Tsubaki's groundbreaking 'seventh generation' ANSI standard chain employs an innovative bushing system that greatly improves internal lubrication and extends wear life by 100% in the most popular RS80 to RS140 sizes. A combination of the new 'lube groove' bushing and an exhaustive testing regime also means that the new ANSI standard RS roller chain has a 33% higher kW rating. The new 'G7' chain was launched across Europe during October 2006.

Independent testing and field data show that wear in the pin/bushing joint is usually the limiting factor in overall chain life, particularly in externally lubricated chain types such as ANSI standard roller chain.

(The chain bushing is located between the solid bearing pin and external roller).

Tsubaki has committed a significant amount of its research and development resources to making improvements in this area, to reduce wear and effectively prevent chain elongation over a longer period of time.

The result is a patented lube groove bushing, the grooves themselves providing an internal reservoir for lubricant where the chain needs it most, which has a dramatic effect on both chain performance and longevity.

Tsubaki's G7 bushings utilise a new production technique to enable a series of grooves to be incorporated on the inner surface of a cold forged, extruded bush.

The new process results in a very precise cylindrical profile for better surface contact between the pin and bushing, and improved lubricant retention.

The patent design lube groove bush (LG) ensures that the chain is optimally lubricated, particularly in real world conditions where inconsistent external lubrication is a factor.

The result is a chain that lasts significantly longer in the field.

When tested, G7 chain lasted twice as long as Tsubaki's previous generation ANSI chain - and up to 4x longer than some comparatively priced alternatives from leading US and European competitors.

Increased wear life equates to lower maintenance costs, reduced downtime and increased reliability.

Overall equipment efficiency (OEE) costs are also reduced since the purchase cost is offset over a longer period of time - the price of G7 chain is unchanged over that of the previous generation.