---|---|
| G30 | 1,300 lb – 6,900 lb |
| G43 | 2,600 lb – 13,000 lb |
| G70 | 3,150 lb – 15,800 lb |
| G80 | 3,500 lb – 47,700 lb |
| G100 | 4,300 lb – 35,300 lb |
Not sure which industrial chain is right for your equipment transport or lifting job? Contact Alta Equipment today — our team will help you identify exactly what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lifting Chains and Transport Chains
What is the best chain grade for overhead lifting?
Grade 80 is the minimum for overhead lifting, with Grade 100 recommended for the heaviest or most demanding lifts.
Can I use transport chains for lifting?
No — G30, G43, and G70 chains are not approved for overhead lifting and should never be used as a substitute for rated lifting chains.
What does chain grade mean?
Chain grade is a standardized measure of tensile strength based on the chain's breaking point in newtons per square millimeter.
How do I know if my lifting chain is still safe to use?
Inspect for stretching, corrosion, cracked, or deformed links, and remove any chain from service immediately if damage is found.
What is working load limit (WLL)?
WLL is the maximum load a chain should ever carry in normal operation, factoring in a safety margin below its actual breaking strength.
What chain grade is used for trucking and equipment transport?
Grade 70 is the industry standard for trucking and heavy equipment transport and meets federal tie down requirements.
How often should industrial chains be inspected?
Check chains before every use and schedule a thorough formal inspection at least annually, or more often in demanding conditions.