grab chain length

[Raider43]

hey everyone, I just put grab hooks on my L35 loader and now need to get the chain. Without getting too technical, what would a good length be to purchase or make? 10 feet, 15 feet?

raider.

 

[bcp]

I found two short ones more useful than one long one. I usually carry two that are 8-10 ft.

Bruce

 

[joshuabardwell]

I only have one at the moment. It's 10 feet and has done me well for skidding small (6" max) tree parts to a brush pile and pulling out T-posts from the ground. If I was going to skid larger logs, I'd probably want closer to 15 feet... but hey, maybe not.

 

[creekbend]

I have several chains in various lengths. In regards to the length, it would really depend on what you are planning to do. I, myself, like to haul a chain with me that is a little longer than what I think that I will need for the intended or planned task. One never knows what one might encounter. I don't like going back to the shop to get another chain because the first one was too short. Most times I have two chains with me. I keep them in PVC pipe on my tractor. Just my thoughts. Everyone does things differently. Best wishes.

 

[chim]

I have chains ranging from 4 to 20 feet. It's nice to have a selection plus some things need more than one chain to be used at a time. For instance, to pick an implement it is handy to use one chain as a bridle to hang it level and grab it with a second chain so it can easily be rotated. While working alone, some loads like poles need two points of attachment because they won't balance on their own.

When in doubt, I grab a longer chain than I think I need. With the bucket attachment method I've been using for the last 10 years the extra chain can be kept out of the way easily by dropping it into the slots that aren't used for the load. The attachments are short pieces of angle with slots that accept up to 3/8" chain. They've seen loads heavy enough to get the rear wheels off the ground and were never affected. Here are pictures showing the buckets of the (now gone) B7500 and the L3200:

 

[madmax12]

I have chains ranging from 4 to 20 feet. It's nice to have a selection plus some things need more than one chain to be used at a time. For instance, to pick an implement it is handy to use one chain as a bridle to hang it level and grab it with a second chain so it can easily be rotated. While working alone, some loads like poles need two points of attachment because they won't balance on their own.

When in doubt, I grab a longer chain than I think I need. With the bucket attachment method I've been using for the last 10 years the extra chain can be kept out of the way easily by dropping it into the slots that aren't used for the load. The attachments are short pieces of angle with slots that accept up to 3/8" chain. They've seen loads heavy enough to get the rear wheels off the ground and were never affected. Here are pictures showing the buckets of the (now gone) B7500 and the L3200:

That looks like a great design. It eliminated hooks facing different directions. While u said they worked fine, did u have any concern stressing them in one direction vs. another? It looks like u bolted them in, so a non welder could create the same thing.

Thanks for the pics.

 

[Gordon Gould]

Start with a couple of ten footers and go from there. You can hook them together for a 20 if needed. With time you will probably end up with a whole assortment depending on what you do with your tractor. To me it is what you need for hooks ( grab, slip, one of each, choker ... ) rather than the chain length that make me go get another one. If you got grab hooks on the bucket a chain with a grab hook on one end and a slip hook on the other would be a good way to start.

 

[madmax12]

Start with a couple of ten footers and go from there. You can hook them together for a 20 if needed. With time you will probably end up with a whole assortment depending on what you do with your tractor. To me it is what you need for hooks ( grab, slip, one of each, choker ... ) rather than the chain length that make me go get another one. If you got grab hooks on the bucket a chain with a grab hook on one end and a slip hook on the other would be a good way to start.

Did u see chims angle iron solution? Unless someone points out a flaw, that design seems to be one of the best I've seen.

 

[Raider43]

Chim, that is a great setup. My loader bucket has 3 grab hooks on it. I have not used any chains yet, but will for mostly tree work. Sounds like start with a 10 footer and go from there. Would I put a grab hook on each end or some combination for dragging logs?

Raider

thanks everyone for the info. This site is a great source.

is there spell check on this site?

 

[joshuabardwell]

Chim, that is a great setup. My loader bucket has 3 grab hooks on it. I have not used any chains yet, but will for mostly tree work. Sounds like start with a 10 footer and go from there. Would I put a grab hook on each end or some combination for dragging logs?

There are a few good threads on TBN about bucket mods, including discussions of hooks. Here is a search URL that will get you started.

The angle iron with slits cut for grab-hooks is pretty clever, since they work both directions, unlike a hook. Also, since they spread the contact point with the bucket out a bit, they may be less likely to bend the bucket--but that's just a guess. The best configuration I have heard of is to have grab hooks at the outside edges and a slip hook in the middle. If you need to use the middle as a grab hook, you just run the chain through the slip hook to one of the outside grab hooks. Another configuration that I like is to have a receiver hitch welded to the center of the bucket. You can then stick a ball in, to move a trailer, or stick a hitch-mounted slip hook, or really anything else that will go into a receiver. Pretty versatile, although you do want to be careful that you don't collapse the top of your bucket.

 

[Ed of all trades]

I use two 7ft chains for almost everything. I have a 20 ft but would have to look for it, I don't remember the last time I used it. I do use the three link chain that has a hook on each end, I use it to "shorten" a chain. Works great for making a loop in the middle of a chain.

 

[Gordon Gould]

On the log end I would prefer to use a choker which is just a specialized slip hook with a narrower opening so the chain is less likely to come out. It allows the chain to tighten around the log like a noose. A slip hook will work too.
The slots are a real good idea :thumbsup: as long as you use good rugged angle so the fingers don't fold over and you watch the angle of your bucket so the chain does't slide up and out.

 

[jeff9366]

OP: You did not mention what size grab hooks you installed. 5/16" grab hooks are the most useful size. 5/16" hooks will grab 3/8", 5/16" and 1/4" chain securely, from my experience.

If you have 3/8" grab hooks they will grab 5/16" chain too.

Home Depot in Florida has a best package price on chain: Grade 70 / 4,700 lbs working load limit, 5/16" X 20', with two Grade 70 grab hooks for $37.98. Chain and hooks are made in China, which is a quality control / safety concern for some. Likely similar price in other states. My receipt is dated 8/07/2012.

Chain unit packaged in a tough plastic bag labelled "TOW CHAIN WITH GRAB HOOKS" in the chain sub-section within hardware.

I have a Kubota B3300SU / 33-hp / 1,800 pounds; one Kubota increment smaller compared to your tractor. I would not buy heavier [literally] chain than 5/16" / Grade 70. Your tires will loose traction before you approach 4,700 pounds pulling force.

Have Home Depot cut the 20' length so you have one 8' length and one 12' length, add two Grade 70, 5/16" SLIP hooks from Tractor Supply and you will be ready to work. ( My Gainesville Home Depot inventories only Grade 43 slip hooks.)

If you are going to drag many logs get a Hanging Tree setup so you do not hurt yourself. Northern Tools sells the 3-point ready Norwood Log Hog, Part #41255 @ $300. Mine comes from OMNI Manufacturing which sells direct and via eBay. See following link including safety information:

OMNI Manufacturing / OMNI Grabhook Hanging Tree

 

[chim]

That looks like a great design. It eliminated hooks facing different directions. While u said they worked fine, did u have any concern stressing them in one direction vs. another? It looks like u bolted them in, so a non welder could create the same thing.

Thanks for the pics.

So far I haven't used the setup with the chain draped over the back side of the bucket to do any lifting. What does anyone hook onto with the chain coming back over the bucket? I have always had the load on the front side of the bucket.

The strength of the heavy angle resting against the lip on the top of the bucket has never been "wimpy" enough to cause any trouble. There have been times when I wanted to drop a load and go do something else. To do that, it's eaesy to keep the extra chain either in the bucket or dangling in front (so long as it isn't long enough to get in the way). While the bucket doesn't uncurl enough to drop the chain, I can lower, uncurl and back away to unhook it.

 

[madmax12]

I think its a fantastic idea. If many TBN readers see it, I wonder if there will be a lot of people choosing that method.

 

[pat32rf]

I have a slotted piece of 2x2x1/4 angle accross the back of my 3pth that I use for skidding logs and a large slip hook in the middle of my bucket (re-enforced with 3" channel) Tomorrow I'm gonna add two of Chims brackets to the outer corners of the bucket!!!!

 

[madmax12]

Chims brackets. Now I know what to call them :thumbsup:

 

[texasjohn]

I have lots of chains, short and long.
Wish I had purchased ONLY grade 70 chain because it is lighter and stronger...and lighter is worth a lot when working with chain.

 

[Red Horse]

R43-well you have had a lot of good advice.-My two cents, as you said "Hooks" I assume you have two-right and left. Not my favorite as I say nothing works as well as a single center mounted hook. Ever see a big machine with hooks other than in the center? Not likely. With one center mounted hook you are never guessing about a balanced centered load. In any case you really don't want to be lifting any weight off center-so you IMO need a second one to drop off the center to attach to the load being lifted. This assumes the first chain is slung from the hooks on your bucket edges.

I also agree with those who suggest at least one chain that has a grab and a hook. Another usefiul thing is a nylon sling. I have a 4 footer and it is great for picking implements.

And back to your question, I would go with a 15', hookson each end and saya 5' with a grab and a hook. I also make sure my chain and hooks are USA. I'm sure some China product is as good-but I'm not gambling. Most equipment dealers, independent lumber yards will carry name brand grade 70 chain.

 

[Eric_Phillips]

Here is what I use from Harbor Freight 5/16" x 20 Ft. Trucker's Chain

I have never had a problem of them being too long. Sometimes they are longer than I need but it is easy to wrap the little excess around something to keep it out of the way. I can see if you are going to do a lot of log skidding these might bee too long.