There are actually two types of links alternating in the bush roller chain. The 1st type is internal links, having two internal plates held collectively by two sleeves or bushings where rotate two rollers. Internal links alternate with the second type, the external links, consisting of two outer plates held jointly by pins moving through the bushings of the inner links. The “bushingless” roller chain is comparable in procedure though not in structure; instead of separate bushings or sleeves keeping the inner plates jointly, the plate includes a tube stamped involved with it protruding from the hole which serves the same purpose. This has the advantage of removing one part of assembly of the chain.

The roller chain design reduces friction compared to simpler designs, resulting in higher efficiency and less wear. The original power transmission chain varieties lacked rollers and bushings, with both inner and outer plates kept by pins which straight contacted the agricultural Chain sprocket the teeth; however this configuration exhibited incredibly rapid put on of both the sprocket teeth, and the plates where they pivoted on the pins. This problem was partially solved by the development of bushed chains, with the pins keeping the outer plates moving through bushings or sleeves linking the inner plates. This distributed the put on over a larger area; however the the teeth of the sprockets still wore quicker than is desirable, from the sliding friction against the bushings. The addition of rollers encircling the bushing sleeves of the chain and provided rolling contact with the teeth of the sprockets leading to excellent resistance to use of both sprockets and chain aswell. There is even very low friction, as long as the chain is sufficiently lubricated. Continuous, clean, lubrication of roller chains is of principal importance for efficient procedure in addition to correct tensioning.