Chain Gurus--Grade 70 "Transport" Useage

[bigpete]

Chain Gurus--Grade 70 \"Transport\" Useage

I will post in the General area too, but wanted to address this as safety topic.

I picked up a new 20' length of 5/16" grade 70 chain with grab hooks for a very good price. There is a tag wired to the set up describuing the use of the chains and clevise grab hooks for transport. The hooks are also stamped "TRANSPORT70.

Is this length of chain and hooks safe for general application, dragging, pulling, etc. with hooks welded to the loader?

I think so but I gotta' ask.

Thanks!

 

[CTyler]

Re: Chain Gurus--Grade 70 \"Transport\" Useage

Here is a desciption on the chain.

Grade 70 transport chain provides a high weight/strength ratio. Transport chain is also superior for towing and load binding. It is not intended for ovehead lifting.

 

[rancar]

Re: Chain Gurus--Grade 70 \"Transport\" Useage

Pete...

<font color="blue">"...Is this length of chain and hooks safe for general application, dragging, pulling, etc. with hooks welded to the loader?..."</font>

A comment and then a couple questions...

Yes, grade 70 provides greater tensile strength than the lower grade chains and very appropriate for towing, dragging, pulling, etc.

Now, the questions....

Where are the hooks made....China or USA? Chinese made hooks have been known to lack durability and may snap under heavy load applications. American ones are better made.

Why are you using 5/16" chain and not 3/8" chain? 3/8" chain is more durable and will likely last longer under heavy load applications.

....Bob

 

[bigpete]

Re: Chain Gurus--Grade 70 \"Transport\" Useage

Hi, Bob.

First, the chains are made in the USA. I recall reading that quality was an issue with chain and hooks from overseas, so I noted that right away. As far as the 5/16" versus 3/8", I spoke at great length with the shop tech who welded the hooks on my FEL. In so many words, he suggested the 5/16" is a proper and economical diameter for the size of tractor I have. It is a new JD 2210 with a 210 loader. Approximately 700 pound max lift capacity, but greater at the lift arms. He also knew that I'm not using the tractor, and hence chains and hooks, for industrial or commercial purposes, and said that he felt 1/4" was too "light" but with an adequate capacity. That 3/8" chain and hooks in higher grades were more ecpensive, and that 5/16" would be easier to manage...sooooo....I took his advice.

I can't imagine putting 4,000 pounds, or more, of stress on the chain assempbly, hooks, or drawbar on my sub-compact. I guess the 3/8" would certainly be more durable in the long run, but I'll just make sure I am vigilant to inspecting all of the components and making sure I only use it in a straight, steady, low pull fropm the drawbar. I think I will price out some higher grade chain and hooks for lifting if I can find them in 5/16"

 

[rancar]

Re: Chain Gurus--Grade 70 \"Transport\" Useage

<font color="blue">"...In so many words, he suggested the 5/16" is a proper and economical diameter for the size of tractor I have. It is a new JD 2210 with a 210 loader. Approximately 700 pound max lift capacity, but greater at the lift arms..."</font>

In that case, Pete, you'll likely do just fine with the 5/16" chain. It doesn't makes sense going overboard with bigger chains that surpass lift capacity of the 2210's FEL.

....Bob

 

[Hoeman00]

Re: Chain Gurus--Grade 70 \"Transport\" Useage

We went to 5/16 transport chains on our semis because of weight of 14 chains and they are almost as strong as 3/8 grade 43.
DOT says;
5/16 transport or grade 7,70 are WLL 4700#
3/8 hi test or grade 4,43 are WLL 5400#
DOT also states that "the aggregate working load limit (WLL)
of the tiedown assemblies used to secure an article against
movement in any direction must be at least 1/2 times the
weight of article ".
Also when buying chains MAKE sure u can see the grade stamps on the links of chain and hooks or DOT WILL rate these at proof coil WLL 5/16 = 1900# and 3/8=2650#.
On homeowner equipment it doesn't matter until in an accident then the ambulance chasers get a hold of U. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
I don't think u will ever break the 5/16 chains w/ your machine.
Buy one extra chain and cut it in half and put slip hooks on that end, these short chains come in real handy.

 

[prosperity]

Re: Chain Gurus--Grade 70 \"Transport\" Useage

I thought I would attach a chart with the different chain grades and strengths.
If you can't see it clearly enough, send me an email so I can email you the full image.

 

[pajoube]

Re: Chain Gurus--Grade 70 \"Transport\" Useage

Tim
Just read through your comments about chains. Great information which I will keep in my favorites file. Thanks again.
PJ

 

[StanInCalif]

Re: Chain Gurus--Grade 70 \"Transport\" Useage

G70 5/16" is overkill for what you're doing. My tractor weighs 10,000 lbs. and I use G70 1/4" for loader chains; 5/16" for towing. I like G70 because of the high strength to weight ratio, but G43 is almost as strong, and, generally a better buy. Just stay away from the cheap crap, and don't ever "jerk" a chain- that's fine for nylon straps, which will stretch and give, but it's dynamite on a chain.