Choker cable size for a D2???

5/8" is minimum Hyster Spec required for the D2 winch, 440 feet. and 305 feet of 3/4" is also used. Line pull, bare drum is 14,000 lbs, full drum is 6,600 lbs.

Wow, I was way off with my guess. I see local logger sometimes using 1/2 inch and thought that was more than I needed. I dont have a winch on my D2, so it will only be the horsepower and traction making the strain, so I may go with 1/2 inch. I dont recall what drawbar pull is supposed to be on a D2 5U but shock load can add to the actual working load. I am learning. Thanks, Grant.

I cant find the drawbar pull in the new operators manual I just bought for the 5u. I am heading for the ranch and have several J model D2 manuals to look thru. If anyone has the drawbar pull, I would appreciate seeing it.
I think that I will get on the Bailys email list. Looks like lots of good information. Grant.

Overkill?
Do not sacrifice your safety and safey of others.
Straight pulls without any kiinks or bends are different than what you may experience pulling logs.
Nothing cuts through everthing in the path like a cable under tension when it fails!

Many stories of high-line logging, cat logging where cables have caught or broken, results are not pretty.
Just my humble opinion.
cts

Early D2's had 5690 lbs. drawbar pull and later D2's had 7250 lbs. drawbar pull.

ROME, thank you. That is much higher than I expected. I will be going to the larger size. Probably 5/8. I will call my logger friend tomorrow and see what he uses behind his D4.
Thanks to all. Grant.

i use a chain. you can easily buy rated drag chain from most auto stores look in the off road accessories. and it usually comes in a nice carry bag and has a proper hercalloy loop to attach it to your draw bar.

just remember the load MUST always go into the back of the hook as this is where its strong and made to take load.
if you double the chain back on itself it will grab tight and not let go ive had upto 3 logs under tow with the same choker loop
chains tend to fall dead unlike rope or cables.