5/16 grade 70 has a WLL of 4700lbs 3/8 grade 43 has a WLL of 5400lbs There is not a whole lot of difference between the two. Why not use the smaller lighter 5/16? Is there some advantage to the 3/8?
You & I might see it that way. But to the average homeowner that's shopping @ Lowe's bigger is better. It could be rated for less than the 5/16 and they would still by it.
I use 5/16 gr43 for my chokers. Only ever broke one when I rented a small dozer. I have one 3/8 gr43 length at the bottom of the pile...for some reason. My little tractor doesn't have enough oomph to break the 5/16. I would assume most folks don't know there are 4-5 grades of chain available. To average Joe...chain is chain, so bigger is better.
Lowes doesn't know the difference between loggers chain and bicycle chain. It's just a name they give it. You need to just look at the specs and figure out what you need. I use 5/16" grade 70 for chokers, 3/8" grade 70 for a tow chain.
One only needs to buy whatever he needs. But it is sad when one does not know what he needs... One more thing. Why do they always seem to sell chain with grab hooks on both ends? Personally, I want a slip hook on one end and grab on the other.
Corporate minds could call clothesline rope a tow rope and not know the difference as long as people bought it. I bought 5/16 Gr 70 bulk chain and a bunch of choker hooks from labonville and made a bunch of chokers. Never had any problems with a 80 horse tractor and a farmi winch. Even bought a couple 1/4 inch pre made ones.
You need find a place that sell logging chains. They will come with a slip hook on one end and a probe on the other. It is common to find them in 5/16 and 3/8. The 5/16 will probably do fine unless you are skidding with a skidder or large dozer. I have a couple of 1/4 chains I use behind my Kubotas.
I'm with you Dennis it's hard to get a shackle to fit through most links that is large enough to slip over the chain exterior dimension. The best little logging chain I HAD came off a 500lb come-along that failed a gearbox, perfect for work on the quad. loaned it to my buddy and haven't seen it since
I keep a 1/4 grade 70 chain on the Kubota BX. I'll use the 5/16 grade 70 chains for skidding with the Kubota L4240. I just wanted to make sure that not some reason the 3/8 grade 43 chain would be better. How can you ID a grade 70 or grade 43 chain? I know typically a grade 70 is gold/ yellow when it is new but that wears off.
Thanks for the legend! The hooks will also provide clues as to the chain grade as they are typically matched. Gr70 will usually say Alloy on them. My hooks are marked G43.
