Chains attached to loader bucket

[PerryWhite]

This summer I was moving a log with my 430 loader on my
JD 4310. I was using a 3/8 chain connect to a hook
that I had welded onto the top center of the bucket.
I lowered the log onto my sawmill and got off the tractor
and unhooked the chain. I didn't bother to pick the loose
ends of the chain up and put them into the bucket.
As I backed up, the front tire rolled onto one loose end of the chain effectively clamping the loose end to the ground.
As I continued to back up, tension built up on the chain.
Eventually the front tire rolled off the loose end of the chain
and the built up tension launched the chain backwards
towards me and the tractor. My first instinct was to duck
and cover my head with my hand and arm. Then my
second thought was oh no I am going to wipe out the
hood on my 4310 with less than 100 hours on it.
Fortunately, the chain missed the hood by a couple of inches
and landed on the ground. Moral of the story. Never
leave loose ends of anything hanging while the tractor is
in motion. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[Boondox]

Wow! I always tuck them into the bucket just to keep crud off of them. Never imagined a safety issue! Thanks for the heads up!

Pete

 

[JDgreen227]

I have never hooked a chain to my loader bucket 'cuz I have no chain hooks yet...but will someday, so thanks for the safety tip.

 

[PineRidge]

You are a very lucky person my friend. That chain could have just as easily hit you. I saw a chain that was used for towing an antique Cadillac come lose from the tow car snap back and destroy the front of the antique.

After losing a chain because it was stored in my bucket I now put mine in my toolbox. Seems my 1st one got buried under many tons of dirt.

The new one is handy when I need it.

 

[RalphVa]

My Dad was towing our Olds with our tractor once. The chain snapped and wrapped back on the hood of the Olds. Luckily, it came just short of the windshield. Put a nice groove in the hood though. Coulda been a groove down the back of the tractor driver if it broke at the other end.

I think the ROPS on the newer tractors is a good place for attaching plywood with just a window @ eye level for stuff on the back.

Don't know how you protect again loose chains in the front though.

Ralph

 

[RobertN]

Place an old sleeping bag or heavy coat in the middle of the chain; wrap it around the chain so it stay in place. If your strap or chain break, it will slow the chain down and absorb some of the energy. It's an old trick used by 4-wheelers. I have seen chains breack that way, and just fall to the ground. Have also seen chains break without a dampner, which shattered windshields ect.

 

[PineRidge]

RobertN some of the BEST ideas are the simplest ones. Thanks for the tip; it may come in handy down the road. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[RoyJackson]

"RobertN some of the BEST ideas are the simplest ones"

How true, how true!

Being a real believer in the KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) principle, I offer another alternative. Use an old length of 1½ or 2 inch firehose. This should be readily available at your local fire dept. for little or no cost.

 

[NIXON]

thanks for the post . It's one of those things that doesn't occur to you until it's too late . I'm happy you weren't hurt . John

 

[RobertN]

Fire hose works well as a bar cover for the chain saw too. When I worked the station, all our saws were done that way.