Chains chains for lifting pulling trailering

david43a · Nov 15, 2003

I have been interested in chains for my bx22. I have gone to home depot, old fashoned hardwhere stores ,Harbor freight and tools, and Lowes. I like the 3/8" and 5/8" size. I didn't realize that there were so many rating for strength. My understanding is that it is similar to bolts. That a grade 43 is weaker that a grade 70 that a grade 80 is stronger that a grade 70 and a grade 80 is suitable for overhead lifting. Also I thing that they have a dot approved chain for trailers and equipment. There are also quite a lot of hooks that can be put on the end of a chain. They are also rated for strength and use. I also saw some grab hooks that are bent at a 90 degree angle what is the purpose? There are slip hooks grab hooks, claw hooks swivel hooks etc. I am interested in hearing form other people about the proper use of chain and to make sense of the ratings. Thanks David

Hambone · Nov 15, 2003

We use grade 70 with clevis chain hooks. I don't know if I would trust buying chain from a department store.
Safety is an issue there.
I buy CM products. Here is a link.

http://www.cmworks.com/

Von · Nov 15, 2003

Home depot sells grade 70 5/16" chain in 20' lenghs with hooks on both ends for under $30.00 here. Working load limit is 4700 lbs., and it's DOT approved for transporting. These chains are more than enough to hold a BX down on a trailer. I use two of them with ratchet binders for my B2710 and larger with no problems.

david43a · Nov 15, 2003

At Lowe's I saw some chain that was American Made. [ made by cooper tools ] ,that was transportation grade, grade 70 and the lengths were peened [ ball peened ] I don't rember the exact term. At Harbor Freight and Tools I saw some chineese chain 3/8" grade 43 that was rated at 2200 lbs , and some grade 70 5/16" that was rated at 4700 lbs. I would have assumed that a larger size chain would have been stronger that a smaler size chain ? David

JerryG · Nov 15, 2003

You can buy grade 70 if you want, but given the weight and power a BX has, I don't think that you would have any trouble even with grade 43.

bigpete · Nov 15, 2003

Jerry is right. I chose 5/16" Grade 70 transport chain for use with my 2210 over a larger, lower grade chain because it is lighter per foot of length and stronger. I bought my chains and hooks at Tractor Supply. The added cost of Grade 70 didn't break the bank. I bought three pre-assembled 20' lengths with grab hooks already on each end, and cut one in half. I put the same grade slip hooks on the free ends of the two resulting 10-foot lengths and I now have a pretty useful set.

All of the hooks, chains and assembly components are M.I.U.S.A. I've been warned against buying anything else.

Darren · Nov 15, 2003

FWIW, grades 80 and 100 are acceptable for overhead lifting of personnel. Other lesser grade chain can be used to lift loads but not personnel. As others have said transport chain (grade 70) is more than enough for your tractor. In fact I would go with that because if you're ever in an accident and the tractor comes off the trailer because the chain broke, at least they can't hang you for using the wrong spec chain.

Keep in mind that the 200+ hp tractors and heavy equipment being hauled down the road are also secured with transport chain albeit more and heavier chains are used than what you will need.

Personally, I always stick to American made chain. Unfortunately the big box stores are always looking for the cheapest price which means they may end up with something that the low cost source in Asia still made a killing on in more ways than one.

rdam · Nov 15, 2003

Are you picking stuff up or securing your BX to a trailer?
On assorted offshore supply boats and research vessels, we often used straps to lift delicate or cumbersome items. They were color coded for the load rating. It's been awhile, but I'm going to try and find some for assorted lifting with my FEL.

Darren · Nov 15, 2003

These might be the slings/straps you saw. http://www.awdirect.com/awdirect/catalog.cfm?dest=itempg&itemid=8762&secid=71&linkon=category&linkid=66

david43a · Nov 15, 2003

I have not bought a trailer for by bx yet. I have been using the chains for pulling out shrubs and lifting small trees I have purchaced a couple of 2" wide nylon tree slings. I know my tractor is not very heavy but what about shock load. Also I have occasionally rented bobcats and larger industrial tractors. I would rather be safe than sorry. I would use the chain for these larger and more powerful tractors.I think that other new or inexperienced members may also be unfamilar with the proper use of chain. Thanks for the input. David