Why is there a chain on PTO winch wires? (4 Viewers)

[Gubbtratt1]

What's the idea behind the ~90cm of chain between the wire and hook on older PTO winches?

Is it to wrap around objects and hook onto itself, just to protect the last bit of wire, or is there another reason? I believe I've seen the same on other really old winches.

 

[Wildcat Walker]

The chain is to hook around trees or whatever you're attaching to. There was no such thing as a tree saver in 1969.

 

[Gubbtratt1]

Makes sense, though 90cm doesn't allow for a very big tree. Is it useful in the modern world of various straps and shackles, or is it just coolness points?

 

[Wildcat Walker]

Makes sense, though 90cm doesn't allow for a very big tree. Is it useful in the modern world of various straps and shackles, or is it just coolness points?

If you're not going to use the winch, I would run it just to be more original. I do not use my original hook and chain, I just have a large hook on the end of my cable to which I attach a tree saver. One nice thing about using a tree saver is that if you break a shear pin and cant easily change it out, you can always cut the strap with a knife to release the winch tension.