Chain

[John Weaver]

What do you guys recommend for size and lengths of chain? What grades? Where can I find chain information and chain for sale? I have tried B-B Chain's site, but it does not seem to work. Thanks, John.

[Bird]

John, go to the "search" button above and look for "Length of chain" in this forum (Attachments) and you can read the discussion we had about a month ago on this topic.

Bird

[Thomas]

John,
Visit your local equipment supplier,for they should have different grades plus hooks to choose from also information.

I have couple of 1/4"heavy duty chains about 15' long,and one 3/8 heavy duty about 20' long.
Don't remember the grade for its been 25+ years [img]/w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif[/img] when I purchase them,but have held up well. [img]/w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

Its not to late to add heavy duty come along on your Sanata list, [img]/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif[/img]for they also come in handy I found out useing a tractor. [img]/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Thomas..NH [img]/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif[/img]

[Richard]

John
I concur with Birds recommendation. What I finally did (as participant in that thread) was to finally buy 25 feet of the square link, grade 100 from Labonville. Put choker hook on one end and clevelock (sp?) on other end. I believe that purchase after shipping was in ballpark of $150.

I'm very happy I did it. I am using it to drag fallen trees around and had been using (and broke) a 3/8 (grade unknown probably grade 12 [img]/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif[/img]) chain. The round chain would sometimes slip off. This square one just bites right in and grips with authority. I'm personally glad I FINALLY got over my indecision and research mode and got off the proverbial pot to make a decision. [img]/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Length is up to you. There were lots of good ideas including some about making "shortners" which I thought was a terrific idea and one I will probably use. I also think if I get any more lengths, I'll probably get same type even though it's a touch more expensive. The security of its strength is reassuring to me even though it might be overkill in some situations. (you know, like tying up the wife kind of stuff [img]/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif[/img])

Richard

[dmccarty]

Per the earlier thread we had a month or so ago, I was picky on getting a good quality chain. My JD dealer surprised me by having a three barrels of really good US made chain at a reasonable price. I was stupid and only bought one chain which I think is 16 feet long. The stumps I'm pulling out of holes will almost use all the chain just to get around the stump leaving me with very little to hook on the tractor.

My "security" chain I lock the tractor up with was from Lowes. It is a towing chain with hooks and is over 20 feet I think. Its got a rust proofing finish and was very cheap. The purchase buy the foot chain that Lowes had for sale was less quality, capacity, but higher in cost. So if you are at the home centers look for the prepackaged towing chain. I just happened to notice the stuff as I was walking away to buy the lesser quality stuff.

I've been trying for three weeks to get back to by more chain. Maybe tonight.

I really want the Labonville square chain but money is tight after the car bills.... 8-(

Now, Richard. I'n not sure your use of Chain with the wife is legal in North Carolina! 8-) Can she move under 25 feet of square link? Or is that the point? 8-)

Later....
Dan McCarty

[gordon]

I can vouch for the square link it's awsome in it's gripping power on logs. The price hurt but now that I've used it for awhile I'm more than happy with my purchase I try not to judge things right off the bat I like to use something for awhile before I really say what I think and I can say it's money well spent.

What works well is shorter pieces just to loop a few logs then hook onto regular chain this way you get the best of both worlds. For me I hook the shorter pieces to the end of my winchcable and run them on in.
Gordon

[MChalkley]

Gordon - I can't believe it! So you like the square link chain better than a cable choker? [img]/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif[/img] Or was it somebody else who made fun of my square link chain?

Anyway, I'm glad you like it. I've sure been happy with mine. Thing is, in addition to being a lot stronger than normal 3/8" chain and biting in a lot better, that alloy also makes it lighter, too!

MarkC

[John Weaver]

Thanks for the comments. I have reviewed the previous post as Bird recommended. Good information. Also I got the B&B Chain web site to work. They have grade 70 chain. Is this good stuff? I saw that Richard uses square link, grade 100. I ordered a Labonville catalogue. May be able to get a short lenght to use on logs, etc. and connect to longer regular chain. I am thinking 3/8 inch, but may be over kill based on the 1/4 inch some are using. John.

[gordon]

I never made fun of that blue link! Never had heard of it until you brought it up. It took a month or two then I finally ordered some.

I use both chain and cable for chokers each has it's advantages and disadvantages. The nice thing about the square link is that it really does grab into the tree if it's at all wet where a regular chain at times might slip. The reason I waited to order some was the price. I'm cheeeep! Thanks for letting me know about that chain. Live and learn!
Gordon

[MChalkley]

Gordon - Shucks! I was hopin' I could get one over on ya! [img]/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif[/img]

MarkC