Do you use steel hooks on end of chipper winch line?

[CookForester]

I have several Morbark M18R with a winch line to bring material to feed table. The chance of the metal hook getting caught in material is so easy if the lever is on freewheel instead of lock. Its happened twice in 8 years... once causing significant damage and once minor. But Im worried about people getting hurt so I want to get rid of metal hooks. I have cut hooks off and gone to an aluminum carabiner and a choker sling.

What do you use? What are my options?