New transport (what size chain)

[afish]

Picked up my new to me trailer yesterday pretty excited I think I got a good deal 5k# Dexter easy lube axles 20' diamond plate deck slide out ramps everything seems to be working needs a plug in one tire and have to extend the chains by the hitch and a coat of paint for the deck and fenders she will be looking good. My question is since I have never transported my tractor before What size chain should I get? I know it has to be grade 70 and whats the best way to chain it down and attach at the tractor? Should I use a separate chain at each corner or use one of those V-chain bridals with those large J hooks Anyone have any pics of there tractor chained down on there trailer

thanks in advance

[kennyd]

My opinion here:

3/8" G70 chain at four corners with ratchet binders.

[MrJimi]

Very nice trailer, get some RustOleum Primer and a wire brush then let it cure overnite then put a some gloss black and you will be more than impressed with your results.
3/8 chain is good and make sure your brakes work great
Have fun and good luck, I have pictures of the one I did in my gallery, take a look at them trailer pictures here

[em14]

Check this site out ... lots of good info on chains here. Look at the "References" Chain, Chain Supplies, Binder Chains, Lifting Slings and Hooks
Leo

[afish]

Originally Posted by kennyd

My opinion here:

3/8" G70 chain at four corners with ratchet binders.

Are you saying I need 4 binders? I was thinking 2 in the front and just chain with no binder in the rear or is that wrong?

[em14]

Here is all you ever wanted to know about tieing down a load ... http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/cargo/cs-policy.pdf

[George2615]

According to Em14's post a tractor under 10K fits in section 393.128 which requires a minimum of 1 front and 1 back restraint. I agree with Kenny on using one at each corner.

[swines]

You need 4 separate chains - two on the front and two on the rear. The chains should be crossed to opposite sides of the trailer to provide a better tie-down angle.

If you have a back hoe, the hoe unit is supposed to be tied down separately across the bucket so it can't swing in case the boom lock comes loose.

Depending upon the size of your tractor, 3/8-chain is pretty much overkill.

5/16 grade 70 chain is rated at 4700 lbs and is about 40% less than 3/8-inch.

Best binders are the SSC Quikbinders.Tarpstopｮ Chain Binders - Ratchet Binders and Lever Binders for Grade70 Chains, Cargo Tie-Down

Also, look at the chain on the same website.

[swines]

Originally Posted by George2615

According to Em14's post a tractor under 10K fits in section 393.128 which requires a minimum of 1 front and 1 back restraint.

Tell that to the DOT guy or state transportation guy that only knows 4 separate chains and doesn't have a ready copy of the state and/or fed regs .... much easier to over secure than try and argue you're right.

Had an NMDOT guy come over an inspect my tie down at a rest stop....he just smiled, and then asked about my tractor....

[firemanpat2910]

I wont get into the tie down discussion, but dont paint it realy shiny and slick. When you go to load in the rain with some oil spilled on that metal deck you will wish it was old and rusty, maybe sprinkle some sand ito the paint?