I was wondering if someone could let me know what size chain they think is best for pulling out bushes and tree stumps. I'd appreciate some advice before I burn some more money. Thanks.

 

You won't be pulling out any real big stumps, I can tell you that. I've pulled out logustrums that had a pretty extensive root system. The key is to get the ground soaking wet for a couple of hours prior to doing the pulling. Makes it much easier.

For shrubs and bushes, I used a double length of 1/2 inch poly rope. Just make very sure that no one is behind you in case the rope breaks. That could be very dangerous.

 

No... I didn't plan to pull out any big stumps. Just some smaller ones that are mostly dug up before I start. I'd rather use chain than rope just because I'm sure its stronger and won't fray like rope could.

 

Just a word of caution: If the chain should snap, it will go right through your window. Use nylon rope instead. I was using a Bobcat to remove a Lilac bush and had placed a can of beer on a wall. The nylon slipped and lashed out and shreadded the can as well as through it about 30' out in the street. My Dad was standing nearby. Had he been a little closer he would'nt have any legs today. ennis

 

I've seen the offroad guys drape heavy blankets over their winch lines in order to the reduce whipping effect if they should snap. Could easily trash your tailgate, rear window, or skull!

 

When nylon rope snaps, it packs a whallop. Beastrider has the right idea. Use a heavy polypropylene rope instead. When they break, they don't release nearly the amount of energy nylon does. The only thing wrong with poly rope is it tends to be slippery, although you should be able to find some that has a rough outside texture. These are usualy black.

 

getcha one of these

 

If I had the money, I would.

 

Around the farm we use log chain. The links are made out of 1/2" steel. A 25' chain wieghs in at around 50lbs. We routinely use these chains to pull out large stumps with tractors, pull out buried tractors in the field, and to pull start 10 ton tractors when we have to. In 20 some years we have not even come close to breaking one of these chains.

 

You will be fine to use a heavy chain. Just drape something (a jacket, blanket, etc) over the middle of it. Make sure it will stay. What this will do is absorb the energy if the chain breaks. I have always done this and it has payed off for me.

A couple years ago I was loading tree trash from a work site. One of our MACK tandems got stuck while fully loaded. I took a HEAVY logging chain we HAD and hooked it to his front hook, then to my 963. I wrapped my insulated flannel shirt around the chain and tied the sleeves. Eased back and started pulling real easy. I not only had to pull him up a grade, but also he was turning. Just as we were starting to make progress the chain snapped about 2/3 of the way from my loader. The chain simply dropped where it was.

We had to go back to the shop and get a 20' section of cable that finally worked.

 

I will be needing to pull some small trees also (not stumps).
I was thinking of using a long towing strap (about 25 ft.)
Not sure what to use the attach to the trees, then to the strap.
Trees woun't be much more than 1 1/2 inches in dia. maybe 2 inches.
Have any ideas??

 

I remember pulling a car out of a snow bank with a chain a long time ago. The truck gave one last try to jerk it out. The chain snapped and went through the car's back window. The chain flew pretty much in a straight line. Good thing, I was standing (supervising) about 10 feet away.

 

Poly rope works real good. We pulled out stumps and bushes in our 4.6l with the poly rope, never snapped once. The truck was going sideways as it couldnt get traction lol

 

umm...

chain/rope is really dangerous. I suggest using steel cable, it's much stronger, and resistant to breaking. Plus, it doesn't matter where you stand, if it breaks, there will be damage. I prefer using a lil come-allong instead of my truck, you can do it much slower, and more gradually.