Choker Chain Use

[Beltzington]

What is the correct method of hooking a choker chain around a tree for pulling? Single or double wrap, tight as you can get it or a little loose? How far from the end?

Chain is 3/8" 70 grade with a slip hook.

I have a heavy White Oak that fell in my pond with a trunk about 14" in diameter and bark is smooth and will be very slick. I only want to get wet one time to get it hooked and pulled out.

TIA

Actually I think it is a grab hook - slot is pretty narrow.

 

[johnk]

I use a slip hook on one end of my chain and it tightens itself as it slides down the chain. That is the best way to grip[ a tree..http://www.tulsachain.com/asccustom...D=701144558&affID=&categoryid=48&navParent=43

 

[wcampbell47]

I pulled a tree out of the creek for a neighbor however I used a nylon tow strap that had a loop in the end. Went around the trunk once about 2 feet from the end and slipped the other end through the loop in the tow strap. Pulled it hand tight and kept the pressure on until I got it hooked onto the tractor. As the tractor pulled on the strap it tightened around the trunk. Tree came right out.

 

[Beltzington]

Thanks Folks - Glad I asked, my mental mouse trap had snapped on the idea you hooked the chain back onto itself like securing a load. I can either use a shackle on the chain or a tow strap as I have both.

 

[arrow]

What is the correct method of hooking a choker chain around a tree for pulling? Single or double wrap, tight as you can get it or a little loose? How far from the end?

Chain is 3/8" 70 grade with a slip hook.

I have a heavy White Oak that fell in my pond with a trunk about 14" in diameter and bark is smooth and will be very slick. I only want to get wet one time to get it hooked and pulled out.

TIA

Actually I think it is a grab hook - slot is pretty narrow.

A good logging chain will be two chains. Maybe 8-10' long apiece. Both chains should have a slip hook on one end and one of the chains with an additional grab hook on the other end in case you have to "tie" two chains for additional length. This gives you the benefit of not having to manhandle 20 ' of 3/8 chain when you only need a short length while giving you the option for a longer chain if needed. But if this is the only time you'd use a chain, then what you have is fine. A single wrap is all you need. Wrap the chain from the bottom up as this will put the hook at the top and then rest the chain within the hook. This will tension the line long enough until you pull with the *******. I like to get as close to the tree as possible as the 3 point lifts the tree giving great traction to the *******. If you cannot as the water's edge prevents a close hook up, then put the ******* on tractive ground. As the tree is dragged up to dry ground, you can always reposition the ******* for a closer hitch. If you only plan on using the grab hook, it probably is a good idea to double wrap it. make as tight as possible.

 

[arrow]

A good logging chain will be two chains. Maybe 8-10' long apiece. Both chains should have a slip hook on one end and one of the chains with an additional grab hook on the other end in case you have to "tie" two chains for additional length. This gives you the benefit of not having to manhandle 20 ' of 3/8 chain when you only need a short length while giving you the option for a longer chain if needed. But if this is the only time you'd use a chain, then what you have is fine. A single wrap is all you need. Wrap the chain from the bottom up as this will put the hook at the top and then rest the chain within the hook. This will tension the line long enough until you pull with the *******. I like to get as close to the tree as possible as the 3 point lifts the tree giving great traction to the *******. If you cannot as the water's edge prevents a close hook up, then put the ******* on tractive ground. As the tree is dragged up to dry ground, you can always reposition the ******* for a closer hitch. If you only plan on using the grab hook, it probably is a good idea to double wrap it. make as tight as possible.

why is the word "*******" bleeped out as if it is a swear word in these posts???

 

[Scotty370]

Wondering the same thing Arrow............~Scotty

 

[teg]

why is the word "*******" bleeped out as if it is a swear word in these posts???

See this thread for reason (basically, it was a mistake):
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/related-topics/231504-whats-up-posts.html#post2671347

 

[dstig1]

These are the best type of slip hooks to use for pulling logs as the chain stays put once you get it hooked. You need to slide a link sideways through the slot, which is the only way it will go in or out, so they pretty much never come loose. If you are doing a lot they are great, for one or two uses, even some duct tape or a bungee would help it stay put.

The rod is to help feed it under a log on the ground with no clearance to fit your hand under there. I need to add the rod to mine as that can be a real PITA.

 

[Chilly807]

These are the best type of slip hooks to use for pulling logs as the chain stays put once you get it hooked. You need to slide a link sideways through the slot, which is the only way it will go in or out, so they pretty much never come loose. If you are doing a lot they are great, for one or two uses, even some duct tape or a bungee would help it stay put.

The rod is to help feed it under a log on the ground with no clearance to fit your hand under there. I need to add the rod to mine as that can be a real PITA.

Dave,

I have the some of the same chokers as the one in the pic, I welded a piece of 3/8 rod on the last link and gave it a slight bend to help it slide under logs better. A straight one will dig into the ground.

I actually like my chokers with a Gr 70 ring in the end better, I have had the split ones release when the load comes off, the ring ones don't.

 

[hydro2]

Dave,

I have the some of the same chokers as the one in the pic, I welded a piece of 3/8 rod on the last link and gave it a slight bend to help it slide under logs better. A straight one will dig into the ground.

I actually like my chokers with a Gr 70 ring in the end better, I have had the split ones release when the load comes off, the ring ones don't.

Those are the chokers I use. I like the steel rod.

 

[hydro2]

 

[Dr_Zinj]

What is the correct method of hooking a choker chain around a tree for pulling? Single or double wrap, tight as you can get it or a little loose? How far from the end?

Whatever keeps your dog from breaking it and running loose. :laughing:

 

[dstig1]

Dave,

I have the some of the same chokers as the one in the pic, I welded a piece of 3/8 rod on the last link and gave it a slight bend to help it slide under logs better. A straight one will dig into the ground.

I actually like my chokers with a Gr 70 ring in the end better, I have had the split ones release when the load comes off, the ring ones don't.

I've never had a problem with them coming loose at all.

I do like the idea of a small bend in the rod. I think I will add that when I make rods for mine. Thanks!

 

[pennwalk]

I have a rear bucket for my little yanmar 186d. It is like a loader bucket that goes on the 3 point hitch it has a dump latch. I have a 5/8 lifting eye that bolts to the second hole on my draw bar. I hook a log chain to the eye with a slip hook with a latch. It has really cut down on loosing chains. I pick up the butt end of the log or tree. Just a little is all it takes. I have two or three 4 foot choker chains that I keep clipped to the seat bracket. One end has a slip hook one end has a grab hook. I put the choker around the log and hook it to the log chain. I can drag several logs at a time. It is astonishing how big a tree that little tractor will pull out of the woods and across the fields. I dragged a whole mulberry over to a neighbors house. The front wheels were barely touching and I was steering with the brakes. I find that the right set up makes everything work more smoothly.

Chris

 

[1GB]

View attachment 247008

So what is the "real" name for the red choker piece on the end of the chain? I'd like to get a couple of those to add to existing chain I have, but I can't seem to get the search terms right to find places that sell them!

 

[teg]

http://www.wallingfords.com/26-34.pdf

Top of page 5... Loggerhook or Bolt Hook

 

[jpm1]

I believe it is a logging choker hook. Try Baileysonline.com Their good logging supplier. I've ordered from them before.. . .John

 

[dstig1]

I've heard them called Sweedish logging hooks, but cannot seem to get much traction with that as a search term. Baileys, Labonville, or Hud-son equipment might be good options to try.

 

[rogdan]

So what is the "real" name for the red choker piece on the end of the chain? I'd like to get a couple of those to add to existing chain I have, but I can't seem to get the search terms right to find places that sell them!

"C" hook
Portable Winch C-Hook for Choker Chains 1/4in.?/16in., 2-Pack, Model# PCA-1299X2 | Winch Kits, Straps + Hooks | Northern Tool + Equipment