General purpase chain size

[sixdogs]

I use 5/16" grade 70 chain because it not too heavy yet not too light. Still, a 10 or 20' piece is a handful. Now, hold that thought.

Years back I got a piece of 1/4" (9/32?) alloy logging chain and over time have used it for some pretty nasty stuff without any issues. It's light, easy to handle and I've since learned it has a higher breaking strength than grade 70, 5/16 chain. So, why not high strength 1/4 (or 9/32?) for most of our applications? As well, a lot of "farm" use chain is really only grade 30 and in that case 1/4 (9/32?) heat treated chain is vastly superior to 5/16 chain.

One thing is you would need to make sure the hooks are rated the same as the chain and compatible with 5/16 chain in case you need to hook to that commonly used size. Or, just be content with 1/4 (9/32?).

 

[Jstpssng]

I was leary about using the 1/4 inch chokers that came with my winch; especially since the 5/16 that I made up years ago look like pretzels. The new ones have worked out well so far though and most likely are better quality steel; because they are lighter it sure was easier carrying them through knee deep snow this past winter.

 

[MESSMAKER]

Just bought 10' of 1/4" G70. Seems relatively lightweight and should be strong enough for anything I can do with the BX2370.

That is a handy size and is plenty strong.

 

[ishiboo]

1/4" is fine for a BX lifting on the loader, or gentle pulls. But I'd stay with grade 43 or 70. But really there isnt alot of weight difference between 1/4 and 5/16.

If you do get 1/4" go easy on pulls. While you might not weigh much, or have alot of traction, its easy to get some extreme shockloading and snap a chain if you try to "bump" or jerk a load.

This.

I have a bunch of G70 3/8 transport chain I normally use for stuff. Put some 1/4" on the tractor to move a stump I thought was already loose, and when it caught it elongated all the links of the chain being pulled with my NX and stopped it.

Chain breaks are bad. If you're yanking on something use the best you have. For lifting on the loader, sure 1/4" is great. I have a few pieces made from 1/4" just for that reason.