Truck vs. Stump, strap loses - When I did some landscaping today for a customer, I came across a really stubborn evergreen shrub that wouldn't come out with conventional methods ...

When I did some landscaping today for a customer, I came across a really stubborn evergreen shrub that wouldn't come out with conventional methods (dynamite, shovel, ax, C4), so hooked up my truck to my tow strap, and wrapped it around the shrub. I was on the customer's lawn, so I couldn't really unleash my LQ4 under the hood- I just gave it a little slack, and tried to jerk it out. Dang, that little shrub held my truck after about 20 jerks! That's right, 6000 Lbs, held in place by a little 30 year old stump.

I then popped it in 4Lo, and after I had some tension on the strap, I gave it a little gas, and increased the pressure, until SNAP the strap broke (both hooks were secured, so it wasn't a big deal). The strap was only rated to 5,000 pounds, so I was overloading it, especially by jerking it (never did get that shrub out!). My question is, what's best for towing- chains, or straps? Straps are so nice and light, but I'm guessing it boils down to what the strap\chain is rated to.

just get a real strong strap. some streatch and give an extra jerk to help get the other guy out!

In my opinion, all things considered, I think the strap is best. The instructions also tell you that you should have a coat or something over the strap so IF it breaks, the recoil energy can be obsorbed by the coat. Also in my opinion, pulling out deep rooted shrubs is pretty hard on a truck, after all, you DO have a chain in the transfer case too! Ahem.

Tow STRAP all the way. if you have a Tractor Supply nearby Star they
carry some nice straps 2", 3" & 4" width in different lenghts. I've got two of
them and they are tough.

Years ago I was helping my father clear some brush and we tried to yank
a crabapple tree out with a tractor and chain. Gave the chain a good shot
and it broke. I had the imprint of the links in my back for about a day!

Chebby

Each has their on specialty and there are many variables. Chains have more strength for pulling and they dont stretch, but if you jerk a chain its gonna break and cause a lot of damage. One thing that is imperative when using a strap is making sure there are zero twists. If there are any the strap will wear against itself and cause premature failure. If you are only going to carry one, a strap is ideal because its more "multi-purpose". A tow rope, which is what is sounds like you had because it had hooks, is between a chain and tow strap. They are convenient because of the hooks, you dont have to carry around extra stuff like a clevis and such. As with everything else, there is no "best". The "best" thing is to have one of each. Hope this helps a little.

Thanks, guys. I'll probably look for a 7500 or 10,000 lb. strap... and what do you know, I just got some awesome coupons in the mail for Northern Tool!. I guess the main thing that I use them for, anyway, is towing stuck Toyotas and F***s in the winter .

Here's the result of my failed attempt:

If you want something for pulling out stuck vehicles there is no better rope on the market than this kinetic rope from masterpull > http://www.masterpull.com/cpage.cfm?cpid=425

A little find I made of all places was target a few years ago is called the Smart Strap. They produce a few different things, but my find was a retractable tow strap. It has a plastic center house that the strap sucks back into twisting around a center key. But the best part is it wraps itself back up and keeps all the nice crap inside the case. For the mostpart it stays clean due to the fact that it doesn't drag in the mud at all it always has a little bit of tension on it. Proper use and care of straps will lead to a signifigantly longer and more productive life.

Qualifications to say this: I have broken many straps and chains in my day

http://www.smartstraps.com/products/tow ... table.aspx
Ps. I don't use this for jerking stumps and other crap out of the ground, plus I have found leverage is a huge benefit to the process

or you can do this