Log chain - HF vs. TSC

[LD1]

I use either 5/16 or 3/8 g70 chain. So far, no breaks....

What sized equipment?????

 

[LittleBlueTractor]

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.

I've got 3 or 4 of them. Used 2 of them (one to a Jeep and the other to a tractor) to skid a 40" container (weighing 4 tons empty) about 50 feet. Had about 10 ea. 5-6" diameter wooden fence posts under it. Neither chain broke, but as has already been said, they are clearly marked "not certified for overhead lifting." Pretty inexpensive with a 20% off coupon, and even cheaper when on sale for $19. sometimes.

 

[crazyal]

I use 5/16" gr70 chain. 3/*" is too heavy to be lugging around and the benefits of 3/8" gr43 over 5/16" gr70 just don't seam to be enough for the extra effort. If skidding logs I just go slow, the chain may be the weak link while skidding but if you are snapping them it's still sending a shock to your tractor. Maybe you should think about getting a logging arch. Besides you can usually buy a 20' 5/16" chain for not more than a 14' 3/8".

 

[trook]

I use 5/16 g70 for chaining my JD4320 (48hp) to the trailer and general work with the 4320 that requires a chain.

I used a 3/8 G70 the other day to pull a 150hp 4wd tractor out of the mud with a 120hp 4wd tractor. It took several atttempts, but the chain held.

 

[b737drvr]

Wow, what a bunch of replies to what I thought was a simple question...now I am all cornfused :confused2: between grade 43 and grade 70...does it matter? Which is better/stronger? If the chain is not certified for overhead lifting, does that mean I can't lift a mower or blade attachment and set it on a trailer? Sounds like the consensus is that the HF chains are good...but just like anything, go slow, take it easy, and use some common sense, and they will do just fine. "One of the questions was what sized equip?" Not sure if that was directed at me or somebody else, but I will be using the FEL on Kioti DK40 - lifting 1000# attachments and occasionally pulling out a small stump. Thanks for all the replies!

 

[beenthere]

Heard about a HF chain recently where the hook failed while lifting a piece of machinery. No one was under it, but the damage was extensive non-the-less. So it is a risk at whateveryou are doing, that may or may not have wishes connected that the better chain was indeed "better".

 

[SPYDERLK]

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.

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

 

[NativeSon]

It was worth the money to me to get a 3/8 70gr 20' chain. I feel much more comfortable with it in almost any situation. Only complaint is it's a handfull to haul out from the garage to the tractor, but in this case "over-kill" is good....pun intended.

Charlie

 

[LD1]

Wow, what a bunch of replies to what I thought was a simple question...now I am all cornfused :confused2: between grade 43 and grade 70...does it matter? Which is better/stronger? If the chain is not certified for overhead lifting, does that mean I can't lift a mower or blade attachment and set it on a trailer? Sounds like the consensus is that the HF chains are good...but just like anything, go slow, take it easy, and use some common sense, and they will do just fine. "One of the questions was what sized equip?" Not sure if that was directed at me or somebody else, but I will be using the FEL on Kioti DK40 - lifting 1000# attachments and occasionally pulling out a small stump. Thanks for all the replies!

Grade 70 is stronger than grade 43.

For example, here are the WLL (working load limits)

.......................1/4....................5/16...................3/8
Gr 43.............2600....................3900................5400
Gr70...............3150...................4700................6600

And the grade 80 and higher are the only ones certified for overhead lifting.

But that certainly doesnt meant you cant lift 1000lb implements onto a trailer with ANY of the above mentioned chains:thumbsup:

Just dont stand under them:laughing:

 

[crash325]

Grade 70 is stronger than grade 43.

For example, here are the WLL (working load limits)

.......................1/4....................5/16...................3/8
Gr 43.............2600....................3900................5400
Gr70...............3150...................4700................6600

And the grade 80 and higher are the only ones certified for overhead lifting.

But that certainly doesnt meant you cant lift 1000lb implements onto a trailer with ANY of the above mentioned chains:thumbsup:

Just dont stand under them:laughing:

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

I carry a 1/4x20' on the tractor at all times. Good for most of the little jobs that crop up during the day. Nice & light.

For "Real" work its the 3/8" that is used. Just too heavy to use all the time.

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