Industrial Bucket Elevator Sprockets: Carbon Steel & PA+GF Options
Bucket Elevator Sprockets | C2052-24Z Driving & Driven Wheel Sets
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Looking for reliable components for your Z type bucket elevator? The sprocket is the component that drives the elevator chain — and if it wears or is incorrectly specified, no amount of maintenance on the chain or buckets will keep your Z bucket elevator running reliably.
We manufacture bucket elevator sprockets to the C2052-24Z specification — 24 teeth, 31.75mm pitch — in two materials matched to their function: galvanized carbon steel for the driving position (top shaft, motor side), and PA+GF reinforced plastic for the driven position (bottom tensioning shaft). Both are manufactured to IT13 tolerances and confirmed against our C2052 conveyor roller chain before shipment.
Whether you are sourcing a single replacement sprocket or specifying a complete drive set for a new Z type bucket elevator build, this page covers the bucket elevator specifications you need to make the right selection.
Part of our complete các bộ phận thang máy gầu range. Matched chain: C2052 conveyor roller chain.
Bucket Elevator Chain Sprocket: Driving vs Driven Position
The most common specification mistake when sourcing bucket elevator sprockets is assuming both shafts need the same material. They do not. The driving and driven sprocket positions have fundamentally different mechanical demands — and the correct two-material approach is what most Z type bucket elevator OEM manufacturers use as standard.
| Driving Sprocket (Top — Motor Side) | Driven Sprocket (Bottom — Tensioning Side) | |
| Primary function | Transmits motor torque to the elevator chain | Tensions the chain; guides the return run |
| Load type | High torque, starting loads, shock loads | Tension load only — significantly lower than drive side |
| Key requirement | Strength and torque resistance | Low noise, chain-friendly engagement, self-lubrication |
| Our specification | Galvanized carbon steel — C2052-24Z | PA+GF reinforced plastic — 24 tooth |
| Why this material | Carbon steel handles torque and impact. Zinc plating prevents corrosion in food factory environments. | PA+GF self-lubricates, absorbs engagement shock, reduces chain wear and noise. Lighter weight reduces tensioning shaft load. |
| Supply | 2 pieces per set | Matched to driving sprocket chain pitch |
Expert summary: Use carbon steel on the drive shaft where torque is the priority. Use PA+GF on the driven/tensioning shaft where noise reduction, self-lubrication, and chain life extension matter. This is the standard specification combination for Z type bucket elevators used by the majority of Chinese OEM manufacturers — and the combination that delivers the best balance of durability and operating performance.
Module A: Galvanized Carbon Steel Bucket Elevator Sprocket (C2052-24Z)
The carbon steel driving sprocket handles starting torque, running torque, and the shock loads that occur when product falls into the buckets at the elevator boot. These loads rule out plastic for this position — carbon steel at the correct hardness and with zinc surface protection is the right specification.
Technical Specifications — From Engineering Drawing
Image note for editor: Insert engineering drawing photo here (supplier name/logo removed). Alt text: “bucket elevator sprocket C2052-24Z galvanized carbon steel 24-tooth driving sprocket technical drawing pitch 31.75mm Z type bucket elevator”
| Tham số | Giá trị | Ghi chú |
| Người mẫu | C2052-24Z | ANSI C2052 — 24 teeth — bucket elevator chain sprocket |
| Chain pitch (P) | 31.75mm | Matches C2052 double-pitch conveyor roller chain |
| Roller diameter | 19.05mm | Matches C2052 chain roller — critical for engagement |
| Số lượng răng | 24 teeth | Standard Z type bucket elevator specification |
| Outer diameter | ø258mm | — |
| Root circle diameter | ø243.25mm | — |
| Hub outer diameter | ø65mm | — |
| Hub length | 180mm | — |
| Shaft bore | ø25⁺⁰·⁰³₊₀.₀₁ mm | H7 fit — standard shaft tolerance. Custom bore available. |
| Keyway width | 8 ± 0.018mm | Standard key fit |
| Keyway depth | 28.3mm | — |
| Overall sprocket width | 30 ± 0.05mm | Tight tolerance for chain alignment |
| Set screw | 2 × M8 | Locking screws on hub |
| Vật liệu | Thép cacbon | — |
| Xử lý bề mặt | Galvanized (zinc) | Corrosion protection for food factory washdown environments |
| Tolerance standard | IT13 | Unspecified dimensions per IT13 grade |
| Shaft bore surface finish | Ra 0.16 | High-finish bore for precise shaft fit — bucket elevator specification |
| Other surfaces | Ra 3.2 | Standard machined surface |
| Technical requirements | Deburr all sharp edges | Per engineering drawing |
| Supply | 2 pieces per set | One driving + one matched — or two for top + bottom shafts |
Why Galvanized Carbon Steel — Not Raw Steel or Stainless
- Raw carbon steel corrodes in food factory environments within months — rust particles contaminate product and abrade chain side plates, shortening chain life
- Galvanized (zinc-plated) carbon steel provides adequate corrosion resistance for spray washdown conditions in food packaging factories — at significantly lower cost than stainless steel
- Stainless steel sprockets are available for high-acid or full-immersion environments — but for a standard Z type bucket elevator in a food packaging factory, galvanized carbon steel is the correct and most cost-effective specification
Module B: PA+GF Reinforced Plastic Bucket Elevator Sprocket (24-Tooth)
The PA+GF driven sprocket is specified for the bottom tensioning shaft — and increasingly for both shafts in lower-torque Z bucket elevator applications. PA+GF (polyamide reinforced with glass fibre) is not ordinary plastic. Glass fibre reinforcement increases tensile strength by 40–60% and wear resistance by 3–4× compared to unfilled nylon — making it a genuine engineering material for elevator chain sprocket applications.
Thông số kỹ thuật
Image note for editor: Insert photo of white PA+GF sprocket here. Alt text: “PA+GF reinforced plastic 24-tooth bucket elevator sprocket driven wheel Z type bucket elevator replacement part”
| Tham số | Giá trị | Ghi chú |
| Chain pitch (P) | 31.75mm | Matches C2052 double-pitch conveyor roller chain |
| Số lượng răng | 24 teeth | Standard Z type bucket elevator specification |
| Outer diameter | ≈ ø260.29mm | Standard C2052-24T plastic sprocket dimension |
| Installation width | 30mm | Matches carbon steel driving sprocket width for chain alignment |
| Vật liệu | PA+GF | Polyamide + glass fibre reinforced — NOT standard PA6 |
| Bề mặt | Natural white | As-moulded — no surface treatment required |
| Tolerance standard | IT13 | — |
| Bôi trơn | Self-lubricating | No grease required at elevator chain sprocket interface |
PA+GF vs PA6 vs Carbon Steel: Direct Material Comparison
| Tài sản | Standard PA6 | PA+GF Reinforced | Thép cacbon |
| Tensile strength | 70–80 MPa | 130–160 MPa (+80%) | 400–500 MPa |
| Wear resistance | Baseline | 3–4× PA6 | Highest (with lubrication) |
| Noise at engagement | Thấp | Thấp | High — metal-on-metal |
| Self-lubrication | Đúng | Đúng | No — grease required |
| Chain wear reduction | Tốt | Good — tooth compliance absorbs shock | Less — harder engagement |
| Khả năng chống ăn mòn | Xuất sắc | Xuất sắc | Requires zinc plating |
| Cân nặng | Light | Light | Nặng |
| Best position in elevator | Not recommended | ✅ Driven shaft — standard | ✅ Drive shaft — standard |
The PA+GF chain life benefit: When a PA+GF bucket elevator sprocket engages the chain roller, the slight compliance of the plastic absorbs the engagement shock at each tooth contact. This reduces impact load on the chain pin-bushing interface — extending elevator chain sprocket service life by 15–25% compared to running the same chain on an all-steel sprocket pair. For buyers also sourcing our C2052 chain, specifying PA+GF on the driven sprocket is the most cost-effective way to extend the chain investment.
Module C: 304 / 316L Stainless Steel Bucket Elevator Sprockets
Stainless steel sprockets are not the standard specification for Z type bucket elevator systems in typical food packaging factories — galvanized carbon steel and PA+GF cover 95% of applications more cost-effectively. However, specific environments do require stainless, and we supply it for those applications.
| Environment | Why Stainless Steel Is Required |
| High-acid processing (vinegar, citrus, fermentation) | Zinc plating dissolves in acidic environments; carbon steel corrodes rapidly. SS304 resists most food acids. |
| Full CIP (Clean-In-Place) immersion cleaning | Hot water + caustic cleaning agents attack zinc plating and standard PA materials. SS316L handles both. |
| Pharmaceutical or nutraceutical GMP production | GMP requirements prohibit zinc-plated metal in the product zone. SS304/SS316L are the compliant materials. |
| Marine or high-humidity outdoor installations | Condensation and salt air corrode zinc plating within months. SS304 is the practical minimum for outdoor Z bucket elevators. |
| Direct seafood or meat processing (wet zone) | Chloride from product and cleaning agents attacks zinc plating. SS316L (molybdenum-enhanced) is the correct specification. |
Honest recommendation: If your Z type bucket elevator runs in a standard food packaging factory with spray washdown and dry product handling, galvanized carbon steel (drive) + PA+GF (driven) is the correct and most cost-effective specification. Stainless steel bucket elevator sprockets add 2–4× material cost for corrosion resistance that is not needed in a standard factory environment. We supply stainless options for the specific environments above — not as an upsell for standard applications.
Sourcing Sprockets for Your Z Type Bucket Elevator: What Else Do You Need?
A bucket elevator sprocket is one component in a matched system. If you are sourcing sprockets for a Z type bucket elevator — whether for a new build or a maintenance replacement — the sprocket specification must be confirmed against the chain, the shaft dimensions, and the bucket mounting configuration before production begins.
The three components that must be specified together for a Z bucket elevator drive system:
| Thành phần | Specification (C2052 system) | Why It Must Match | Our Product Page |
| Bucket elevator sprocket | C2052-24Z — 24 teeth, 31.75mm pitch, ø19.05mm roller | Sprocket tooth geometry must match chain pitch exactly — C2052 chain requires C2052-24Z sprocket | This page |
| Elevator chain sprocket chain | C2052-PF1-D3F30 — pitch 31.75mm, roller ø19.05mm | Chain pitch must match sprocket — mismatched pitch causes immediate tooth climbing and failure | |
| Elevator buckets | 1.8L or 4L Z-type — mounting width 412–420mm | Bucket mounting clips attach to chain extended pins — must match chain attachment specification |
For bucket size reference: bucket elevator bucket size guide on our Z-type elevator bucket page
For the complete bucket elevator specifications reference: Ultimate Guide to Bucket Elevator Components
Bucket Elevator Sprocket Installation: 3 Key Points
1. Shaft Fit and Keyway
- Clean shaft and bore surfaces before fitting — remove rust, burrs, or debris that would prevent a clean fit
- The ø25mm bore is specified to H7 tolerance (ø25⁺⁰·⁰³₊₀.₀₁) — a light interference to transition fit. Use a press or draw bolt to pull the sprocket into position — do not hammer
- Install the key before pressing the sprocket onto the shaft. Ensure the key is fully seated in both shaft and sprocket keyways before applying the M8 set screws
- Torque both M8 set screws to specification — do not rely on one set screw alone for locking
2. Sprocket Alignment
- Both driving and driven bucket elevator sprockets must be co-planar — the chain runs in the same plane across both. Misalignment causes lateral chain wear and accelerates sprocket wear
- Use a straight edge or laser alignment tool to confirm both sprocket faces are in the same vertical plane before tightening shaft bearings
- Acceptable misalignment: less than 1mm per metre of centre distance between the two sprocket shafts
3. Chain Tension After Installation
- Set chain tension to 2–3% sag as a proportion of the sprocket centre distance
- Over-tensioning is the most common installation error — it increases bearing load and accelerates pin-bushing wear in the elevator chain sprocket interface
- Run the elevator at reduced speed for the first 30 minutes to allow chain and sprocket teeth to bed in before full-load operation
Sản phẩm liên quan
Order Bucket Elevator Sprockets or Request a Compatibility Check
Know your chain model? Send us the chain pitch (e.g., C2052, 31.75mm), your shaft diameter, and required quantity (driving + driven). We confirm the correct bucket elevator sprocket specification and provide a quotation within 24 hours. Yêu cầu báo giá →
Replacing a worn sprocket and not sure of the spec? Send us a photo of the existing sprocket alongside a ruler, or the chain model number from your Z type bucket elevator. We identify the matching specification and confirm compatibility before any order is placed — no charge for the technical review. Send Your Details →
Other Conveyor Sprockets
Other Conveyor Sprockets: Modular Belt and Flat Top Chain
In addition to Z-type elevator sprockets, we supply sprockets for modular belt conveyors and flat top chain systems used in food packaging lines. These use different tooth geometry, different pitch standards, and are specified differently from bucket elevator chain sprockets.
If you are sourcing sprockets for a modular belt conveyor (not a bucket elevator), contact our technical team with your belt manufacturer and module pitch — we will confirm the correct sprocket specification.
Related Products & Reading
Conveyor Roller Chain — C2052-PF1-D3F30 — matched chain for C2052-24Z bucket elevator sprockets
Bucket Elevator Parts Hub — complete range: buckets, chain, sprockets, guide rails, rollers
Z-Type Elevator Buckets (1.8L, 4L, 6L) — bucket size and specification reference
Bowl-Type Elevator Buckets — for fragile, sticky, and irregular products
DS & DQ Industrial Elevator Cups — grain and bulk material elevator cups
Ultimate Guide to Bucket Elevator Components (Blog)
Carbon steel is the correct specification for the driving sprocket — the position connected to the motor — because it needs to handle starting torque, running torque, and shock loads. PA+GF reinforced plastic is the correct specification for the driven (tensioning) sprocket because the lower load at this position allows the material’s advantages — self-lubrication, noise reduction, and chain-friendly engagement — to deliver real operating benefits without the risk of material failure under high torque. If you are unsure which shaft is the drive and which is the driven, the drive shaft is the one connected to the motor or gearbox via belt, chain, or direct coupling.
In lower-torque applications — small Z type bucket elevators, light product, short elevator height — PA+GF on both shafts is technically possible. However, we do not recommend it as standard for Z bucket elevator systems because starting torque (typically 2–3× running torque) can exceed the safe load capacity of PA+GF at the drive shaft position, particularly on elevators running heavy products or with high bucket counts. Contact us with your elevator height, product weight, and bucket count and we will advise on whether PA+GF is suitable for your drive shaft.
Yes. The C2052-24Z sprocket drawing specifies ø25mm as the standard bore, but we machine sprockets to custom bore diameters and keyway specifications for OEM machine builders and replacement orders. Provide your shaft diameter, keyway width, and keyway depth — or send us your shaft drawing — and we will confirm the custom bore specification before production. Standard bore machining adds 3–5 business days to the lead time.
Inspect the driving sprocket teeth every time you perform a chain elongation check (every 3–6 months under normal operation). Replace when: (1) ‘shark-fin’ wear is visible on 3 or more consecutive teeth — the hooked profile on the engagement side of each tooth indicating the tooth has worn past its designed profile; (2) the elevator chain visibly ‘climbs’ the sprocket teeth under load; (3) a new chain shows rapid elongation within weeks of installation (the worn sprocket is the root cause). Always replace chain and bucket elevator sprocket together when either reaches end-of-life — running new chain on worn sprockets or worn chain on new sprockets both cause accelerated failure of the new component.
Carbon steel C2052-24Z driving sprockets: MOQ 10 pieces (supplied as 2-piece sets = 5 sets minimum). PA+GF plastic driven sprockets: MOQ 10 pieces. For OEM machine builders requiring private-label packaging or custom bore specifications, contact us for volume pricing. Sample quantities (1–2 pieces) available for evaluation before bulk order placement.
Yes. We supply bucket elevator chain sprockets for the full ANSI double-pitch conveyor roller chain range: C2040 and C2042 (25.4mm pitch), C2052 (31.75mm pitch — most common), C2062 (38.1mm pitch), and C2082 (50.8mm pitch). Specify your chain model or pitch dimension and we confirm the correct sprocket specification. Bucket elevator specifications vary by elevator model — if you are unsure of your chain pitch, measure 10 consecutive chain links and divide by 10.