Misc thoughts:
The ratchet binders combined with a spring would be nice for chaining down loads w/o some give (ie a bulldozer or load of pipe), but they would increase the work required to tighten on a load such as a tracter with air filled tires. it also might eat up some of the play latter needed for tightening as you go down the road. The springs are sold by themselves
Another idea is to air down the tires (assuming they are not foam or water filled), chain it down, and then inflate the tires. If the tow vehicle already has air brakes or a compressor, it's not much effort.
AW Direct sells a fairly expensive (~$20) grab hook that includes a pin thet will keep the chain from falling out of the jaw of the hook. I wouldn't buy them for all my chains, but it does come in handy now and then. the hook is Grade 80 and the pin is replaceable and almost indestructable. They also have high end Johnson snatch blocks with HD latches.
BTW, Grade 43, is not the low end of chain. Chain is available much weaker than that, especially in 1/4" sizes. I wouldn't use less than Grade 43 for any significant load. Grade 70 is stronger, but more expensive for the same weight. it is generally cheaper to buy a bigger chain than a better grade if strength is the only concern.
Too keep from loosing a chain, you can paint it with daygo paint- it won't be pretty, but you can find it and won't be as likely to trip over it. Leave the hooks unpainted (or paint a different color) to make it easier to grab the end. The paint want last for long if the chain drags the ground a lot, unless the sam end is always hooked to the tractor. Good treatment for tools in the tractor tool box also.
Pat
