Roller Chain Sizing on Homebuilt...Cable?

[Trent]

I'm getting my rails in place today. The band saw "cutting head" assembly is done. I would consider using cable to pull it down the tracks, but am afraid I won't be able to pull with equal tension on both right and left sides. Assuming I go with the roller chain, I need help figuring out what size to use. The traveling assembly rolls on rails with vee grove wheels, and weighs about 700 lbs. Do I have to worry about the chain stretching? The Roller chain will be driven with a hydraulic motor. Thanks for your help, the forum has been great.

[KGNC]

Sounds like your only load will just be whats required to pull the saw through log. A pair of #35 roller chains should be fine. The next size up is a #40 and would work if you want something a little heavier. The chain might have a small amount of stretch but it should  be near equal on both sides.

[highpockets]

I went with 50 pitch and am happy with it.  Besides I had goobs of 50 pitch sprockets.

[wiam]

I use #41 and feed from one side.  It is the same pitch as #40  but it is lighter chain.  I figured it did no need alot because I used to push it and I had almost enough #41.  #41 is also about $10 a box cheaper.

Will

[KGNC]

The #35 and #41 chain are rated for about the same loads. Both have a tensile strength of about  2,500 lbs. The # 40 is at 4,200 lbs.
Any of these would work for your application. You need to make sure you have some method of limiting the torque on your HYdraulic motor.

[Dangerous_Dan]

I used a single strand of 35 chain on my homemade chainsaw mill to pull the carrage.
My new swingmill I used 40 chain to suspend the carrage. 1/2 inch pitch made the setworks/gearbox math easy.
I just got a big pile of 40 chain at the scrapyard. I think I have some sprockets with friction type torque limiters too.

[flip]

#40-The sprockets seem easier to come buy in my area. 

Flip