Chains Chains or straps?

[20 20]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with using the PROPER straps, just make sure of wear points. I have used straps for years with out 1 issue. Make sure everything is tight, check load often, and make sure the starps are not rubbing on something that will cause a tear. Most issue come from loose bindings, or not checking the load after it has had a chance to shift some.

 

[94BULLITT]

When you load the tractor always load down hill. Also I do not know what kind of trailer you have but some the ramps have contact points on the to hit the ground to keep the back of the trailer from going down and the back of the truck from going off of the ground. If your ramps do not have those you should put some wood blocks under the back corners of the trailer to keep it from picking the truck up.

 

[kc5sii]

Either works just fine. Just don't mix them. In other words, never hook a chain to a strap. The slingshot effect can do serious damage. Kind of like never oiling an O2 bottle. Just don't do it.

Dave

 

[Dmace]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with using the PROPER straps, just make sure of wear points. I have used straps for years with out 1 issue.

So how many major accidents have you been in where you had a tractor strapped to a trailer with just straps...?

I rode a motorcycle for years with no helmet with no issues but I guarantee one accident could have done plenty of damage that a helmet would have prevented. Prepare for the accident, not for the ride!

 

[bearcreek paul]

I brought my tractor from ct. 170 mi chains and straps,also like the others said check them after your on the road for 15 min to see nothing is loose.

 

[boggen]

small light weight stuff i will use straps. heavy stuff i will break out the chains.

the time i don't prepare for the worst. is when it hits me every time.

and at very min, i have to slam on the brakes at least once. because some numb nut cuts directly in front of me and does a quick braking and turns in some place.

if it not someone slamming on the brakes in front of me. then it would be having to get over on the shoulder of the road. and hit the worst possible spot with all the pot holes and bumps.

i honestly don't like straps myself. i mean there nice and easy but at times they can be as much of a pain than chains and binders/ratchets. and i have had them come loose, but not completely fall off. but pretty close to falling off. and the slack came from most of the time, is the load shifting and moving.

recently went and picked up some culvert pipe for the farm. mom asked me to take the back roads. I just laughed and shocked my head no. back roads = smaller lanes, very bad shoulders, and majority of the back roads at least this time of year are all cracked and bumpy. for me it was a lot safer taking the main roads and highway. due to less things that would cause the load (culverts) from trying to shift some how on me and straps coming loose.

granted there is more traffic to deal with. but as long as i held to the "stop lights" and 4 way stops. i was in better shape.

 

[Storm56]

Chains and binders hands down on my tractors. Straps OK for attachments. Check for tightness after a few miles.

 

[TRR]

Chains last longer than straps because straps get abraded (sp? i.e. cut) where they go over sharp corners. Also, you probably should use transport grade chains. I know the DOT requires transport grade chains (G70) and a certain number of chains based on weight. But, if anyone can tell me why 3/8" proof coil chain rated at 2650# WL wouldn't be safe for a 2000# tractor I'd be interested in the answer.

 

[Dmace]

But, if anyone can tell me why 3/8" proof coil chain rated at 2650# WL wouldn't be safe for a 2000# tractor I'd be interested in the answer.

Because when that 2000lb tractor is in motion (ie: accident, hard braking), the momentum makes that 2000lb tractor a 4000lb force on the chains.

 

[IXLR8]

Chains last longer than straps because straps get abraded (sp? i.e. cut) where they go over sharp corners. Also, you probably should use transport grade chains. I know the DOT requires transport grade chains (G70) and a certain number of chains based on weight. But, if anyone can tell me why 3/8" proof coil chain rated at 2650# WL wouldn't be safe for a 2000# tractor I'd be interested in the answer.

F=ma
If the tractor was not moving... you would be fine. The faster you start/stop, the higher the force. An abrupt move or accident at 40mph the force that the 2000# tractor would create would easily exceed the rating on the 2650# chains.