Chain Binders

PA452 · Jul 15, 2017

Might be a silly question, but after much searching I'm not really finding it. What weight capacity do I need for a ratchet binder?

I'm towing a Kubota BX23, around 2700#. I picked up some 5/16"-3/8" binders and some 5/16" chain. It all works great, but I was thinking those smaller sized binders out there might be more convenient. The binders I have currently have a WLL of 5400#. The smaller 1/4"-5/16" binders I see out there have a WLL of 2600#. Obviously the WLL doesn't need to match the weight of the load, so what's the rule of thumb for figuring what WLL I should have for the load I'm carrying?

RedNeckRacin · Jul 15, 2017

Kudos for using binders on a BX. They are not necessary but you will never have any issues with the capacity. Here is everything you need to know about tie downs.

Driver's Handbook on Cargo Securement - Chapter 1: Heavy Vehicles, Equipment, and Machinery | Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Utopia Texas · Jul 15, 2017

I see a lot of illegal tying down of machinery on the road here in Texas even by commercial businesses that should know better. Dinky tie down motorcycle straps used on tractors and cars on trailers, chains with too small of ratings etc. The most common while trailering is just using one chain across the front of a tractor and one across the rear end. There should be four separate chains, two on the front and two on the rear. That way if one were to come loose there are still three to do the job. Even my local tractor dealership only uses two chains for convenience......

aczlan · Jul 15, 2017

Utopia Texas said:
I see a lot of illegal tying down of machinery on the road here in Texas even by commercial businesses that should know better. Dinky tie down motorcycle straps used on tractors and cars on trailers, chains with too small of ratings etc. The most common while trailering is just using one chain across the front of a tractor and one across the rear end. There should be four separate chains, two on the front and two on the rear. That way if one were to come loose there are still three to do the job. Even my local tractor dealership only uses two chains for convenience......

As long as the tractor weighs less than 10,000 lbs, they are legal tying it down with only two tie downs.
If it's 10,000 lb or more, you have to have four tie downs plus one for the bucket and one for the implement or backhoe.

Aaron Z

sandman2234 · Jul 15, 2017

aczlan said:
As long as the tractor weighs less than 10,000 lbs, they are legal tying it down with only two tie downs.
If it's 10,000 lb or more, you have to have four tie downs plus one for the bucket and one for the implement or backhoe.

Aaron Z

The correct info as far as I can tell. My tractors do not weigh in at over 8K, so I can continue chaining them down with 2 chains.

David from jax

Sysop · Jul 15, 2017

My tractor has nice little tie-down chain hoops on the underside from the factory. I put a big twisted clevis in the drawbar to use for a second chain. I then use a big ratchet strap on the loader and whatever is on the 3 point.

PA452 · Jul 16, 2017

RedNeckRacin said:
Kudos for using binders on a BX. They are not necessary but you will never have any issues with the capacity. Here is everything you need to know about tie downs.

Driver's Handbook on Cargo Securement - Chapter 1: Heavy Vehicles, Equipment, and Machinery | Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Thanks, that graphic at the end of Chapter 1 I think may be what I need. And if so, sounds like the 2600# WLL binders would be fine to use for my tractor.

screamin400 · Jul 16, 2017

My 2538 has to weigh in around 5000 with loaded tires and loader. I use heavy tie downs but have often wondered if I should use chain. I guess if I have to wonder I know what I should be doing. Can heavy straps handle what I am tying down?

RedNeckRacin · Jul 16, 2017

PA452 said:
Thanks, that graphic at the end of Chapter 1 I think may be what I need. And if so, sounds like the 2600# WLL binders would be fine to use for my tractor.

Your welcome and I'm happy to help.

screamin400 said:
My 2538 has to weigh in around 5000 with loaded tires and loader. I use heavy tie downs but have often wondered if I should use chain. I guess if I have to wonder I know what I should be doing. Can heavy straps handle what I am tying down?

If your straps are rated high enough and you take precautions against them rubbing through I don't see a problem with straps. I have 3300lb rated straps that I used for pallets of cargo and some attachments but I use edge protectors (sometimes it's a leather glove to be honest).