Log chain - HF vs. TSC

b737drvr · Apr 22, 2011

Does anybody have any experience with the grade 43 3/8" x 14' log chain from Harbor Freight for $29.99? Looks similar to the same thing at Tractor Supply for $55 or $60. Or do I need to shop elsewhere and spend more money? Needing a chain to lift some attachments and pull out some stumps with the FEL and just wondered if the HF chain would do me right or anybody had anything bad to say about it. Thanks.

Foodplot · Apr 22, 2011

I've been through about 20 of them. My students lose chains routinely, so it's never paid for us to buy high quality. For general use, they're OK. Note that these chains are definitely NOT safety-approved for overhead lifting--you have to move up to a grade not available at places like HF or TSC.

bigtiller · Apr 22, 2011

I have a 14 foot long chain, two 20 footers and a 30 foot nylon tow strap. I can't remember the last time I used the 14 footer. With the 20's there is a little "breathing room" or what some may call "oops room" between the tractor and the load.

SandburRanch · Apr 22, 2011

Quarter inch short link grade 70 is all I'll use. A 75 horse 4x4 new holland can't break it pulling walnut stumps and at days end your body will appreciate it. A chain is one item that will last a lifetime if taken care of so I say it is worth every penny for the best they make.

LD1 · Apr 22, 2011

SandburRanch said:
Quarter inch short link grade 70 is all I'll use. A 75 horse 4x4 new holland can't break it pulling walnut stumps and at days end your body will appreciate it. A chain is one item that will last a lifetime if taken care of so I say it is worth every penny for the best they make.

No way would I even consider trusting 1/4" chain behind a tractor that sized.

I wouldnt even consider it behind my MUCH smaller tractor.

I have broken TOO many 5/16 chains to count. Both Gr43 AND 70. And even break the ocassional 3/8" chain. But that is rare.

SandburRanch · Apr 22, 2011

LD1 said:
No way would I even consider trusting 1/4" chain behind a tractor that sized.

I wouldnt even consider it behind my MUCH smaller tractor.

I have broken TOO many 5/16 chains to count. Both Gr43 AND 70. And even break the ocassional 3/8" chain. But that is rare.

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I'd be changing vendors from one that claims to have grade xxx short link to one that actually has it.

beenthere · Apr 22, 2011

No point in having a hissing contest here. Tell us what you use and drop the "looking down the nose" at what someone else wants to do. IMO.

As to the OP, if he wants to gamble on the cheaper chain, fine with me. Because he asked, I suspect he doesn't want to gamble that the chinese may be the reason it is cheap. :confused3:

gwdixon · Apr 22, 2011

I get all of my chain from Truck-N-Tow. There have been too many cheap chains whose links get stretched out and no longer bend. That does not even count the broken ones. Guess I'm a slow learner. Now it is 3/8", grade 70, for everything. No problems now.

Oh, be sure to wait for a "free shipping" offer before you stock up if you choose Truck-N-Tow.

https://www.truckntow.com/c-146938-.aspx

Agree with the 20' length being the most useful. Once you get it looped around something, a tree trunk or stump, you are out of chain with anything less.

LD1 · Apr 22, 2011

beenthere said:
No point in having a hissing contest here. Tell us what you use and drop the "looking down the nose" at what someone else wants to do. IMO.

As to the OP, if he wants to gamble on the cheaper chain, fine with me. Because he asked, I suspect he doesn't want to gamble that the chinese may be the reason it is cheap. :confused3:

Not meaning to start a "hissing" contest. And everyone is entitled to their opinion and can use whatever they want. BUT IMO ONLY, I think it is not a good Idea to use a 1/4" chain behind a 75HP 4x4. I realize he was not actually giving advise, just stating what he uses. And thats fine. All I am doing is stating MY OPINION that I would NOT do that. And I am NOT "looking down the nose" at ANYONE. Again, just stating MY opinion. :thumbsup:

gwdixon said:
I get all of my chain from Truck-N-Tow. There have been too many cheap chains whose links get stretched out and no longer bend. That does not even count the broken ones. Guess I'm a slow learner. Now it is 3/8", grade 70, for everything. No problems now.

Oh, be sure to wait for a "free shipping" offer before you stock up if you choose Truck-N-Tow.

https://www.truckntow.com/c-146938-.aspx

Agree with the 20' length being the most useful. Once you get it looped around something, a tree trunk or stump, you are out of chain with anything less.

This is what I use. 3/8" gr70:thumbsup:

Rarely I use the 5/16" chain.

I know these chains have a breaking strength about 3x's or 4x's the WLL, but I guess it is all in what your intentions are with the chain. Jerking puts EXTREME shock loads on the chain. And chains dont stretch and arent forgiving like cables and straps.

The times that I have broken chains were all mostly when skidding logs. When you got a good size log moving and it catches and immovable obcect (like a hidden stump, rock, etc) it is just like jerking on the chain.