What size chain do I need?

[LD1]

I agree, pulling a few logs is well within the realm of 1/4 and 5/16 chain.

It depends on the size of the logs and how much they weigh.

Sure, if he is pulling logs that a B or BX could pull, then yes a 1/4 or 5/16 would be fine.

And yes it is the pullee that determines the the force required, not the puller. I agree with that. But with a 7000lb machine, the OP is capable of moving a MUCH larger pullee. Large enough that if he is pulling to his pullers MAX capacity, and 5/16 chain is too small IMO

 

[jenkinsph]

It depends on the size of the logs and how much they weigh.

Sure, if he is pulling logs that a B or BX could pull, then yes a 1/4 or 5/16 would be fine.

And yes it is the pullee that determines the the force required, not the puller. I agree with that. But with a 7000lb machine, the OP is capable of moving a MUCH larger pullee. Large enough that if he is pulling to his pullers MAX capacity, and 5/16 chain is too small IMO

I agree if he is pulling at maximum he will need a larger chain, I have a 1/2" G70 for that type of work. For most of the logs I have pulled it hasn't been needed though. If the log is that big then cutting it in two pieces would make it alot easier to handle.

 

[LD1]

I agree if he is pulling at maximum he will need a larger chain, I have a 1/2" G70 for that type of work. For most of the logs I have pulled it hasn't been needed though. If the log is that big then cutting it in two pieces would make it alot easier to handle.

So handling a smaller chain twice, and making two pulls makes more sense than just handling a larger chain once and making a single pull???

I guess it may to some. But not in my book.

 

[jenkinsph]

So handling a smaller chain twice, and making two pulls makes more sense than just handling a larger chain once and making a single pull???

I guess it may to some. But not in my book.

If he is pulling al log that will break a 5/16" chain then his tractor will likely be tearing up the ground in places too. Two lighter loads on the tractor is easier on everything.

In reality I think it would be rare that he will be pulling a log that requires more than a 5/16" chain. For that rare log or pulling out another stuck tractor or the like it is a good idea to have a heavier 1/2" chain for these jobs. I certaiinly wouldn't wan't to lug that around under normal circumstances.

 

[Case485Guy]

I have a 20' piece of 1/4 grade 100 chain with grab hooks each end that covers most of what I do, Has a safe WLL of 4,300 lbs vertical, I also made a shortner that is a 1' long grab hooks on each end, makes rigging up easier for lifting odd ball stuff. For jerking stuff out of the ground I use 2" nylon slings 2 plys with WLL: 6,400 lbs and a 5 times break strength for the 2", it has covered most of those jobs. I went nylon for the jerking jobs after having a 3/8" grade 70 chain break when pulling my Crew Cab truck out with the tractor.Keep in mind truck was sitting on the frame in sand and I was jerking it a couple feet and time till I got it out.Very fortunate that when the chain broke it went towards the truck and not me sitting on the tractor.Chain shattered the windshield and took the passenger side mirror off.

 

[Rail Dawg]

I was wondering about using nylon webbing with load limits towards the 3000# range. Is there a problem using nylon instead of chain if you use common sense?

 

[Case485Guy]

I was wondering about using nylon webbing with load limits towards the 3000# range. Is there a problem using nylon instead of chain if you use common sense?

Nylons are easy to use, light weight etc. Got to be careful about putting them around edges...say like angle iron, that edge will end up cutting the nylon.We make them with a cordura cover that eliminates the need to be as careful. Cordura is a very abraision resistant material and does not add much to the cost.
Other thing I can see is say you are draggin something, log etc...with the nylon caught under object being drug, then the nylon sling will wear and fray.
If jerk a stump out of the ground, I use the nylon sling, then hook the chain up to drag it off.

 

[whistlepig]

So handling a smaller chain twice, and making two pulls makes more sense than just handling a larger chain once and making a single pull???

I guess it may to some. But not in my book.

It's kind of a comprise. We use 1" chains at work. No doubt when you haul one of these puppies out in the field you won't go back to the barn for a second choice. There is such a thing as too much chain. What chain an I taking today? Should it be the 1" chain that weighs 300 pounds? Or the 1/4" chain that weighs 20 pounds? The tool should be easier than the task.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Make life easy and get a good 1/4" grade 70 short link chain. The 75 hp New Holland, with loaded tires and wheel weights, pulling this 6 inch dia. walnut stump is no match for a good 1/4 inch chain.

That tractor is able to exert 10 or 12K# in a steady pull. That is dangerously close to the breaking strength of 1/4" Gr70 chain. ... very little surplus to withstand the inevitable occasional jerk. For an L39 tho, 1/4" should do well unless there is a fairly severe jerk. 5/16", at 20K# break, would be quite robust. I use the 5/16 on the 7520.
larry

 

[whistlepig]

For folks like me that have using chains for over 40 years now I pretty well know what size of chain I need to use for the task. I know that if I use a chain that is too small I can break it and get a piece of chain through the back of my skull. If the chain is too large I know that I am lugging around a lot more chain weight than I need to. And then there is those that have the chain charts.