Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the tension loading of a conveyor chain (12) utilizing a transducer (22) that is mounted on the chain to travel therewith and generate an electrical signal based on the tension of the chain (12) and a data logger (60) mounted on the chain for converting the electrical signal into tension data for storage in a memory (132) of the logger on the chain. The system also includes an infrared transmitter (146 ) for generating a position signal representing a predetermined position of the chain (12). The method utilizes the data logger (60) and involves mounting the logger on the chain and placing the chain under tension. The method further involves generating an electrical signal based on the tension of the chain, converting the electrical signal into tension data and storing the tension data in the memory on the chain.