good chains, ropes, etc.

Bob_Trevithick · Dec 6, 2001

I'm looking for information on the best types of chain or rope to buy for various tasks. (I tried searching the Internet, but kept getting hits on bondage and discipline /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif)

If I understand the specs correctly, the 4300 I'm getting can pull about 8000 lbs with the drawbar. This would seem to suggest that I could conceivably pull out small stumps, heavy rocks, and so on. What is a good source of chains that could handle this kind of thing without risk of snapping and injuring someone?

I expect it's a trade-off; how heavy the chain has to be to handle a certain load. A bag of chains that weighs 500 lbs wouldn't be very handy. Are there any exceptionally strong brands out there?

I would guess that for pulling cars out of ditches, regular tow ropes with metal hooks on the ends would be best? Good source for these?

TIA!

Bob Trevithick

TerryinMD · Dec 6, 2001

Bob,

You can buy ready-made chains at Lowe's, Home Depot, TSC, Farm and Fleet, etc.

You can also buy the chain and hooks/clevis' at the same places. This way you can make up a chain to suit your needs.

Now, as far as the chain grading. There have been a few posts mentioning this on TBN. Best for you to search to find them. I would imagine that a TBN member could give you a short description on what to look for.

Terry

Anonymous Poster · Dec 6, 2001

...If I understand the specs correctly, the 4300 I'm getting can pull about 8000 lbs with the drawbar. This would seem to suggest that I could conceivably pull out small stumps...

Huh?

Bob where did the 8000 lb. tow figure come from...? Maybe on a flat surface, no inclines, and a "rolling friction"... but pulling out small stumps... how small... you're not gonna believe how strong most of those saplings are... /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif

I recently posted Required Chains in your tractor toolbox...... on the average these chains depending on grade are rated between 3900-6600 lbs. working load limit...

MossRoad · Dec 6, 2001

I, too, believe that that figure is for the maximum weight of a trailer or such on level ground. I get the impression that you are wanting to hook on to a 3-4 inch tree stump and try to drive away. If I tried that, I'd either spin the tires, skin the tree or get a chain in the back of the head. You might want to dig it out with a loader or look at renting a small excavator for a day. As far as unsticking vehicles or dragging logs out of the woods goes, you will need some chains or cables and all of the stores listed have great selections. I picked up a 150' piece of used 1/2 inch cable from a towing company for very little. It is great for hauling something out that you can't get close to.

 MossRoad

Bob_Trevithick · Dec 6, 2001

Huh?

Bob where did the 8000 lb. tow figure come from...?

Hi John,

Well, I'm embarrassed to admit that I can no longer find it. I believe it was on the old Deere web site, which I just discovered they have completely re-done.. minus some of the specs. Or maybe I just dreamed it? Nah, I'm sure I read it, and I'm sure it was from a Deere publication.

But I guess that's all moot. I will just have to see what it can do, and learn to work with it. I like the idea of nylon straps, if they can handle enough. Having a chain or cable break isn't something I'm anxious to experience.

Oh, and I jotted down the chains you noted in your link, and will keep those in mind this Saturday when I make my trip to a big farm equipment store near here. Thanks...

Bob Trevithick

HR_Mutt · Dec 6, 2001

Bob_Trevithick
Whoa!/w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif
You still planning on pulling stumps and rocks? With nylon?!?
Watch yer back/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif I'd reconsider using chains. Use the tow straps for vehicles, etc.
regards
Mutt

Bob_Trevithick · Dec 6, 2001

Hi MossRoad,

I get the impression that you are wanting to hook on to a 3-4 inch tree stump and try to drive away.

Well, yeah.. the idea had crossed my mind. /w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif After a year on the little GT235, I figure now, with the 4300, I'll be able to rule the world. Or at least pull out some small stumps. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

I guess I will find out what I can and can't do. It will be hard to know what grade of chain to buy, not having a real sense of how much actual stress will be taken by them. Is this a case of buy the best you can afford?

Bob Trevithick

Bob_Trevithick · Dec 6, 2001

Hi Mutt,

You still planning on pulling stumps and rocks? With nylon?!?

Um, no, of course not! Not anymore, anyway. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

I thought I'd seen some discussion around these parts of doing just that... perhaps not nylon specifically, but reference was made to using straps. Bad idea, huh?

Boy, do I have a lot to learn!

Thanks, everyone, for the gentle guidance...

Bob Trevithick

AndyR · Dec 6, 2001

I've been real happy with 3/8" galvanized chain that I got at Home Depot. Have a slip hook on one end and a binding hook on the other. This ones about 10 feet long - fine for moving rocks as big as the L3710 can handle. Admittedly is not the lightest stuff - but I don't like chain breaks. For long pulls I would go with wire rope (make sure it has no kinks) for the kind of work you are mentioning. Make sure it is properly terminated - the right fittings can make all the difference. Also, buy a bunch of slings - at least 10,000 lb rated. Makes a big difference in the efficiency of your work.

Good Luck!

Andy in NH

DFB · Dec 6, 2001

Bob, nylon straps are handy (I keep one in both my truck and lil' womans' SUV) for those times you need just that little tug to get going again but they won't offer the abraision resistance of a chain when it comes down to something like dragging a log.

Chain comes in different grades and the higher the grade the stronger the chain is for a given size. If your interested here's a link to some rating and descriptions. http://www.lockpeople.com/TC_Main.htm

5/16" & 3/8 " Grade 40 High Test and Grade 70 transport chain are probably the most common types widely available. A slip or choker hook is handy when you want to pull tighter around something than a standard grab hook will allow. Get yourself a good sized screw or pin type clevis to attach to your drawbar too. Have fun shopping.

Hey btw, I gotta tell ya your sig reminds me of one of the locals around here. Ol' Wally and his JD.
(Especially the hat)/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

DFB