Transpotation Chain-Domestic or Import?

[peterc38]

Both "chromate" and "dichromate" can and do provide sufficient corrosion resistance. The chain has to be plated prior to application of either.
The chromate or dichromate cannot be applied directly over the steel chain. Newer chromates have been developed that are last hazardous to the environment when breaking down in landfills. It has more do do with how the chain is prepared and plated prior to applying the chromate that gives you a superior finish. Typically zinc is used. If I had a sample link of each I could do some kind of testing and determine exactly what is on it (foreign vs. domestic). Thickness of the plate underneath the chromate is a factor as well. Zinc is good because even when scratches exist that are through to the steel underneath, it still supplies corrosion resistance because a galvanic reaction will take place whereby the zinc is sacrificial to the steel.

 

[dstig1]

I got the Lowes chains - USA. Very decent. But I needed to cut them and couldn't find a USA hook, so there are China hooks on the ends. Do I trust them? Weeeelllllll....dunno. They are holding after this summer of trailering, but they are rusting slightly. Stored indoors almost all of the time not in use. Time will tell.

I love the ratcheting binders. You get the force you want, not whatever you can manage between the link that is a bit too loose, and the next link that is a bit too tight. And no heads or arms lost tightening them. Frankly I don't see the downside other than they are maybe slightly slower (slightly...).

I also don't see the argument between binders and straps. Sure, if you are the owner of a strap store it makes sense, but frankly the costs aren't that different if you need a new set of "something" for your new equipment. Hard to argue with steel in this case...required by law or not... Now if your trailering includes the trip home from the dealer and maybe a service call a year, and you have the straps, sure, I'd guess you'd be fine. But otherwise, what's the deal? Chain is much harder to argue with.

 

[clemsonfor]

chain also pusts scratches on a lot easier. Look at Big rigs, they chain equiptment but everything else including boxes etc is strapped including wood. That big gererator in the crate weighs and has a lot more wind resistance than my little yanmar, of course they use 3" straps and i use 2" but again my tractor is a lot smaller than most of the stuff they strap down.