There are two types of links alternating in the bush roller chain. The first type is internal links, having two internal plates held together by two sleeves or bushings where rotate two rollers. Inner links alternate with the next type, the external links, consisting of two external plates held together by pins moving through the bushings of the inner links. The “bushingless” roller chain is similar in procedure though not in construction; instead of individual bushings or sleeves holding the inner plates with each other, the plate includes a tube stamped involved with it protruding from the hole which serves the same purpose. This has the benefit of removing one step in assembly of the chain.

The roller chain design reduces friction in comparison to simpler designs, resulting in higher efficiency and less wear. The initial power transmission chain varieties lacked rollers and bushings, with both inner and outer plates kept by pins which straight contacted the sprocket the teeth; nevertheless this configuration exhibited extremely rapid put on of both the sprocket tooth, and the plates where they pivoted on the pins. This problem was partially solved by the advancement of bushed chains, with the pins holding the outer plates passing through bushings or sleeves linking the inner plates. This distributed the use over a greater area; however the tooth of the sprockets still wore more agricultural Chain rapidly than is desired, from the sliding friction against the bushings. The addition of rollers around the bushing sleeves of the chain and provided rolling contact with one’s teeth of the sprockets leading to excellent resistance to wear of both sprockets and chain as well. There is even suprisingly low friction, as long as the chain is usually sufficiently lubricated. Constant, clean, lubrication of roller chains is definitely of primary importance for efficient operation in addition to correct tensioning.