Lighter weight log chains -- where to buy?

[s219]

Google “logging choker chain”.

 

[MF RED in MT]

I made up a set of chain shorteners for my 5/16" and 3/8" chain.

KC

6 Ton Double Clevis Slip Grab Chain Hook Set Chain Shortener for Autobody Frame | eBay

For Using as Chain Shortener or Chain Connector. Double Clevis Slip Hook, Heavy Duty Chain Slip Hook Works With 5/16" or 3/8" Chain, Large Clevis Hook Tows up to 12,000 lbs (6 tons). Use our premium quality double clevis slip hook to get the toughest jobs done.

www.ebay.com

 

[ericm979]

Cable chokers weigh less than chain. I like cable chokers for pulling logs as the cable is easier to stuff under a large log. But they are a pain to carry on the tractor and store. Chain chokers can be dumped in a box. I got G100 chain chokers from westechrigging.com. G100 costs a little more than G70 but it's lighter for the same strength. I made grab rods out of scrap to make it easier to get the chains under logs.

 

[ArlyA]

Here is a UTV towing trees with a 5/16 choker high grade chain. Loved it so much I got one for my personal use and store it in a plastic ammo can in the machine. No problem!

 

[SmallChange]

Cable chokers weigh less than chain. I like cable chokers for pulling logs as the cable is easier to stuff under a large log. But they are a pain to carry on the tractor and store. [...]

I always have a cable choker or two made up for pulling up tree roots while landscaping. But I don't think I selected the right cable (wire rope) or maybe the right termination. For one thing, where the cable pulls through the end eye, it frays into tiny swords designed to give me tetanus. For another, the tight bend there permanently kinks and coils the cable, so I wind up with a rat trap of springy self-tangling cable. I'm just buying stuff at Home Depot or Lowes to make these up -- where and how do you make it better?

 

[SmallChange]

Wait, wait, maybe I just found what you are all talking about:

3/8" LIGHTY DUTY Cat Choker w/ Eye

3/8" LIGHTY DUTY Cat Choker w/ Eye | Buy Logging Supplies Online | Lifting.com

www.westechrigging.com

 

[ericm979]

Yep that's it. The bullet end goes into the sliding fitting and it grips the tree tight. The one problem with those is they lack a ferrule in the eye. So when you pull on it hard with something small diameter in the eye (like a chain you're using to extend your reach) the cable in the eye bends more than I'd like. I worry it'd eventually break. I added a ferrule into the eye and used a cable clamp to hold it in place. I'm probably over thinking this and it's fine for homeowner use.

 

[SmallChange]

The one problem with those is they lack a ferrule in the eye. So when you pull on it hard with something small diameter in the eye (like a chain you're using to extend your reach) the cable in the eye bends more than I'd like. I worry it'd eventually break.

I see what you mean. Well, at $33, this homeowner could take a chance. On the other hand, it'd be easy enough to use a chain slip hook with its wide rounded cross section to take the eye, or maybe get a ridiculously large diameter quick link to use with them.

 

[2manyrocks]

What is your intended use? If you are just moving small logs, these type of hooks as already posted are easy to put around a small log and easy to remove. Logging Chain Choker Hook 5/16" and 3/8" and Chain Slip Hook

If you are trying to pull up small saplings, but the chain is slipping, some use a pipe like this.

Front-End Loader - Danuser Intimdator

Used on Kubota B26 plucking trees and brush. Some trees removed along the wooded driveway 20’ tall. Privet and Russian olives clumps easily pulled up. Small tractor gives great maneuverability and sight near fences and buildings. Easily pulled trees growing in the blueberry patch with surgical...

www.tractorbynet.com

Personally, I just wrap the chain in a way that it tightens against itself when pulling saplings. A single wrap may slip up the trunk. A double wrap where the chain tightens against itself tends not to slip.

I'm not really a fan of wire rope.

 

[2manyrocks]

Cable chokers weigh less than chain. I like cable chokers for pulling logs as the cable is easier to stuff under a large log. But they are a pain to carry on the tractor and store. Chain chokers can be dumped in a box. I got G100 chain chokers from westechrigging.com. G100 costs a little more than G70 but it's lighter for the same strength. I made grab rods out of scrap to make it easier to get the chains under logs.

A local logger here in Mid Tennessee used his hand to run cable under a log and got bitten by a rattlesnake that was resting under the log. He was in/out of the hospital and eventually passed.

What does your grab rod look like?