Log skidding chains

[El Wood]

What size and length of chain do you guys use for log skidding?

In the next couple days, I'll be clearing a large area of trees. Tree size range from small to large oaks. I don't have a lot of experience doing this but thought I would head to Tractor Supple and get a couple different lengths / gauges. I was also thinking about picking up a set of tongs. And advice? Here are a couple pics of the job site. Thanks!

 

[namesray]

i use either 3/8 chain or 5/16 chain for when i do firewood. i used the 3/8 chain in the past, but when i got my winch, it was all set up for 5/16. i was a little sceptical at first, but no problems with the 5/16 70 grade chain. mine are approx 8ft in length and i have slip hooks on the end. the tree diameters i winch/skid are between 8" to up to 36" diameter. i have no experience with tongs.

 

[dex3361]

I use 5/16 grade 70 chain with a 44HP tractor. I have log tongs but rarely ever use them. I have a short chain I use as a choker and more than a few longer chains. Always best to pull with the draw bar because you can flip you tractor.

 

[kco]

Same here, a 5/16" chain is the better choice for moderate skidding like ours, and they are easier to handle. Mine are not grade 70 but are still plenty strong for my DK35. I keep 8' and 15' on the tractor and use the 8' if possible.

The chains are kept in holders made from short lengths of vertical plastic pipe as shown in other threads.

 

[lutt]

I also use 5/16 grade 70 chains for skidding, easier for me to manage. Skidded some good sized stuff and hadnt broke one yet. Most of what I skid is for firewood. LUTT

 

[mvwicker]

Like others, I have multiple chains: 5/16 grade 70 and 3/8 grade 43, with a 35hp tractor and 6500lb skidding winch with 5/16 cable. The winch has a slip clutch. The short choke chains are all 5/16 gr70. There have been no problems so far in more than a year of dragging salvage timber out of my steep woods.

 

[creekbend]

I have used 3/8 grade 70, because I use the same chains for tying down equipment. I agree with the other member regarding pulling from the Drawbar. Best wishes.

 

[El Wood]

Thanks for the info guys! I appreciate your help. And I'll definitely only be using the drawbar.

 

[puckgrinder85]

I think 3/8 is a bit heavy for what it is your actually pulling, 5/16 should defiantly do the job and you'll probably enjoy the lighter weight of it. I use normal slip hooks so the chain can choke tight around the log, grab hooks work too just seem a little more tedious to get them to set into the log sometimes.

 

[deere5105]

Watched a guy skid some logs this weekend after a tornado passed through our area. Looked like he had a draw bar between the lift arms with a set of tongs attached to it. He could back up over a log drop down to latch onto the log, lift to slightly raise the end and off he went. He could drop the log at his destination, back up slightly and the tongs would turn loose and then he was off to the next log. Very efficient way to move logs. As others have mentioned, have to becareful not to snag an immovable object and flip the tractor over. Found this thread while searching for information on tongs and draw bars.

 

[arrow]

I use 1/4". This oak stem weighs a few pounds shy of 2000#. The chain is 25 years old. I have broken it once but quik linked it up so its still going. Anything heavier I'd recommend 5/16". You'll be a lot more efficient if you used the 3 pt and get the traction aid of a raised log.

 

[fordoutback]

Just thought I would add, A grade 70 5/16 chain is rated considerably higher than a 3/8 grade 43 chain.

 

[dstig1]

That tree in the first photo must be a "dogwood"??

5/16" is fine, especially at your size tractor. Much easier to cart around than 3/8". If you can find the choker style hooks, they work better than regular slip hooks, IMHO. Chains stay in them a bit better - they have a more rounded shape.

 

[mvwicker]

That tree in the first photo must be a "dogwood"??

5/16" is fine, especially at your size tractor. Much easier to cart around than 3/8". If you can find the choker style hooks, they work better than regular slip hooks, IMHO. Chains stay in them a bit better - they have a more rounded shape.

View attachment 304097

The style on the left is what I use for chokers. Wallenstein sells them:
FX Skidding Winch Options - Choker Chains - Wallenstein

 

[turfgrass]

I looked at TSC for a chain to do the very same thing. Before buying I walked over to a Home Depot store and they had 20 ft of "tow chain" 5/16 with double hooks at half the price of putting a 12' one together from TSC. I hang a bag from my drawbar with the extra chain and pull it out and hook onto a drawbar hook as needed. Works great.

 

[crazyal]

I haven't looked lately but Lowes was selling US made 5/16" Gr70 chain for about the same price as the Chinese stuff TSC sells.

 

[bcp]

Doesn't pay to make chains.

The local farm supply has bulk 5/16 G70 for $4.67 ft, = $93.40 for 20ft, plus the cost of two hooks.

Same brand, grade, size, length ready-made tow chain with two hooks was $39.99

Bruce

 

[Diamondpilot]

I have all sizes but for pulling most down stuff I use 1/4" G70. Light and strong. For some real big stuff I use 3/8" but its heavy

Chris

 

[idaho2]

bcp,

Sounds like the price from Van-Port Rigging near Costco in Vancouver. I found rigging supply shops provide better pricing and will build what you want in the various lenghts and grades.

idaho2

 

[El Wood]

Doesn't pay to make chains.

The local farm supply has bulk 5/16 G70 for $4.67 ft, = $93.40 for 20ft, plus the cost of two hooks.

Same brand, grade, size, length ready-made tow chain with two hooks was $39.99

Bruce

Yup, found this out today. Ended up buying 2 20' 5/16 G70 tow chains for $37 each from Home Depot. Each chain has 2 hooks.