Another 3pt logging winch thread

[dstig1]

I was going to say it helps a lot to put a slight bend in the leader pin (or whatever it might be called) so that when you push it under a log, it wants to curl up on the other side vs diving into the ground.

I'm also going to suggest you stay away from 1/2" chain and stick with 3/8" Even 3/8" is flippin heavy. 1/2" is insanely heavy

 

[Code54]

Fair enough, point taken. I was concerned the winch is 10K and the checker are only rated at 6600 under ½”

 

[ericm979]

For my chain chokers I'm using 9/32 G100 chain. It's rated for 4300lbs overhead lifting, proof tested to twice that and ultimate strength is four times the overhead rating. My winch is rated to pull at 7700 lbs.

It cost a little more than cheaper grades but it's lighter.

The place I bought it from got bought and no longer carries it. Mine came with the slip hooks installed and I made my own pull rods out of the scrap box.

 

[rumwrks]

I actually got a couple of 1/4" chains for longer chain work because having something lighter was looking real convenient after hoofing around some 3/8" for a few hah. 3/8" chains are indeed heavy as hell.


I bought four 5/16 chokers under the theory I was unlikely to actually use the full capacity on any single log. I could see having one or two 3/8" as maybe being useful but if I'm pulling out one log over 4000lbs .. things have already gotten fairly serious.

 

[dstig1]

It's been while, but I think I actually have a mix of 3/8" and 5/16" now that you mention it.

Adding the bend in the rod has a major impact on ease of threading the chokers under the log, IMO. This work is physically hard enough as it is. One less thing to fight...

 

[Gordon Gould]

I was going to say it helps a lot to put a slight bend in the leader pin (or whatever it might be called) so that when you push it under a log, it wants to curl up on the other side vs diving into the ground.

I'm also going to suggest you stay away from 1/2" chain and stick with 3/8" Even 3/8" is flippin heavy. 1/2" is insanely heavy
View attachment 2133228

Glad you added that. A bend helps a lot. They get bent just using them too - sometimes to much. But are easy to straighten in a vise. I have a mixture of 3/8 and 5/16 chokers too. My Farmi 290 has 5/16 key hole sliders. Once in a while I end up with a 3/8 choker off the 501 on the 290 and it is a real pita. The chain seems to start into the keyhole then get stuck. Not easy getting it out for some reason. So when you get your winch make sure you end up with compatable hardware including the slots in the rack on the winch.

gg

 

[John_Mc]

Dumb follow up question - with 1/2 chain what hook size do I need? 1/2 inch or do I need to drop a size to get the pin though the link?
Thanks

I hope you are not going all the way to 1/2" chain. 3/8" grade 70 is plenty for most uses with these winches, and lots of people use 5/16". Carrying 1/2" when you don't really need to gets old really quickly.

 

[dougtrr2]

And you can make or buy a longer hook to push under larger logs or in the snow. Grab the chain and pull it under.

View attachment 2131989


gg

I am going to have to steal that idea for a chain grabber. Never saw or heard of one before. Thanks.

Doug in SW IA

 

[Gordon Gould]

I am going to have to steal that idea for a chain grabber. Never saw or heard of one before. Thanks.

Doug in SW IA

Gripo Grab Rod W/wooden Handle For Choker

www.labonville.com

gg

 

[WranglerX]

I use 1/4 and 5/16 inch chains because I don't have anything big enough to put enough pull on chains to damage it.....