A hundred-thousand lemmings hurl themselves off a cliff every year, so they can't be wrong, can they? I've also seen farmers choke a chain by twisting it, and that an absolute no-no too. Just because the farmers do it doesn't make it right, safe, or a good idea.
Under certain conditions, yes, chain makes sense. Look at a lot of what farmers DO with that chain: Log downed trees on the access roads, hoist things using the bucket of the tractor, etc. The key is the WAY in which they use that chain. Shock-loading a chain is NEVER a good idea. If one can take the slack out of the chain FIRST, then apply the load with a hydraulic system or by driving the tractor, then by all means, go for it. However, if one needs to TUG on the object being pulled, chains are the absolute LAST thing you want to use.
The bottom line is chains do not deal well with shock-loads under the BEST of circumstances, and that involves a properly connected chain with a master link on a bull-ring, no twists in the chain, no kinks, or other defects. One of the FIRST things they teach in any lifting and rigging class is NOT to shock-load the chains, and regular inspection is essential. (Regular inspection of a chain involves a link-by-link inspection of the weld integrity, chain alignment, link thickness in the root as well as looking for any obvious signs of abuse (gouges, nicks, and severe abrasions). I find it hard to believe anyone on here advocating the use of chain does those types of inspections. If it wouldn't pass an inspection to rig something to hoist, and it's not designed to take shock-loads, how could chain possibly be a good choice for recovering a stuck vehicle?
I know an electrician that used a similar phrase about working in electrical panels without arc-flash equipment. He now has permanent scarring on his left arm. Do as you see fit, but don't endanger others.
Again, look at the manner in which he used it. Took up the slack gently, THEN hoisted the vehicle, then backed out.
Absolutely NOT true. I've seen 7/8" grade-8 alloy-steel chains rated for 30,000 lbs on each leg snap like rubber bands because they weren't rigged properly, slipped, and jerked the chain while carrying a 12,000 lb load. The shock load sent the chain up through a piston bore and busted a guy's hand (who was foolishly holding the chain to guide the chain, but that's another issue). I also personally know a guy that lost his eye and a good chunk of the left side of his face to a chain just two months ago . The chain was properly rigged, but the load shifted, snapping the chain, and sending a chunk into his head. (Had it been 1/2" further to the side, doctors said he likely wouldn't have survived) In both cases, the chains had been inspected and certified less than a week before the incident, and both operators had visually inspected the chains before their use as required by company policy. Said policies are in place to help prevent this from happening, but even the best-laid plans don't always work.
Look up the info from ANY chain manufacturer, and that'll be one of the first things they tell you: DO NOT SHOCK LOAD OUR CHAINS. Chains are not designed to handle shock loads. They cannot stretch to absorb the ENERGY created by a 7000 lb truck moving. That's what straps are for.
For more good reading about chains and their proper use, go to
http://www.thecrosbygroup.com/2002edition/ASSETS/MetricPDF/M7_Chain&Accessories.pdf
From page 3 of that publication, accent added:
For more good info on proper rigging of chains, see
http://www.thecrosbygroup.com/productcatalog/maininterface.htm
-Joe
edit: PS: Oldmech, I don't want you to think I'm picking on you.... It's nothing personal, I just disagree with you, that's all.
:chug