Best way to tie down tractor...

[o2batsea]

I like chains and ratchet binders. They make me feel good. If you transport your tractor frequently, a couple of shackles on the frame ends make handy attachment points. I don't know about your particular tractor, but on my DK45 there are holes in the frame that are perfect for shackles. I just leave them on. Always handy to have, and they also are useful for attaching drag chain or whatever.

 

[GPintheMitten]

Good point DavidNPro. We have to watch out for the difference between breaking force and Working Load Limit (WLL) on chains and straps. I suspect a lot of people overload straps, maybe chains as well.

On the FMCR site, they have specs for WLL for tie downs of various materials. If the material is not marked with a WLL, they will use the values in their specs.

For Synthetic webbing (straps), here's what they use for various width of webbing:

Width mm (in) ................... WLL kg (lbs)
45 (1-3/4) .......................... 790 (1,750)
50 (2) ................................ 910 (2,000)
75 (3) .............................. 1,360 (3,000)
100 (4) ............................ 1,810 (4,000)

 

[Dargo]

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.

You're my hero! There is a time and place for 'most' everything. The same goes for straps and chains. Sure there is a place for them. Unfortunately, it seems that most people do not understand how easily they can fail under the seeming most unlikely circumstances. Way back when, I posted a thread that got really long where I had 2 of the straps with "10,000 pounds" all over them snap on the front of my tractor and the tractor begun to exit stage rear. Nothing rubbed against them, they were not degraded by the sun nor suffered from any abrasion. In my case, a little Kubota L5030HSTC caused my 7,000 pound car trailer to flex enough going across a dip in a straight highway that when the trailer flexed back it was with enough force to snap both straps. I'll admit that I didn't realize that trailers flex until then. As I said before, I got off awfully lucky. I may come across as gruff and all, but I don't know how I could live with myself if my tractor would have dropped off my trailer and killed an innocent family due to my ignorant negligence. I'd rather be cussed and possibly save a life than remain quiet and later read about a terrible accident; that's all.

 

[jimmyj]

Hey Dargo, thanks for the comment about the trailer flex. It never would have occurred to me that flex could be enough to break a strap. That is a good lesson.