Tow rope or chain.

[dj1701]

Had to pull the Kubota BX out of the mud I got into while mowing. The Mule did a good job, but my cheap rope was cut by the frame of the tractor. The 2nd try I used a strap with open hooks on the ends. I worked but I found open hooks and straps don't mate up so well. I was wondering what all of you use for towing?

Thanks
Dave

 

[slckeys]

Depends honestly...I have a 1/4 inch grade 80 chain for the little stuff. Much easier to carry and deal with over the 5/16 inch grade 70. Also have a kinetic rope for vehicles. You can use a tow strap, and I do have one, but you need good connection points where there is no rubbing to cause fraying or ripping.

 

[George2615]

I've pulled a few vehicles (tractors, trucks, cars) out of the mud over the years. I have used straps but found they would snap and come flying at me. Apparently they must have had a small cut or were frayed. Stopped using straps for that reason and have used chain ever since. Never had a chain break (so far). Mostly I use 5/16" or 3/8" on heavier stuff. sometimes I use axle straps to connect the chain to.

 

[ArlyA]

We used tow ropes or straps for most towing. (atv's) Exception is we carry a steel choke chain for logs.

 

[m7040]

Use mostly 3/8 inch chains 16 ft long to pull out stuck equipment. Some times have to pull out two vehicles stuck in line with the bigger tractor or excavator. Used a 6 inch wide flexible tow strap when the Unimog was stuck up to the portal axles in mud.

 

[CADplans]

Buy a tow strap,, save the damage a chain can cause,,,

This video led me to a strap that met my budget,,,,,,

 

[LouNY]

I have a few chains floating around, usually keep one on the floor of the Branson. Then I also have one of the kenitic ropes and a couple of the soft shackles that rides in the pickup.

 

[ArlyA]

I believe the OPer was asking about devices to tow his ATV or UTV with.

 

[Thomas]

2-1/4"-15' grade 70 chain also 3/8" 20' grade,HD strap yet to use.
1/4" chain been my go to chain over the years.

 

[ArlyA]

Be Damed if we'd haul a 3/8th chain around in our atv. We leave tow traps in ours, all poly.

 

[ruffdog]

Every tractor should have a good tow hook front and rear. The op should get a front receiver that bolts to the frame. Use it to move trailers and as a tie down point on the trailer. Here is one from Heavy Hitch:

Front Receiver Hitch for Kubota Sub-Compact Tractors - Heavy Hitch - Compact Tractor Attachments

 

[bcp]

Every vehicle driven off-road should have a good tow point front and rear.

Bruce

 

[LouNY]

Every vehicle driven off-road should have a good tow point front and rear.

Bruce

I'll take it a step further, with all the crap and garbage that the NTSB has forced / mandated that the manufactures add on to vehicles the one usefull one would that every vehicle have a sturdy and accessible tow / pull point at each end of the vehicle. It is ridiculous when these new vehicles have such low air dams and plastic junk in the way and nothing substantial to be pulled from. When running straps through the wheels to have a good pull point is the only way to move a disabled or stuck vehicle it is just plain ridiculous and idiotic.

 

[kozal01]

I learned as a dumb teen that chains can be dangerous in a recovery situation. Flat towing is one thing but if there is a chance of any sudden loading of a chain, a strap is always better. Ive since only every carried a recovery strap, with loop ends only. Ive towed and yanked everything from trucks, cars, tractors, quads, SXS's and many other things with a recovery strap and have never broken one. For a steady load chains are fine though.

 

[m7040]

I keep a light duty tow rope curled up high on the RTV usually for pulling out the ZT when it gets stuck in mud as shown in the picture below. Sometimes the RTV gets stuck also that is where I get the tractor or excavator and use a chain or much bigger tow strap. Chains should not be used to jerk or on much bigger vehicles stuck really hard.

 

[dj1701]

I believe the OPer was asking about devices to tow his ATV or UTV

Yes, I don't need anything to pull JD 9000 series out of a predicament.

I want something I can carry in the Mule that won't break or be subject to sharp edges. I sometimes pull logs, and this time it was the Kubota BX.

Also I see these things that look like rope with a loop on one end and a knot on the other. What are they for?

 

[bcp]

Also I see these things that look like rope with a loop on one end and a knot on the other. What are they for?

Bruce

 

[Xfaxman]

Also I see these things that look like rope with a loop on one end and a knot on the other.

Soft shackle: Search: Yankum "soft shackle"

What are they for?

Connecting the loop at the end of the rope to whatever.

 

[ruffdog]

Yes, I don't need anything to pull JD 9000 series out of a predicament.

I want something I can carry in the Mule that won't break or be subject to sharp edges. I sometimes pull logs, and this time it was the Kubota BX.

Also I see these things that look like rope with a loop on one end and a knot on the other. What are they for?

Those are called a soft shackle and won't work on sharp edges. Either get the correct attachment point or use a chain. For me, I put a 2" receiver on the front of my tractor and used it all the time.

 

[ray66v]

Chains don't usually break, but if it somehow comes unhooked, it's really dangerous.

I saw enough 3/8 chains flying, during my time in the body shop.

I like the tow straps.