Proper securing of tractor while trailering

[netwayne]

Did a quick search and I am sure this has been talked on here before but wanted to get some advice on proper use of tie downs. I am getting ready to trailer our JD 2305 which weighs about 1500 lbs. I currently own 1000 lb rated ratchet style tie downs and thought I would use 4 of them to secure the tractor but although I may be able to "get away" with it, I decided to do this post to get some opinions before proceeding. I know in larger applications, chains are pretty prevalent.

I am borrowing the trailer of a neighbor who owns a larger Deere and he might have heavier duty tie downs or chains but thought I would ask for future use.

Thanks for the replies!

 

[PoorPlowboy]

A vehicle crash is a "shock load" and will pop those nylons every time. Chains (grade 70) are much safer.

 

[whistlepig]

I prefer chains. Nylon stretches more than chains. Stretching allows bouncing.

 

[KennyG]

Although the pros prefer chains, I use straps for my 2320 and it seems to work pretty well for lightweight tractors. The problem I see with your plan is using 1000 lb straps. I wouldn't trust those to be anywhere near true capacity. For the equipment, I use the 2", 3000 lb working load straps (usually 4). I have a bunch of 1", 1000 lb straps but I use them only for cargo, not equipment.

 

[aczlan]

Although the pros prefer chains, I use straps for my 2320 and it seems to work pretty well for lightweight tractors. The problem I see with your plan is using 1000 lb straps. I wouldn't trust those to be anywhere near true capacity. For the equipment, I use the 2", 3000 lb working load straps (usually 4). I have a bunch of 1", 1000 lb straps but I use them only for cargo, not equipment.

Same thoughts here. I have Erickson 10,000 lb. Ratchet Strap, 2 in. x 27 ft. - 3018109 | Tractor Supply Company for our BX2660/B7500 and as long as you keep them from rubbing on anything sharp, they will hold well and can be used for tieing down lighter things.

Aaron Z

 

[whistlepig]

Experience is the best teacher. If you use the nylon straps and they work well for you the nylon is certainly safe. There is no doubt about that. In my experience the nylon straps had a tendency to work themselves and loosen on long hauls. The chains seem to stay tight for me. Also, around the farm, chains are a pretty handy thing to have.

 

[George2615]

I prefer chains. Under 10,000 lbs technically only requires one in front and one in back. I always secure my tractor with 4 chains (one at each corner) plus straps or chains for implements that may be on front or rear.

 

[Ken45101]

First of all, are the "1000 pound straps" the working load limit, or the breaking load limit? Most of the time, it's the breaking load limit and that far exceeds the safe load limit (usually by a factor of 5?)

Although I don't think a 1500 pound tractor falls into federal regulation territory, it's still wise to follow those rules. Four 1000 pound rated (working load limit) straps would meet safety rules. IIRC, each strap must be rated at 2/3rds of the total weight AND must be in good condition.

IMO, it's also a function of how and where you are towing the tractor. If you are just occasionally going five miles at 25 mph to the dealer for service on empty back, flat roads, that's different from hauling it 100 miles over hills and curves or Interstate highways at 65 mph.

Ken

 

[bigtiller]

Same thoughts here. I have Erickson 10,000 lb. Ratchet Strap, 2 in. x 27 ft. - 3018109 | Tractor Supply Company for our BX2660/B7500 and as long as you keep them from rubbing on anything sharp, they will hold well and can be used for tieing down lighter things.

Aaron Z

That is just like the straps I use with my 2305. To make them easier to use, I cut the strap down from 27 feet to 10 feet long. One on each corner! To avoid the chafing problem with straps I bolted an eye-bolt to all four corners of the 2305 for the "J" hook to slip into. I also use a 12 inch long chain on the other end of the strap to tie to the rub-rail stake slot.

That way the strap stays straight and never rubs on anything. These straps are about $20 each but you can catch them on sale for 12 to 16 dollars.

This is the way I tie down weather I am going around town or down the interstate.

 

[schmism]

chain here

5/16 front through the frame bumper

3/8 rear through a 7/8" D ring in the draw bar hole.

 

[hrcarver]

I thought bare minimum was 4 chains on the corners?

 

[bigtiller]

I thought bare minimum was 4 chains on the corners?

I am with you on tying all 4 corners down but I don't think chain is necessary with a 1500 pound lawn mower.

I don't think 1 inch straps are nearly enough either. But with slow short trips and a lot of luck a person MAY get lucky and be okay at the end of the trip. I used the small straps for too long before I finally quit relying on my luck and started using the 10,000 bursting strength straps.

 

[Ken45101]

The Federal requirements for commercial interstate tie downs can be read at
Cargo Securement Rules - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Although it does not legally apply to non commercial use, it is a good guideline.

BTW, 2" nylon straps have a working load limit (WLL) of 2000 pounds. 4" straps are rated at 4000#.

For vehicles under 10,000 pounds:

Automobiles, light trucks, and vans must be restrained at both the front and rear to prevent lateral, forward, rearward, and vertical movement using a minimum of two tiedowns.

I take that to mean two ties downs at the front and two at the rear.

As for the rating of the tie downs:

Issue 4: & sect;393.106(d) - Determining the aggregate working load limits for tiedowns.

Agency Policy: The aggregate working load limit of tiedowns used to secure an article or group of articles against movement must be at least one-half times the weight of the article or group of articles. The aggregate working load limit is the sum of:

1. One-half the working load limit of each tiedown that goes from an anchor point on the vehicle to an attachment point on an article of cargo; and
2. The working load limit for each tiedown that goes from an anchor point on the vehicle, through, over or around the cargo and then attaches to another anchor point on the vehicle.

Ken

 

[bigtiller]

BTW, 2" nylon straps have a working load limit (WLL) of 2000 pounds. 4" straps are rated at 4000#.
Ken

That may be a good rule in general but my 2 inch straps have a tag that says 3300 pound working load limit. That is probably what the DOT will be looking for if I ever get stopped.

 

[Ken45101]

That may be a good rule in general but my 2 inch straps have a tag that says 3300 pound working load limit. That is probably what the DOT will be looking for if I ever get stopped.

Well, as long as they are marked "working load limit", that's good. But many are marketed as 5,000# or some such number but that's that breaking strength, NOT the WLL. That's a very critical difference!

As for DOT, you probably are not under their jurisdiction if you are not commercial (it may vary state to state.)

Ken

 

[derek01]

When my Tractor was delivered I noticed the driver had 2straps on the front and 2 straps on the back I asked why and he replied when hauling over the road DOT requires 4 straps total 2 front and 2 rear and he had been ticketed for only using 1 front and 1 back. Since then I have been using 4 straps as he said all 3000#. better to be over done then under.

 

[Diamondpilot]

For me personally I use my 4 6' car tie down straps rated at 10,000# each with a Safe Work Load of 3,333#.

I also have 4 of the 27' straps listed above.

For over 10,000# I use chains and boomers.

Chris

 

[QRTRHRS]

The Federal requirements for commercial interstate tie downs can be read at
Cargo Securement Rules - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Although it does not legally apply to non commercial use, it is a good guideline.

Ken

One could argue over your statement, "Although it does not legally apply to non commercial use, it is a good guideline."

Were you to have an accident, there would be no arguement. You would likely be charged with not having a properly secured load.

 

[whodat526]

just throw a rope across it and go

but really u should atleast put two chains on the tractor and if it has a loader and a bushhog put one on each of them and if going long distances used a chain on every corner crossing them with the front chains pulling backwards and the back chains pulling forward

 

[whodat526]

and it is all in what you are hauling as to the minimum of tie downs you need if hauling something trailer lenght you must have one every 8ft and if not trailer lenght must have two per item you are hauling