Choker Chain Use

   / Choker Chain Use #1  

Beltzington

Platinum Member
Joined
Oct 4, 2008
Messages
954
Location
Appling, Georgia
Tractor
JD 3720
What is the correct method of hooking a choker chain around a tree for pulling? Single or double wrap, tight as you can get it or a little loose? How far from the end?

Chain is 3/8" 70 grade with a slip hook.

I have a heavy White Oak that fell in my pond with a trunk about 14" in diameter and bark is smooth and will be very slick. I only want to get wet one time to get it hooked and pulled out.

TIA

Actually I think it is a grab hook - slot is pretty narrow.
 
   / Choker Chain Use #3  
I pulled a tree out of the creek for a neighbor however I used a nylon tow strap that had a loop in the end. Went around the trunk once about 2 feet from the end and slipped the other end through the loop in the tow strap. Pulled it hand tight and kept the pressure on until I got it hooked onto the tractor. As the tractor pulled on the strap it tightened around the trunk. Tree came right out.
 
   / Choker Chain Use
  • Thread Starter
#4  
Thanks Folks - Glad I asked, my mental mouse trap had snapped on the idea you hooked the chain back onto itself like securing a load. I can either use a shackle on the chain or a tow strap as I have both.
 
   / Choker Chain Use #5  
What is the correct method of hooking a choker chain around a tree for pulling? Single or double wrap, tight as you can get it or a little loose? How far from the end?

Chain is 3/8" 70 grade with a slip hook.

I have a heavy White Oak that fell in my pond with a trunk about 14" in diameter and bark is smooth and will be very slick. I only want to get wet one time to get it hooked and pulled out.

TIA

Actually I think it is a grab hook - slot is pretty narrow.

A good logging chain will be two chains. Maybe 8-10' long apiece. Both chains should have a slip hook on one end and one of the chains with an additional grab hook on the other end in case you have to "tie" two chains for additional length. This gives you the benefit of not having to manhandle 20 ' of 3/8 chain when you only need a short length while giving you the option for a longer chain if needed. But if this is the only time you'd use a chain, then what you have is fine. A single wrap is all you need. Wrap the chain from the bottom up as this will put the hook at the top and then rest the chain within the hook. This will tension the line long enough until you pull with the *******. I like to get as close to the tree as possible as the 3 point lifts the tree giving great traction to the *******. If you cannot as the water's edge prevents a close hook up, then put the ******* on tractive ground. As the tree is dragged up to dry ground, you can always reposition the ******* for a closer hitch. If you only plan on using the grab hook, it probably is a good idea to double wrap it. make as tight as possible.
 
   / Choker Chain Use #6  
A good logging chain will be two chains. Maybe 8-10' long apiece. Both chains should have a slip hook on one end and one of the chains with an additional grab hook on the other end in case you have to "tie" two chains for additional length. This gives you the benefit of not having to manhandle 20 ' of 3/8 chain when you only need a short length while giving you the option for a longer chain if needed. But if this is the only time you'd use a chain, then what you have is fine. A single wrap is all you need. Wrap the chain from the bottom up as this will put the hook at the top and then rest the chain within the hook. This will tension the line long enough until you pull with the *******. I like to get as close to the tree as possible as the 3 point lifts the tree giving great traction to the *******. If you cannot as the water's edge prevents a close hook up, then put the ******* on tractive ground. As the tree is dragged up to dry ground, you can always reposition the ******* for a closer hitch. If you only plan on using the grab hook, it probably is a good idea to double wrap it. make as tight as possible.

why is the word "*******" bleeped out as if it is a swear word in these posts???
 
   / Choker Chain Use #7  
Wondering the same thing Arrow............~Scotty
 
   / Choker Chain Use #9  
These are the best type of slip hooks to use for pulling logs as the chain stays put once you get it hooked. You need to slide a link sideways through the slot, which is the only way it will go in or out, so they pretty much never come loose. If you are doing a lot they are great, for one or two uses, even some duct tape or a bungee would help it stay put.

The rod is to help feed it under a log on the ground with no clearance to fit your hand under there. I need to add the rod to mine as that can be a real PITA.

Norwood-chain-on-black.sflb.ashx
 
   / Choker Chain Use #10  
These are the best type of slip hooks to use for pulling logs as the chain stays put once you get it hooked. You need to slide a link sideways through the slot, which is the only way it will go in or out, so they pretty much never come loose. If you are doing a lot they are great, for one or two uses, even some duct tape or a bungee would help it stay put.

The rod is to help feed it under a log on the ground with no clearance to fit your hand under there. I need to add the rod to mine as that can be a real PITA.

Norwood-chain-on-black.sflb.ashx

Dave,

I have the some of the same chokers as the one in the pic, I welded a piece of 3/8 rod on the last link and gave it a slight bend to help it slide under logs better. A straight one will dig into the ground.

I actually like my chokers with a Gr 70 ring in the end better, I have had the split ones release when the load comes off, the ring ones don't.
 

Attachments

  • DSC00277.jpg
    DSC00277.jpg
    212.7 KB · Views: 476
 

Tractor & Equipment Auctions

2012 Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab Dump Truck (A44571)
2012 Chevrolet...
2022 John Deere FC 15R (A44501)
2022 John Deere FC...
2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD (A44501)
2016 Chevrolet...
2021 Ford Explorer AWD SUV (A44572)
2021 Ford Explorer...
7020 (A44571)
7020 (A44571)
PENDING SELLER CONFIRMATIONS ON SOME LOT #'S (A43003)
PENDING SELLER...
 
Top