Log chain - HF vs. TSC

[Baby Grand]

At last the mans question got a real answer. Good Going.:thumbsup::thumbsup:
...

Everyone working a tractor should have an assortment of chains, size & length.

... and consider ropes for jobs that don't demand chain strength. It weighs a lot less for a given length and is more flexible in terms of what you can do with it. I always keep 2 16' 1/2? ropes on the tractor - 1 wrapped around each fender grip. Just last week I used them to hold a length of 8" pipe in the air from my FEL so I could weld a slip collar on one end in a comfortable, standing position. Since it doesn't conduct, I didn't have to worry about frying the electronics of the tractor.

 

[wny770]

I once had a cheap "made in china" chain snap and come through the cab. breaking glass and missing my melon by about 6 inches. Up to you, but "made in USA" is better quality.

 

[b737drvr]

Thanks again for all the replies. Where's the best (cheapest) place to get made in the USA chain?

 

[Darren]

I don't think it is the cheapest but AW Direct carries chain and equipment used by towing companies. I won't use Chinese chain. As one poster mentioned, if a chain breaks under load, it's a flying safety hazard. Chain is something I'll spend the money for to have peace of mind and safety.

http://www.awdirect.com/safety-recovery-chain/

 

[SandburRanch]

Im with you on the short link chain. The little extra weight is more than made up for by suppleness and far greater resistance to hook damage. I bought 2 very nice 5/16 Gr70 from HF back in the 80s and they have never shown ant sign of strain even with the Mahindra set up at 11000# on AGs. I would, however, worry about a 1/4" Gr70chain in that application. They have a min breaking strength of 12K# and I found years ago, using a pull gauge, that a tractor will pull very near its weight [+/-] with AGs on good ground. That could take the 1/4 chain past its elastic stretch point at full traction even in a gentle pull. With jerks the chain would definitely be subject to damage. Probably your NH is a little lighter, but still a real threat to the health of 1/4 chain in a full traction pull. I recently saw some of the 1/4 short link at TSC an bought them out. I really like it ... but it stays on the smaller tractors.
larry

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I'm of the opinion only a very small percentage of people have ever had a short link chain in their hands and don't realize the advantage of them.

My NH only weighs around 67 or 69 hundred. On difficult pulls I don't depend on a chain hook and tie a clove hitch.

 

[bigtiller]

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I'm of the opinion only a very small percentage of people have ever had a short link chain in their hands and don't realize the advantage of them.

My NH only weighs around 67 or 69 hundred. On difficult pulls I don't depend on a chain hook and tie a clove hitch.

I have four 6 foot long 1/4 inch short link chains that have been abused, streached and broken. I have been looking for years for a place to buy new ones. they work great for getting a good bite and pulling out small bushes and trees. And varrious projects around the shop, house and yard with the lawn mower.

 

[SandburRanch]

I have four 6 foot long 1/4 inch short link chains that have been abused, streached and broken. I have been looking for years for a place to buy new ones. they work great for getting a good bite and pulling out small bushes and trees. And varrious projects around the shop, house and yard with the lawn mower.

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You may have to check with an oil field supply and ask for spinning chain. You may get lucky even though that connection method is being phased out.

 

[LD1]

I have used short link chain. And it does seem to bite better, allthough I never really have any problems with standard chain.

But Short-link chain is NOT rated any higher than standard chain. They have the same WLL's and Breaking strengths.

And all around I do think I perfer the standard link 3/8 Gr70 chain. Main reason is that you can run a larger diameter bolt through the standard link vs the short link. Which comes in handy for all sorts of things, like hoisting engines/transmissions, etc. Peice of cake to run a 3/8" bolt through it. Try that with a 1/4" short link.

So for an all around/general purpose, I perfer the standard link. But if your ONLY use is for skidding logs, Short link is better. Just IMHO

 

[crazyal]

Thanks again for all the replies. Where's the best (cheapest) place to get made in the USA chain?

I'm not sure cheap and "made in the USA" go together when your talking about chain. I bought 3 3/8" gr70 Peerless chains for transporting equipment. Maybe other will but I'm not about to use them skidding logs. The last time I checked the local place that sells them had 20' for a little over $120.

Secondly some states require the gold color if the chains are going to be used for transporting. Dragging them through the mud quickly takes that gold color off. Don't get me wrong if you don't mind spending the money you are going to be rewarded with a quality product. But if you take it easy the ones from China will work.

 

[k0ua]

I found 5/16 grade 70 gold chain with grab hooks on both ends at the local Race Brothers store in Harrison Ar. 20 foot for $39.95 It is made in St. Louis. I though that was a bargain, so I bought one..I had been using a grade 43 chain I put hooks on myself.

James K0UA