I need to drag some trees out of my woods. I'm new to all this stuff. Which is best to use, a strap or log type chain. Which would be the safest to use?
Chain or Strap.
- Thread starter Tattnall Guy
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North Idaho Wolfman
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I use both, but not an ordinary chain, it's a grade 100 chain.
Loggers use metal cable or also called wire rope.
Safest is a heavy nylon strap or rope.
Loggers use metal cable or also called wire rope.
Safest is a heavy nylon strap or rope.
Chain is much better for dragging in my opinion. Chains don't care about getting dirty or being drug across soft ground for the most part. They also don't stretch an appreciable amount. Chains can be hooked anywhere along the length, straps you pretty much have to work with the whole length or double it back, etc. I use straps for towing a disabled vehicle.
I guess it depends on the ground conditions you have. I have cut a couple of straps on sharp rocks but never cut a chain.
Because of all the rock I encounter, I always use a grade 100 chain. Expensive but get the appropriate size for your tractor and it is a one time purchase. The logging chain I am using now is over 25 years old.
Because of all the rock I encounter, I always use a grade 100 chain. Expensive
but get the appropriate size for your tractor and it is a one time purchase. The logging chain I am using now is over 25 years old.
5/16" grade 70 "transport" chain is the best fit for your tractor IMHO, no need for grade 100 on a BX25. I aggree that straps should not be used to drag anything. Take a look for the new "twist lock" grab hooks that we offer, makes using chains a lot easier is these situations.
Also, Lowes has a great deal on transport chain, 20' with two grab hooks for under $40.
Also, Lowes has a great deal on transport chain, 20' with two grab hooks for under $40.
Skidded lots of wood with atv's. 4 feet chain with a grab hook and 4 feet webbing connecting chain to atv. Trick is wrap chain 2x around tree,it stays tight.
Guy,
I personally use a chain. I wrap it around the tree and hook it tight. then I hook as short as I can to the 3pt hitch and lift it up a bit. then drag where I need it. IMHO if you are going to let the strap or chain around the tree drag on the ground, you COULD damage the strap. The chain would only get dirty.
Dave
I'm curious as to why multiple people think a strap is safer. I personally wouldn't consider using a strap unless it would always be suspended and not dragged. I've seen what a dragged strap looks like and it becomes junk. Just curious about the safety aspect
North Idaho Wolfman
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You ever see what a stretched snapped chain can do? I've seen they launched threw windows, tailgates, headache racks, and even one over the headache rack and trough the windshield.
Straps give up the energy quickly and don't fly.
Unless its hooked to a trailer ball and stud fails, not the strap failing, but ball turns into a dangerous projectile. Whole idea no matter what is play safe. If strap is half shredded, dont use it.You ever see what a stretched snapped chain can do? I've seen they launched threw windows, tailgates, headache racks, and even one over the headache rack and trough the windshield.
Straps give up the energy quickly and don't fly.
Its common sense, and different situations require different means. If the op is logging in terrain with lots of sharp rocks, chain is likely better.
Try both. Have a skidding plate made up, will help in either situation.
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I just assumed a strap would act like a rope. Ever see what a stretched rope can do? It'll cut a person in half. Does the strap act differently?You ever see what a stretched snapped chain can do? I've seen they launched threw windows, tailgates, headache racks, and even one over the headache rack and trough the windshield.
Straps give up the energy quickly and don't fly.
Lil Foot
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Lil Foot
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Yup, that's what I have seen. In fact, the scariest thing I've ever seen (related to this subject) is a strap & chain used in combo. The strap was stretched taut, then the chain broke… lots of energy stored there. The chain bent the tailgate of an F250 so badly it wouldn't open, and you could see the imprint of the strap's weave in the metal of the tailgate.
Daren Todd
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Wife was passing an 18 wheeler in little rock. Chain snapped on the load as she was going by. Chain flew over the car missing the roof by inches. Only thing it hit was the antennae. Went through the grill on the car behind her. Caved in the radiator and ruined the motor. Wife doesn't waste any time going past big rigs now.
Wife doesn't waste any time going past big rigs now.
This is what i mean, a three point attatchment to help with skidding,a shield of sorts to prevent damage to rear of tractor. There are all kinds.
Daren Todd
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