Hauling Tractor Safely?

[Steelfan]

I'm quite new to being a Compact Tractor Owner, so please excuse my questions. I recently bought a TC21D with Fel, and MMM. The dealer told me the Tractor with all attachments on it will be around 2800 LBs. First does anyone know if this is close? I did some math, but wanted to know if I left anything out. I come up with 2765 which is very close to what the dealer said. I've got a 6'X12' Loadrite Trailer with single axle on it. On the paper work it says its good for 3000LBs. The trailer is rated by the state at 2000LBs. Being a Truckdriver I know that I'm overweight if I were pulled over for weighting purposes. I've hauled 3000 lbs of coal with no problem. Now the real concern I have is Securing the Tractor on the trailer. I have one big military tiedown, similar to those used on Flatbeds. I'm buying 2 more tiedowns to help, but I'm not sure how heavy to go. I'd like to make sure that I'm not bothered by the police for not securing the tractor properly. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks Kent

[skent]

If it were my TC21, I would opt to trade or buy up to a two axle trailer with brakes on at least one axle.

Hauling 3000 pounds of coal has a low center of gravity.

If u blow a tire, all you end up with is coal in the road and u fix the tire and pick up the coal.

Hauling a 2700 pound tractor and u blow a tire, u don't just pick up the tractor. (and i'm guessing the tractor costs more!)

[Steelfan]

You've got a great point there. I paid $1300 for this trailer. I could probably have done better for my money with a two axle. Although at the time I had no idea, that I'd be hauling a Tractor with it. I had 2 garden tractor fit fine on it. Thanks for your honesty Steve..... Kent

[Von]

Kent, I think stepping up to a bigger trailer is the smart thing to do. I use two grade 70 5/16" chains with load binders to secure the tractor to trailer. (see photo) I think chain is better than straps, as it won't cut like a strap can. I use a 16' trailer and have no problems with the tractor with FEL and rotory cutter on.

[Von]

Sorry, wrong name on photo and it didn't work. Will try again.

[Steelfan]

Thanks Von. That's a great setup. I'm going to check into a two axle trailer. I never thought of the cutting thing with the straps. Do you use 2 chains or am I missing some?? Thanks Kent

[Von]

Kent, Yes, two chains. One in front and one on the rear. I now have two ratchet binders instead of the lever type. They do a much better job. I was using these old binders and chain that my grandfather gave me years ago. Age and grade was unknown, broke a binder one day when loading it up. Thought this is nuts, have $18K invested in tractor and am too cheap to spend $100.00 to secure it right. So got what I needed and now I don't have to worry when I trailer the tractor anywhere.

[RobS]

You're getting some good advice here. Regarding the nylon straps, I have two and prefer them at the front as there is less chance of scratching my tractor. I use chain at the rear. I also carry a couple of carpet scraps to pad the strap anywhere it is likely to be cut. Congratulations on your new tractor [img]/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[PaulinSD]

I bought a 16' t/a axle trailer for my tractors. It's rated at 7000# GVW, and I haul about 3600# max weight. It has brakes on both axles, bought it new for $1800. I chain the 955 on each side, the 1050 is chained front and rear. I'd rather use the ratchet binders than the current lever binders.

Paul

[PaulinSD]

Here's one with the 955 on the trailer.

Paul