Cutting chain

摘要

The invention is directed to an endless cutting chain for an underground trenching assembly that has a plurality of cutter links with a strap link joining adjacent cutter links. Each cutter link has a pair of side plates and a support member bridging the side plates. The support member has an arcuate support surface for attachment of at least one cutting member. The support member and the cutting members are adapted so as to permit substantially unrestricted selection of lateral positions of the cutting members on the arcuate support surface of the support member. Additionally, some cutter links on the cutting chain have an arcuate drag plate attached to the support member of the cutter link. The drag plate in combination with the arcuate support surface produces a cleaner round bottom trench 11. Additionally, the drag plate provides wear protection to the chain rivet heads.