What is correct way to hook transport straps?

[sixdogs]

When you strap or chain down a tractor for towing, is it OK to just hook the end of the straps into a clevis or hook ? this would mean that the strap tension keeps the end of the hook secured? Or do you wrap the end of the strap inside or around something first and then hook it so that even a slight loosening of the strap keeps it in place?

I ask because I normally secure the front of a trailered tractor with two straps--one on each side. With my front end weights on, I can't hook normally and am considering using a 1/2" clevis in the weight bracket and hooking my strap into that--one on each side of the front.

Assume all the obvious here that four straps or chains are used and correct methods are used.

I would post a picture but for some reason am still unable.

 

[tcartwri]

As long as the clevis or hook is marked for it's capacity or WLL it should be fine.

It needs to be secured in such a manner that slack in the strap will not let it disengage.

 

[sixdogs]

...

It needs to be secured in such a manner that slack in the strap will not let it disengage.

Can you explain that a little more thoroughly?

 

[bcp]

A plain hook fastened to a hook or loop can disengage due to slack and vibration, bouncing, etc. I like latching hooks or a shackle to a loop, or loops with a shackle between. Even the common way of going below, coming around, and hooking to the top, like to a side rail or stake pocket bothers me a little.

Most of my hauling has been on farm dirt and washboard gravel roads and I've seen about everything except a positive latch come loose. (even they sometimes break) Highway travel is much more forgiving.

You can't count on gravity.

Bruce

 

[Tractor Seabee]

When you strap or chain down a tractor for towing, is it OK to just hook the end of the straps into a clevis or hook ? this would mean that the strap tension keeps the end of the hook secured? Or do you wrap the end of the strap inside or around something first and then hook it so that even a slight loosening of the strap keeps it in place?

I ask because I normally secure the front of a trailered tractor with two straps--one on each side. With my front end weights on, I can't hook normally and am considering using a 1/2" clevis in the weight bracket and hooking my strap into that--one on each side of the front.

Assume all the obvious here that four straps or chains are used and correct methods are used.

I would post a picture but for some reason am still unable.

IMHO for the size tractors you list; straps are not a good solution any way you install them. Especially on the rough roads you travel. All straps stretch and the ratchets on them are difficult to really get the load anchored and one mass with the trailer. Any little movement stretches and chaffes them. Even on my BX I use four angled chains with binders and squish down the tires. Might want to check your state rules, up here its chains and binders for wheeled or tracked loads.

Ron

 

[sixdogs]

Actually, my back roads are flat and in great condition with near zero elevation change. I only go a few miles from the house and on back roads.

I've been searching the net and all I can find for Ohio is that the load must be secured to prevent it from shifting or falling off. That's all I can find so far.

 

[oldballs]

I'm having trouble visualizing this. Sooner or later the "hook" has to hook to something. And if any chain or strap comes loose, stretches or breaks then there is failure. Thus, just "hook" it to the proper clevis or D-ring and tighten it down. As best as I can understand, even straps that are properly installed should be adequate for the BX or smaller B size tractors.

But some people wear belts plus suspenders.:confused3:

Cheers,
Mike

 

[sixdogs]

I'm having trouble visualizing this. Sooner or later the "hook" has to hook to something. And if any chain or strap comes loose, stretches or breaks then there is failure. Thus, just "hook" it to the proper clevis or D-ring and tighten it down. As best as I can understand, even straps that are properly installed should be adequate for the BX or smaller B size tractors.

But some people wear belts plus suspenders.:confused3:

Cheers,
Mike

That's kind of what I'm trying to determine. If just hooking to a D ring is sufficient or do I need to, for example wrap the strap under a tractor part and then into something to keep any developed looseness from disengaging the strap. We're talking L and MX Kubotas here and in the 4500 lb category.

 

[PILOON]

I often make use of straps but always fear chaffing will cut thru.
My trick to prevent chaffing is that I have installed 16" lengths of old used fire hose on my straps that I can position anywhere that the straps make contact with a sharp edge (and that includes wood).
You will note that lumber yard trucks generally use corner protectors to bind their loads.
Most fire hose is rubber lined internally so once positioned the sleeves don't move.

With chains I always hook the ends so that the hooks can't drop off if the chain gets loose.

Another trick that I like is to chain down the front end snug (X fashion) and back up the tractor 'til I have squashed the front tires a bit and then chain bind the rear end in the typical X fashion. I also like to wrap (strap or tie) the binder arm to the chain so that any slack would be restricted to a link or two and not the entire shortened 'binder length'.
With this method I really only need one good binder.

 

[rtgt]

With straps my preference is to hook each end to the load/trailer at a ring or other place ment to attach a hook. I do not like wrapping straps. For that I use axle straps and then hook the ratchet strap to the rings of the axle strap.

As Piloon stated, anywhere the strap touches the load I like to have something protecting it.

For something in the L / MX range, my preference would be chains.

That said, for my B I just bought a set of ratchet straps with a chain tail at one end to attach to the front tractor frame. The other end has a snap hook to attach to the trailer D ring. The back end will still get chain. Theses are a test. My chain and binders will be riding along during the test.