What is the difference between 530 and #50 chain... Are they interchangable? I am looking to buy some bulk chain for my 1997 MAX IV. Any help would be appreciated.....Thanks
What is the difference between 530 and #50 chain... Are they interchangable? I am looking to buy some bulk chain for my 1997 MAX IV. Any help would be appreciated.....Thanks
Last edited by Mike; 09-17-2013 at 07:51 PM. Reason: moved thread from Max forum to General Discussion as this topic can apply to all AATVs.
Crackpot Cruiser
#530 is 1/2" chain that has rubber o-rings between the links to keep the dirt and grime out of the rollers, #50 chain is the same 1/2" size but without the rubber o-rings, it does not last as long, but has the same strength rateing as the #530, but is less expensive, yes they are interchangable
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thats not always the case 530 atv chain does not have to BE ORING i run non oring 530 and it is noticeably heavier than #50 the thickness of the links wall is much heavier on 530 to prevent chain stretch and handle the shock loads better in my opinion the 530 has outlasted 50 on my machine 3 to 1 and i was buying some expensive #50 and it still doesent compare to 530Originally Posted by Robinhood02
1996 MAX IV ,KUBOTA DIESEL
MAX II 30HP Bandolero
Yep. 520 has a stronger tensile strength than comparable brand/make #50, and 530 is the top dog stuff. It USUALLY IS O-ring, in fact I'm not sure where to get non-O-ring 530, but I agree the difference between #50/520(50HD)/530 is plate thickness (maybe pin also? not sure what all is altered exactly to increase the tensile strength), the O-ring is just to hold in lube/out dirt.
Oh, Look for X-ring, O-rings are actually poor at keeping out dirt, X-rings DO make a big difference there. As for keeping in lube, not sure if there's a difference at all.
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It's my understanding that the 5 in #50(520 & 530) means 5 eighths of an inch. #40 chain is the 4 eighths or 1/2" stuff.
I guess I should go measure to be sure
The next digit is the roller width also in 1/8". ex: 520 = 5/8 pitch and 2/8" roller. The 3rd digit code is 0 for standard chain, 1 for lightweight chain, and 5 for bushed chain with no rollers. Which got me to wondering what is standard #50 then? Founds some links with good info. There is a lot to chains.....
Roller chain - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Notes on Sprockets and Chains
Last edited by LarryW; 03-26-2011 at 11:52 AM. Reason: Buggyman got picky with my typo, lol 4/8 should be 5/8ths
For the Max IV, I like to use 530 o-ring chain on the short chain from the trans to the rear axle. That chain takes a beating especially from the higher HP engines and it holds up a lot better than regular #50. For the rest of the vehicle, using #50 chain works fine, saves money, and lasts a long time since it takes much less stress. Many Max owners never adjust or lube the chains and the 530 o-ring also holds up to that abuse much better than #50.
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Good info Larry!
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