Square Chain Convert

penokee · Jun 13, 2005

When I first heard of square chain here on TBN, I thought it was a gimmick. Now that I've used it for skidding tree length, wont go back to round chain for skidding.
penokee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

penokee · Jun 13, 2005

Closeup.
penokee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Cliff_Johns · Jun 13, 2005

Interesting photo, but it's not clear what the advantages of that shape link is from the photo.

Also, I don't pull logs, but I would have thought that you would hook the chain at a lower point so if the timber caught on something it wouldn't pull the tractor over. I'm guessing I missing something about the way logs are dragged properly.

Cliff

beenthere · Jun 13, 2005

It won't flip quickly, such that one doesn't have time to stop, or lower the 3pt, to get any load off the rear three point and stop the lift of the front end. Been pulling that way for years. It just doesn't happen quickly as some imply, in my experience. Now that is if the operator is in a reasonable pulling gear and not running in 'road' gear while pulling.

Not all agree, which is fine. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I have the same question about the 'square' chain and why the 'convert' is happening.

penokee · Jun 13, 2005

The square chain gets a better grip, bites into the wood. Square chain is used by some of the mfgs pf skidding winches, I believe Farmi recommends them.
I pull slow and easy - have had more of a problem skidding long trees around tight corners. Usually pick a turning tree and scar that one up. Pic attached.
penokee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

penokee · Jun 13, 2005

Site for square chain if anyone is interested.
penokee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

http://www.pewagchain.com/

Slamfire · Jun 14, 2005

Does square refer to the cross section of the chain? I can't tell from any of the photos.

hobbyfarm · Jun 14, 2005

Slamfire,
Check the website that penokee posted, there's a detail photo. Looks downright stout and has good specs.

PineRidge · Jun 14, 2005

We have pulled a lot of trees out of the woods clearing our land using conventional chain without problems. We do make 2 complete wraps on the trunk which seems to prevent slipping when you drag. I think chain style might be more of a personal perference.......

sweettractors · Jun 14, 2005

Just out of curosity, What do you do with those size logs? Sell, use in building project?--Ken Sweet

hobbyfarm · Jun 14, 2005

penokee,
BTW, Thanks for the link. Do they have dealers or do they sell direct?

penokee · Jun 15, 2005

Sweet---, Wish I had a commercial market, but using for personal "Fun Projects": Flagpole, Antenna Pole and an ATV bridge across a creek at my hunting camp. Grandsons keep asking Grandpa when are we going to build that bridge? Plan to start this summer - about a 20' span - 4' freeboard. The trees are Tamarack (Larch) and quite strong - good for poles and Piling. Were used for framing in local underground mines. Plan to use the same approach for skidding out Red Pine - will sell for poles, saw bolts and pulp.

hobby---, I ordered over the internet.

Square chain evidently made for skidding logs - I've used round chain and cable chokers, but this chain seemed to meet my needs better for skidding with my tractor and 3 point.
(Also like to try different things) /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

penokee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

bitternut · Jun 16, 2005

You should weld a stout piece of angle iron onto that hitch and cut some notches into the top of it for accepting the chain links. That way you could haul out more than one log at a time. I did that with mine and it works quite well. I also added a 2" square reciever for a trailer hitch.

bitternut · Jun 16, 2005

Here is a picture of it used to haul out some large sugar maple. I have since purchased a skidding winch and probably won't use it for log skidding too much anymore but the trailer hitch will still get used a lot. Its amazing the amount of tools you can create with a HH 175 welder and some ideas gleaned from tractor forums.

I got 6 chain chokers with my winch so I have plenty of them for the moment but I will have to get one of those square link ones to compare. I am sure in time I will be losing a few that I have in the snow or breaking them.

have_blue · Jun 16, 2005

Is that grade 120 chain? /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

If so, I bet it cost you an arm and a leg. Well worth it if you skid a lot of logs though.

I always wanted some real skinny high alloy chain, case hardened if possible, around 7/16 or 1/4". Although skinny, the best alloys could be almost as strong as 5/16" grade 43 or 70, which are slightly over kill for me. That way, a 20 footer fits neatly in a small can, and doesn't weigh a ton.

The only real good chain I have is a 6' piece of 1/4" case hardened grade 80 choke chain, and I am very attached to it.

anthonyk · Jun 18, 2005

Uh oh.... I've been dragging my trees backwards, from the front of the tractor. Started doing that ever since I almost popped a wheelie. Am I doing something wrong?

anthony

have_blue · Jun 18, 2005

I used to pull down trees backward. You get much better traction that way. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Slamfire · Jun 19, 2005

( Uh oh.... I've been dragging my trees backwards, from the front of the tractor. Started doing that ever since I almost popped a wheelie. Am I doing something wrong?

anthony )

I've had to do that in places too tilted to take the tractor. Works ok if you can get real close to the log you are pulling so the end of the log lifts. Otherwise you have to stop often and roll the log away from the stump, root or rock it is hung up on. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

HuckBB62 · Jun 19, 2005

( Site for square chain if anyone is interested.
penokee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

http://www.pewagchain.com/ )

Wow, did you see those tire protection chains! I bet THOSE things aren't cheap! Very nice indeed!

HuckBB62 · Jun 19, 2005

( Is that grade 120 chain? /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

If so, I bet it cost you an arm and a leg. Well worth it if you skid a lot of logs though.

I always wanted some real skinny high alloy chain, case hardened if possible, around 7/16 or 1/4". Although skinny, the best alloys could be almost as strong as 5/16" grade 43 or 70, which are slightly over kill for me. That way, a 20 footer fits neatly in a small can, and doesn't weigh a ton.

The only real good chain I have is a 6' piece of 1/4" case hardened grade 80 choke chain, and I am very attached to it. )

Wanna price some insanely expensive chain? The graded chain used on chainfalls is just crazy. I got a "deal" on a chainfall that needed some. My "deal" turned into a money pit that got tossed!