What is in and where is a good overall chain?

[nightdevil]

I've been in need of a good chain at least 3 times since I've had my tractor. So I head off to the home depot and its just not as simple as I thought. I'm getting the bolt on hooks by Ken so i want to make sure the ends are also compatable.


I don't plan on doing any heavy hauling with my small tractor so it may not matter. Although how everyone else uses chains I thought I'd ask.

What's the best overall chain to have with the most versatility? Any 20ft 3/8" chain?

 

[nightdevil]

Also my needs were to lift up or pull stumps from their holes. Another want to pull a stuck truck (had a tow strap).

 

[murphy1244]

I use a 5/16 grade 70 chain. HD does sell this chain.

 

[jeff9366]

I use a 5/16 grade 70 chain. HD does sell this chain.

While Ken sells chain grab hooks in other sizes, he started with 5/16" size, which will grip 3/8", 5/16" and 1/4" chain securely.

Home Depot and Lowes sell Grade 70, 5/16" chain, in a 20' length, with grab hooks on both ends in the TOWING department of HARDWARE. Walmart sells Grade 70, 1/4" chain in 20' length. These chain packages are in a bag.

Have the store cut chain into one 8' length, which will leave you a second 12' length. (Have the store cut the chain. Very difficult to do at home.) Buy two Grade 70 chain SLIP HOOKS for the two new ends, install, and you are good to go. You can link the 8' and 12' lengths via grab hook, should you need a 13' to 20' length. You will use the 8' chain much more often than the 12' chain.

It is best to buy high grade chain and fittings, no heavier than you need. On a hot day, 3/8" chain is much heavier to carry than 5/16" chain.

WHAT IS A JD 2015R FILB??????? Grade 70 1/4" may be ample for your needs.

Best to use a shock absorbing nylon strap for pulling a truck, in preference to chain.

 

[Threepoint]

+1. 5/16" Grade 70 (transport/truckers' chain) is easy to handle and rated to 4700 lbs. Harbor Freight frequently has it on sale with a "super coupon" for $30. But HD is much nearer to your location for a few dollars more.

 

[George2615]

I have several sizes of chain I've accumulated over the years. For my tie down chain I bought the 20' grade 70 chain as Jeff suggests but I cut them in half so I have 10'ers. Mainly I use 5/16" which has more than enough load rating for any vehicle I may need to tie down. My current inventory that I carry in the truck consists of:

6 - 10'ers of 5/16" chain
2 - 16'ers of 5/16" chain
2 - 10'ers of 3/8" chain
1 - 30erof 3/8" chain
4 - 10'ers of 2" x 10' 3335lb. rated ratchet straps
6 - 5/16" or 3/8" ratchet binders
Several 1" ratchet straps for smaller items
2 - 50'ers of rope

I'd rather have extra than not enough.

 

[arizona98tj]

I use a 12' section of 3/8" Grade 70 chain. I've used it to pull tree stumps and rocks, among other things.

 

[Oldpath05]

Grade 1 Chain - Industrial 1 Grade Chain Supplier, Alloy Steel Overhead Lifting Chain Products <<<<<<<<<<<Here's high grade chain at a high price, since I always push equipment to the extreme, I'll probably get the high price chain, not much faith in HD chain.
I just stretch my 40 year old USA made 20' 5/16 chain today yanking on a stump with old Army 6x6, been a tough chain until it went through a fire couple years ago, so now I'll replace it soon as I get the funds.
My first attempt at the 12" stump I hooked the 20' chain to a 5/16 Chinese made logging chain that was rapped around the stump and that chain broke, so then my son was yanking with the 20 footer hooked to the 6x6 and I was push with my over worked tractor, finally that blanking stump came out, for small roots, it sure was tough to get out.

 

[JRP]

I've been in need of a good chain at least 3 times since I've had my tractor. So I head off to the home depot and its just not as simple as I thought. I'm getting the bolt on hooks by Ken so i want to make sure the ends are also compatable. I don't plan on doing any heavy hauling with my small tractor so it may not matter. Although how everyone else uses chains I thought I'd ask. What's the best overall chain to have with the most versatility? Any 20ft 3/8" chain?

For my needs a 1/4 grade 70 chain is great. It has worked well for 16 years on an M6800, 60 hp. Grade 70 is good because it is lighter and easier to handle. Grade 70 is almost 2x the strength of g43.


A chain box added to the tractor makes storage easy. No need for a cover, just make sure it has large drain holes/slots.

I carry three chains. One 8', and two 16'.

 

[davrow]

... I'm getting the bolt on hooks by Ken so i want to make sure the ends are also compatable. ...

Just to make sure you know this - you do not use the "ends" of the chain to connect to Ken's bucket hooks. You put any link into the hooks, never put a hook to a hook, they don't fit.