Chains have been used for thousands of years to pull up stumps. Even with the advent of modern technology, this age-old practice seems just to be getting material upgrades with generally the same working principle.
There are different grades of chains out there, with each grade made to serve a small range of applications. The type of task determines the grade of a chain, the weight limits ensured by the constituent elements, and the location of use of the chain.
So If you are wondering what grade chain works best to remove stumps, then this article is a threat for you!
The straight answer is this! Grade 70 chains are the most suitable for pulling stumps, as they are 25% stronger than the Grade 43 chains. Although much stronger Grades of chains exist, like the Grade 100 and the stainless-steel types, the Grade 70 chains are ideal for an efficiency-price balance, and simply getting a stronger chain would be overpaying for the same results.
If you want to learn more about this subject, consider reading to the end.
What are the Different Grades of chains used to remove stumps?
When choosing the right chain for the job, one of the most important aspects to consider is its grade.
The chain grade summarizes several features that make the chain suitable for some applications but not for others. A graded chain is made to serve specific applications, and the grade is determined by:
- The task
- Weight limits
- Location
Here are some of the most common chain grades out there and their most common applications.
Grade 30 Chain
Grade 30 chain is commonly used in agricultural, residential, and industrial applications. This grade is made of durable carbon steel and has the lowest tensile strength of any chain grade.
Although it should not be used for heavy-duty hauling or overhead lifting, it is frequently used for the following tasks:
- Lashings and tie-downs for cargo.
- Walking pathways with chain guard rails.
- Crowd control apparatus.
- Components of playground equipment.
- Vehicles tow chains for lightweights
Grade 40 Chain
The grade 40 chain has a larger carbon content than the Grade 30 chain and has a higher tensile strength. While the strength is comparable to the Grade 43 chain, the chain-link diameters are smaller.
It is typically used n boat windlasses, but it is also employed in mines, oil drilling areas, lumber yards, and OEM factories.
This chain, like Grade 30, is not suitable for overhead lifting.
Grade 43 Chain
Grade 43 chain is constructed with higher carbon steel and has the same strong values as grade 40 chain, but its chain links are longer.
Because of its increased strength, this grade can meet DOT criteria for use as tie-downs in the transportation sector.
While it is not suitable for overhead lifting operations such as Grade 30 and 40, it is suitable for fastening logging loads for on-road transport and vehicle towing.
Grade 70 Chain
A grade 70 chain is made with heat-treated carbon steel, making it about 20% stronger than the Grade 43 chain. This grade has a yellow chromate gold plating finish, making it different from the rest.
It is commonly used to secure heavier loads for on-road transport. It is also commonly used in pulling stumps and towing, particularly in situations requiring a chain with more strength than Grade 43.
Despite having much greater tensile strength than lesser classes, this chain is not recommended for use in overhead lifting applications.
Grade 80 Chain
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has authorized a Grade 80 chain for use in overhead lifting applications because it is completely built for safety.
This grade is made of heat-treated alloy steel and can be protected with a black armor coating to increase durability and service life.
It is particularly intended for heavy-duty hauling and overhead lifting.
Grade 100 Chain
Grade 100 chain is also designed for excellent strength and is certified for overhead lifting applications.
While the heat-treated alloy steel used in Grade 100 is roughly 25% stronger than Grade 80, some complaints of lower tensile strength at low temperatures have been reported.
Furthermore, the material hardness lowers interior wear on the links, resulting in longer service life.
Stainless Steel Types 304 and 316 Chain
Manufacturers use stainless steel and carbon steel to build chains that are more corrosion-resistant.
They frequently use 304 and 316 stainless steel grades, which have a larger carbon content than other stainless steel alloys and, as a result, a higher tensile strength.
WLLs for stainless steel chains vary according to chain size, with load capabilities ranging from 375 pounds to 23,000 pounds.
What is the best grade chain for pulling stumps?
The key to finding the chain best suited for an application is understanding how it will be used, how it is expected to perform, and the factors—such as weight and pressure—acting on it and its effects.
These considerations determine the type of chain, including size and strength, that accommodates the requirements and restrictions of the particular application.
The most commonly used chain grade for pulling stumps is the Grade 70 chain. It is about 25% stronger than the lower Grade 43, and this enhanced strength makes it most suitable for logging.
The higher-grade chains could also be used, but in our opinion, that would be an overbuy, taking up all the extra cost to deliver just as much result as the Grade 70.
How to Choose the Best Chain For Pulling Stumps
Now, having established the chain grade most appropriate for pulling stumps, all remains to purchase the grade and the tons of manufacturers out there.
So, how do you choose which brand is best for you? Here are eight key factors to consider in choosing the particular chain to purchase.
Tensile strength
Chains are scored from 1 to 100, with 100 being the strongest. Chains are rated according to their tensile strength and the force an item can withstand before breaking.
A chain’s strength improves as the grade number increases.
A 3/8 G30 chain, for example, is ideal for agricultural applications, such as chaining down a small garden tractor on a trailer.
A 3/8 G30 is not a suitable choice for pulling stumps. A 3/8 G70 or 3/8 G80 chain would be preferable.
Working Load Limit
The working load limit specifies how much effort the chain can withstand before snapping.
A 3/8 chain with a Grade 30 grade has a breaking strength of 2,650 lbs. A 3/8 chain with a Grade 70 grade has a breaking strength of 6,600 lbs.
The weight differential is 3,950 pounds. I will always err on the side of caution rather than risk causing harm.
A thicker chain has a higher operating load limit. For example, a 5/16 Grade 43 chain has a working load limit of 3,900 lbs, but a 3/8 G43 chain has a working load limit of 5,400 lbs.
Price
It is essential to examine the pricing of a decent product to avoid overpaying for it.
If you can’t afford an expensive item and would rather buy something cheaper or wait for a discount, remember that quality can sometimes be more important than price!
Shoppers should remember that not everything is affordable, no matter how low the prices appear, so always read carefully before purchasing anything new online.
Brand
There is a lot of disagreement over which brands are worth investing in regarding fashion.
Some people believe that major or well-known brands have higher quality products because you know exactly how your purchase will turn out if they sell durable goods from time-tested designers with established reputable names like Ralph Lauren and Nike Inc.
In contrast, others prefer buying unknown brands where anything can happen. After all, no one has tried them before, so nothing would be lost even if something goes wrong during delivery, and so on.
Whichever route you take, be deliberate and think it through.
Function
What qualities do you want in a logging chain? Will the one that is right for you be able to do all of these jobs like an expert and with ease?
Suppose it doesn’t, don’t believe its claims! Examine product descriptions carefully and always perform some research before making a purchase.
Customer Reviews
Reading through client testimonials is one of the most excellent methods to determine if a purchase is good for you regarding product quality.
When purchasing items online such as this one, you should consider both positive and negative reviews so that they can provide all advantages and side effects. For All Budgets!
Customer Care
When purchasing things, you should carefully read the company’s policies. Check to see whether they’re dependable, and if something goes wrong, will you still be able to receive help?
Warranty
Finally, a warranty is essential for every large purchase. It’s crucial with expensive products because you can’t afford to repurchase them if something goes wrong within the first month.
If manufacturers do not have faith in the quality of their products after selling them, consider their hesitation to be a cause not to trust them and jump ship before matters worsen!
Thanks for reading till the end. We hope you learned.
