Steel Chain size and length

[Kubota3710]

I am not finding anything with the search engine. What size chain and which type steel should I purchase for a 4046 (46 HP) tractor. Nothing planned, just occasionally lifting, maybe pulling a log or something out of the ditch, lifting something out of the truck. etc. And what length is most use able. Anyone have recommendations?

 

[Looking4new]

3/8 link system 7 in a 12 foot length with a slip hook on one end and a grab hook on the other. I have 2 12' chains like this and a 20' for towing and also an engine grab chain 3' long.
Now you safety nazis that are going to jump all over me for saying that I tow with a chain, I tow with whatever will work. I do have two tow straps as well as a tree protector. I usually use the 20 footer for extending my winch line or my anchor line an extra 20'.

 

[Deere Dude]

I would get 5/16" chains. They will lift anything that tractor can handle. I had various lengths of that size for the tractor and even jerking on tree stumps or pulling heavy items and never a problem.

I did break down and got 2 20' 3/8" chains for tying the tractor to the trailer but they are so heavy to lug around and for a 5,000# tractor they are overkill.

 

[Kubota3710]

Ok, thanks that answers both my questions really. I will buy a trailer in a couple months and will get the bigger chain for that. And definitely the lighter 5/16 makes sense for using around the property and I will pick that one up soonest. Thanks for answering.

 

[jeff9366]

RE: Tractor Chain

You need GRADE 70, 5/16" 'transport' chain in order to be safe.

Good sources are Lowe's and Home Depot, both of which sell 5/16" GRADE 70 chain in 20' lengths, in a plastic bag, in the TOWING SECTION of Hardware.

GRADE 70 chain is tough. Have the store cut it into one 8' length and one 12' length. You cannot cut GRADE 70 chain at home.

Chain comes with one GRADE 70 grab hook on each end. Add one GRADE 70 slip hook on the other two ends.

Ready to work ~~~~~~~

MORE: Google

 

[SandburRanch]

1/4" grade 80 spinning chain is all anyone needs up to 70 hp 4x4 for pulling stumps, towing or transporting the tractor. You'll appreciate the weight at days end. This walnut tree was pulled with a 1/4" chain and a TD75D tractor. Learn the Clove Hitch knot and the improved Clove Hitch knot for fast tie and retrieval of your chain.

TITAN™ Cathead & Spinning Chain

 

[California]

Carrying chain:

I added a kid-size golf bag initially to carry a cordless recipro saw for pruning. Then discovered it's ideal for carrying chains that are 8~10 ft long.

It rests on the loader crossmember, is tied to the loader column.

Another photo better showing the mounting.

The golf bag is also useful to carry long handle pruners or a shovel.

 

[California]

1/4" grade 80 spinning chain is all anyone needs up to 70 hp 4x4 for pulling stumps, towing or transporting the tractor. You'll appreciate the weight at days end. TITAN Cathead & Spinning Chain

I'm a believer. I see that Grade 80 1/4" chain is rated 3500 lbs, plenty sufficient for anything I would lift or pull. And I see, in contrast, Harbor Freight rates their Grade 30 1/4" chain 1250 lbs and their 5/16" chain at 1900 lbs, far less than that Grade 80 1/4" product. Conclusion: Buy quality, enjoy the lighter weight.

 

[kennyd]

My vote is for 10' sections of G70 5/16" chains. Easy to handle, reasonably priced, readily available, and can be hooked together if longer ones are needed.

 

[Kubota3710]

wow, more good info. Thanks.... I will definitely get the grade 70 or 80 chain, depending on what is available locally at Lowes or Tractor Supply. All good info. I will also purchase a clevis for the drawbar. Rich

 

[bcp]

I've been finding 1/4 Gr70 chain at Walmart in 12ft lengths, in about 5 inch square plastic "bucket" in the tiedown section. Nowhere else around here has it except at far higher price.

Bruce

 

[Underdog57]

Harbor Freight has grade 70 chain.

 

[jtyphoid]

RE: Tractor Chain

You need GRADE 70, 5/16" 'transport' chain in order to be safe.

Good sources are Lowe's and Home Depot, both of which sell 5/16" GRADE 70 chain in 20' lengths, in a plastic bag, in the TOWING SECTION of Hardware.

GRADE 70 chain is tough. Have the store cut it into one 8' length and one 12' length. You cannot cut GRADE 70 chain at home.

Chain comes with one GRADE 70 grab hook on each end. Add one GRADE 70 slip hook on the other two ends.

Ready to work ~~~~~~~

MORE: Google

Good advice except that you can cut it at home fairly easily with a cutoff wheel in an angle grinder.

I bought several 20 footers plus extra hooks then cut the 20s into 2 or 3 pieces for tractor and implement tie downs, etc.

 

[Michael Aos]

The grade 70 5/16 20' from Home Depot seems to be the best bang for the buck.

 

[k0ua]

I use 5/16 grade 70 chains. I have 4 that are 20 foot long and an 8 footer two. You never have too many chains. But start with one or two and see how your uses are. I have never seen the need for anything larger than 5/16 for our size of tractors. As said, chains cut easy with an angle grinder with a cutoff wheel.. Like butter.. No lock, no chain no pin is safe from an angle grinder with a cutoff wheel.

 

[Michael Aos]

2x 20' for ~$62.

 

[California]

No lock, no chain no pin is safe from an angle grinder with a cutoff wheel.

Funny story: My daughter lost the key and asked me to cut the U-lock off her bicycle. No problem, I got out the angle grinder. What I didn't consider was the Levi's I'm always wearing in the shop aren't harmed noticeably by sparks. But the nylon (?) slacks I was wearing this time were destroyed, charred spots and holes. Don't Do This. She was greatly amused.

 

[oosik]

I was most fortunate. A friend GAVE me four 20' 3/8 grade 80 chains. He used them for tie-down when hauling heavy equipment on his semi trailer. He had just purchased new chains and knew I would like his old rusty ones. Three hours or so in my electric cement mixer with a couple buckets of coarse sand and they were as good as new. The only down side - they ARE heavy and can be a PITA to lug around. But, hey, free is free.

And CA - had similar experience only it was one of my better pair of reading glasses and my angle grinder. And it all took less than 30 seconds. As I told the wife - well, at least, I was wearing glasses. She wasn't all that impressed.

 

[k0ua]

Funny story: My daughter lost the key and asked me to cut the U-lock off her bicycle. No problem, I got out the angle grinder. What I didn't consider was the Levi's I'm always wearing in the shop aren't harmed noticeably by sparks. But the nylon (?) slacks I was wearing this time were destroyed, charred spots and holes. Don't Do This. She was greatly amused.

Yes, anything nylon/polyester is a big no no around any kind of heat. I was wearing some nylon socks once while soldering something and a large glob of solder fell down my shoe. Wow, talk about hurt and the burn that just keeps on burning. Solder dropped on your skin can burn a little, but not the long lasting burn of nylon melted into your skin.

Moral of story, never wear any synthetic fabric when soldering, welding or cutting. Cotton is your friend.

 

[MH8675309]

I have a 5/16 chain but there are links that are stretched. I now use a 3/8 chain about 16 foot long with the snatch on one end and a grab on the other end (regardless what size you use get the 2 different hooks). I also have a 6 foot section of the same and it comes in handy more than youd think it would.