TomSeller
Super Member
I always worry about good brakes more than a big engine when towing. You can always go slower or use a lower gear, but when it comes to stopping, you need a truck set up with good brakes in good condition.
You are right, you can't have to much brakes.I always worry about good brakes more than a big engine when towing. You can always go slower or use a lower gear, but when it comes to stopping, you need a truck set up with good brakes in good condition.
I wanted to get some insight as to how everyone out there in "tractor land" loads and tows their tractor. I have a Kubota L3200 w/ BH 77 backhoe. I transport it on an 18 ft. dual axle trailer (no brakes on trailer) and I have found that if I back my tractor on the trailer instead of pulling it on forward, I actually put more weight towards the hitch, and axles which makes the tow a lot more stable. I do plan to get brakes on the trailer because I'm towing it with a 2004 Nissan Titan (5.6L v8) and althought it pulls it with no problems, it can be a little "hairy" at times when its time to stop. I posted these pics to see if anyone else has had my idea, and also wanted to note that even though the backhoe bucket extends over the front rail, I have had no problems with turn radius.....the bucket never gets close to the tailgate even in sharp turns.
Just wanted to chime in again and explain why I put more weight on the tongue. when I pulled the tractor on forwards (fel to the front), the trailer swayed pretty bad because the majority of the weight was on the back of the trailer (from mid-axle to rear end) this put the trailer in a tongue lifting position, and thus, made the trucks rear end very light (not good). when I put the tractor on as you see in the pictures it seemed to balance out perfectly. I havent done the math or anything, and since I posted this I am definately getting brakes on both axles before I tow again, but the Nissan Titan has a tow capacity of almost 10,000 pounds / heavy duty tow package, and the 4x4 suspension seems to hold the tractor and trailer very well. I may be missing something, and I am by far no expert on this, but any additional constructive ideas or comments are appreciated. I want to keep it safe, but it looks like I may be making some mistakes which I intend to correct asap! Thanks for all the feedback!:confused3:
I do the same thing except my ratchet straps are 3500# rating. Run one over the FEL arms and if transporting the backhoe, one goes around the dipper stick and bucket to hole that tight up against the tractor. The one on the FEL is fastened slightly to the rear of the attachment points while the back one is fastened slightly to the front of the attachment point.I chain my tractor with overkill 7,500 lbs chains and binders (rated at like 9,300 lbs), then use 1,500 lbs ratchet straps on the loader and whatever implement I have on the back.