Where do you buy your logging/utility chains?

[DMW]

3/8" for a BX is a bit of overkill. You'll find 1/4" grade 70 a lot more convenient to use. I bought a 5/16"x20' chain first, then a couple 1/4"x10'. I have never used the 5/16" in over 5 years. The 1/4" will take everything a BX can throw at it.

 

[SandburRanch]

3/8" for a BX is a bit of overkill. You'll find 1/4" grade 70 a lot more convenient to use. I bought a 5/16"x20' chain first, then a couple 1/4"x10'. I have never used the 5/16" in over 5 years. The 1/4" will take everything a BX can throw at it.

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You'll never get that bill to pass in this session. Even though a 75 hp 4x4 tractor with liquid and weights can't stretch or break a short link grade 70 these folks are going to buy a 3/8 because they think bigger is better. A lack of knowledge is sometimes a terrible thing. Those folks just haven't looked at the specs and the ease of handling.

 

[skipmarcy]

I buy my chain by the foot at my local farmer's co-op. Don't know if you have them in Alabama but you're close to Tenn and we certainly do. Our co-op has both test grade and proof grade chain and I too prefer the 5/16" over the 3/8", I've bought & used both and the 3/8" is overkill and much heavier to handle when you get upwards of 25' plus. The co-op also sells all the various hooks etc. you need to build your chain.

 

[jenkinsph]

Saw 5/16" Grade 70 tow chain with grab hooks 20' long in storage bag in Lowe's this evening for less than $40. They also had a 3/8" logging chain with hooks that was 14' long for $30 or so. I picked my first one up at a industrial supply house cut to length as requested. The last one I picked up at Lowe's. Price was hard to beat. I have both 3/8" and 5/16" chains and, in my opinion, the 5/16" is easier to handle.

I bought 6 of the 5/16" Grade 70 chains from Lowes about six years ago and use them all the time without problems and no rusting issues. I agree with others that you could also use a good grade 70 or 80 1/4" chain for most things. No need to consider a 3/8" chain with a BX25.


I should add that you can buy a few add ons like slip hooks and clevis to use with these chains for a nominal cost. Cheap way to make up what you need.

 

[RoyJackson]

Deleted...was not the size chain I bought.

 

[20 20]

I bought my chains from harbor frieght some time back basically $1.00 per foot 3/8 chain with hooks, awesome deal even back then. A grade 70 chain is one of the best but it also comes with a price. You could also check the used adds?

 

[lostcause]

You'll never get that bill to pass in this session. Even though a 75 hp 4x4 tractor with liquid and weights can't stretch or break a short link grade 70 these folks are going to buy a 3/8 because they think bigger is better. A lack of knowledge is sometimes a terrible thing. Those folks just haven't looked at the specs and the ease of handling.

nail on the head. 5/16-70 is very common around here, so often a better choice than 1/4 just for availability. 3/8 is just plain heavy. i've got an old length of 3/8 that's been in the corner of the garage for years - can't remember where it came from. i should put it out if we have a garage sale. guaranteed there's one of those bigger is better people who would just have to have it.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Check out these specs on chains. You may be surprised at the size chain that you really need for your CUT. I dont think you would ever need a chain used in direct pull thatthe WL exceeds the weight of your tractor. Even grade 30 chain in 1/4" size is more chain strength than most tractors up to 70-80 HP need. If you look at the specs, working load is about 30% of the minimum breaking strength so you have a fear factor of 300% built into the working load.

http://www.truckntow.com/productspecs/NACM_Welded_Specs.pdf

 

[gwdixon]

Check out these specs on chains. You may be surprised at the size chain that you really need for your CUT. I dont think you would ever need a chain used in direct pull thatthe WL exceeds the weight of your tractor. Even grade 30 chain in 1/4" size is more chain strength than most tractors up to 70-80 HP need. If you look at the specs, working load is about 30% of the minimum breaking strength so you have a fear factor of 300% built into the working load.

http://www.truckntow.com/productspecs/NACM_Welded_Specs.pdf

A second vote for Truck-n-Tow. If you sign up for their newletter they usually give free shipping on your first order. That makes a big difference with chain, snatch blocks, cable, weldable hooks, and other heavy stuff.

Plus, look around on their website. They cater to tow truck drivers and there are lots of things that can be used around the farm. I spend way too much there.

 

[bcp]

I have had great luck with these from hf.

5/16" x 20 Ft. Trucker's Chain

I have 3 of those. The oldest has lost all the gold finish.

Bruce