Best way to tie down tractor...

[Dmace]

to avoid scratches I have several short pieces of 5 inch diameter fire hose that I run the the chain through.

Good idea!

 

[jimmyj]

The apparently have outlawed straps here and chains are required. Good tip on the straps.

 

[DavidNPro]

I have done some checking here in PA about what the actual law is about straps vs chains. I have talked to a few different truck drivers, some of them are using straps even on heavy loads like rolled steel. A friend of mine has a new aluminum spread axle trailer that has probably 20 or 30 straps integrated into the trailer frame that slide forward and back. Other guys say they only use chains and nothing else. Haven't given up on searching yet...

 

[VictorW]

I have done some checking here in PA about what the actual law is about straps vs chains. I have talked to a few different truck drivers, some of them are using straps even on heavy loads like rolled steel. A friend of mine has a new aluminum spread axle trailer that has probably 20 or 30 straps integrated into the trailer frame that slide forward and back. Other guys say they only use chains and nothing else. Haven't given up on searching yet...

In PA, I talked with the motor carrier/commercial truck inspectors at the local state police station. They told me straps or chains are legal but you never know if the state will change the law someday. As of now, they've heard nothing about any changes.

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

In PA, I talked with the motor carrier/commercial truck inspectors at the local state police station. They told me straps or chains are legal but you never know if the state will change the law someday. As of now, they've heard nothing about any changes.

Thats interesting because I was told by a PA state trooper that straps are not legal for hauling tractors and they must be secured by four seperate chains. My local dealer told me the same thing...

 

[GPintheMitten]

If your state has adopted the Federal Motor Carrier regulations, (and it probably has), you have choices for securing loads which include chains or straps.

Here's a helpful link to take a look at.

It includes specs for number of tie-downs, and what forces it must be able to withstand.

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/truck/vehicle/cs-policy.htm

 

[jimmyj]

I find the best way to secure your tractor is to make sure it is on the TOP side of the trailer....

 

[Dargo]

I have done some checking here in PA about what the actual law is about straps vs chains. I have talked to a few different truck drivers, some of them are using straps even on heavy loads like rolled steel..

That's a good way to go to prison and then be sued for everything you own in a wrongful death civil suit. Here's a news article where a complete moron used straps to 'secure' rolled steel on his truck and killed 3 people just last month. Steel coil falls off semi, strikes 2 cars, kills 3 | SafetyNewsAlert.com | Occupational safety and health news for workplace safety professionals. If you know truckers using straps to hold rolled steel, they are a danger to themselves and everyone else on the road! They should immediately lose their license and take up a new career.

Yeah, I'll be the jerk here and tell you that it's flat stupid to use straps to secure a rolling load. Just dirt, grit or sand in a strap can cause it to fray and fail. A slight casting mark on an axle can easily cause one to break. Just answer this question to yourself; how wonderful would you feel about yourself for saving $50 after you killed 3 people because of your ignorance? I'm all for saving money and buying cheap disposable junk tools when they aren't critical. When it comes to the safety of others on the road, you're completely selfish and deserve jail time if you think they aren't important.

 

[GPintheMitten]

You're not being a jerk. You are just concerned that you and others do things safely. We all have skin in the game. But just because someone doesn't do it the way you would does not mean it is wrong or unsafe...but it might be depending on exactly how they did it and what they used.

I don't know about steel rolls and how best to secure them.

We are talking about tractors here. You can safely secure a tractor on a trailer using proper straps secured properly. But you can unsafely use straps too. But it is legal and safe to use appropriately sized straps on tractors.

But you raise a good point about avoiding abrasion and checking your equipment before you use it. Chains can wear as well. I think we've all seen loose chains dragging on the pavement throwing up sparks and grinding the links down. The main thing is to be informed, safe and protect others around you.

I use both straps and chain.

 

[DavidNPro]

I agree with you completely.

Part of my last post was more of a case in point than something to be used as an example. Just because someone else does it, does not mean its right believe me I have experienced that.

Actually I have 4 3/8 grade 70 chains and binders on order.....

After further investigation, whether the strap is cut or not, most people dont realize that the straps that have 10,000lbs all over them are really only rated for 3300lbs or close to that anyway...... There are many applications which those straps would work fine for. I just think with the size tractor I am looking at chains would be something I am more comfortable with.