Strapping it Down!

[Grizz262]

Hi All,
First time trailing the Orange 3400 with a backhoe, and need some advice. Truck can handle it, trailer is made for it, but where do you strap it down? To which points of the tractor? Or, do you recommend chains only with tension bars? Remember, it's going to have the backhoe, and the FEL on it.....

 

[RedNeckRacin]

Well, I would only recommend the chains for the physical tractor. The attachments just need strapped down. Find a good solid point on the machine and strap it down. I usually use the axles on the rear of my L3400 and there is a gap in the frame on the front of mine that I grab ahold of.

 

[Soundguy]

check dot regs. many states follow fed regs.

lotsa places like 1+1 tie down for each 10' of load, with each attached implement getting it's own strap . for corner tie doens on axles, many allow 1 chain if you have 2 binders so that if on side comes loose, the other doesn't.

for safety. check, and remember.. more is better.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

That machine is under 10,000lbs so he should be good with the 4 chains and one strap for each implement

 

[George2615]

That machine is under 10,000lbs so he should be good with the 4 chains and one strap for each implement

That's what I use.

Grizz, I bolted D-rings to the front side frame of my tractor and a large twisted clevis on the rear draw bar for tie down points.

 

[DuckSlayer1017]

Here are the regulations if anyone wants to know. Unless your tractor weighs over 10,000 lbs follow the rules under 393.128. The top two paragraphs are a summary of the two regulations that apply for tractors. The bottom paragraph is the regulations that apply to must of us with a compact tractor that weighs less than 10,000 lbs.

Cargo Securement Rules | Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

393.128 - Automobiles, Light Trucks and Vans
This portion of the new standards applies to the transportation of automobiles, light trucks, and vans which individually weight 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) or less. Vehicles which individually are heavier than 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) must be secured in the same manner as heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery (see the rules under /393.126).

393.130 - Heavy Vehicles, Equipment and Machinery
These requirements are applicable to the transportation of heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery which operate on wheels or tracks, such as front end loaders, bulldozers, tractors and power shovels and which individually weigh 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) or more. Vehicles, equipment and machinery which is lighter than 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) may be secured in accordance with these rules, the rules for automobiles, light trucks and vans, or the general freight requirements.

§ 393.128: What are the rules for securing automobiles, light trucks and vans?

(a) Applicability. The rules in this section apply to the transportation of automobiles, light trucks, and vans which individually weigh 4,536 kg. (10,000 lb) or less. Vehicles which individually are heavier than 4,536 kg (10,000 lb) must be secured in accordance with the provisions of § 393.130 of this part.
(b) Securement of automobiles, light trucks, and vans. (1) 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.
(2) Tiedowns that are designed to be affixed to the structure of the automobile, light truck, or van must use the mounting points on those vehicles that have been specifically designed for that purpose.
(3) Tiedowns that are designed to fit over or around the wheels of an automobile, light truck, or van must provide restraint in the lateral, longitudinal and vertical directions.
(4) Edge protectors are not required for synthetic webbing at points where the webbing comes in contact with the tires.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Think 45 degrees for the angle of your chains to the tractor and to the trailer. Cross tie the chains from the left side of the trailer to the right side of the tractor axle and vice versa. Angle the chains away from the tractor to the trailer like you were trying to stretch the tractor. Old fire hose if you are lucky enough to score some can be used to run the chain through to negate the paint being scraped the axles. You can also buy leather sleeves.

FWIW, DOT allows under 10k backhoes to remain up if the hoe can be pinned in that position. I would drop it and tie it down but unless your state prohibits it, it is an option say if you had to haul something else and needed the clearance.

 

[Grizz262]

You guys are unbelievable resources! I should have expected you would outdo yourselves. Thanks for all the great information. I'm off to buy some chains and straps, and I'll post some photos in a couple weeks when I make the trip.

Thanks again!

 

[wmonroe]

Make sure you get grade 70 chain and not the cheap grade 30 or 40 that many of the box stores sell.

 

[Grizz262]

Make sure you get grade 70 chain and not the cheap grade 30 or 40 that many of the box stores sell.

Roger, thanks!