Binders - Which Kind?

[Gale Hawkins]

TSC is very expensive on a lot of stuff. I got my binders on line from the chain on fork folks. TSC was 200% more for the same.

 

[Millwood]

I don't want to start a new thread for discussion, so I'll ask my question here as it has to do with binding down a load. I just bought a new Kubota B3300 and a new 16 ft flatbed to haul it. The total weight of the tractor with LA504 loader, Landpride RTR1258 tiller and 610 lbs of beet juice in rear tires is 3917 lbs. I am now looking at tie-down equipment. I have read all the posts here and have decided that ratchets are my choice, with 3/8's solid link chain. Is the chain size over-kill? My tractor is spanking new and I don't want to bark the paint with chain, so does anyone have a suggestion on a rub-guard where the chain wraps around the axle? I was thinking of getting some old 2" firehose from local station, cutting and slipping it over chain, or do they make something I can buy?

 

[Diamondpilot]

I would install hooks in places on your tractor where you can hook the chains without scratching the paint. For example on my m Jinma it came with two 3/8" grab hooks welded on the rear of the tractor about 4" on each side of the PTO shaft. This was done at the factory. There was nothing on the front so I took off a bracket that was bolted on and I drilled two holes and installed two large forged lifting rings. On my other tractor I simply got some chain, about 4 links for each and a grab hook for each and put them on the tractor using factory bolts by simply buying longer bolts. They just hang below the tractor a few inches when not in use.

As for chain its tough to beat the 5/16" gold colored chain at Lowes. It comes in 20' lengths so I bough two for about $60 then had Lowes cut it in half and I bought 4 more matching hooks so I ended up with 4 10' sections of chain.

Chris

 

[wny770]

Tarpstop.com. They have a choice on some of thier things between chinese and made in the states. They are cheaper on US chain and US assembled binders than AW Direct or TSC. I prefer the short link binder chain. I believe they sell LeClede. The Campbell from Lowes is long link. I do not believe it is stamped either, but I could be wrong.

I have both over-center binders and ratcheting ones. I use the ratcheting binders for smaller tractors... under 2 ton, and use the over center for heavier ones, or general cargo loads, eg, steel or lumber. They both have thier place. I also use nylon axle straps. Mine are 4" doubled and are rated for 12,000 WORKING load lomit. They are sleeved and do not gouge the axles or front ends.

 

[PapaPerk]

Stick to American made binders and chain. They are out there just gotta branch out from Lowes and TSC.

 

[Ken45101]

The working load limit of chain depends very much on the rating of the chain. Unmarked 3/8" chain has a WLL of 2650# whereas 3/8" grade 70 transport chain is rated at 6600#.

With two chains in the rear, even 2650# rating would be sufficient but I would probably go with 5/16" G70 chain.

Minimum Working Load Limit for Cargo Securement Devices and Systems
The aggregate working load limit of any securement system used to secure an article or group of articles against movement must be at least one-half the weight of the article or group of articles. The aggregate working load limit is the sum of: One-half the working load limit of each tiedown that goes from an anchor point on the vehicle to an attachment point on an article of cargo; and The working load limit for each tiedown that goes from an anchor point on the vehicle, through, over or around the cargo and then attaches to another anchor point on the vehicle.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Cargo Securement Rules - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

 

[Diamondpilot]

Stick to American made binders and chain. They are out there just gotta branch out from Lowes and TSC.

Not sure what you are talking about? I got my chains at Lowes and they are Campbell which are made in the US. That really does not matter to me to much but its a nice feature when its equally priced. My binders I got from HF and they are just fine.

Fact is you cant get all US made stuff anymore so why search high and low for it. Its just the way things are thanks to the unions, tax structure, and other factors.

Back on to the subject at hand. 5/16" chain is plenty for your rig.

Chris

 

[PapaPerk]

Not sure what you are talking about? I got my chains at Lowes and they are Campbell which are made in the US. That really does not matter to me to much but its a nice feature when its equally priced. My binders I got from HF and they are just fine.

Fact is you cant get all US made stuff anymore so why search high and low for it. Its just the way things are thanks to the unions, tax structure, and other factors.

Back on to the subject at hand. 5/16" chain is plenty for your rig.

Chris

Glad they carry US made binders at your Lowes. :thumbsup:

I find US made stuff just fine. And usually at reasonable prices. Just have to look around and shop where pros do.

I'm glad there's some of us out there that still believe in made in the USA. Sounds like you have thrown in the towel.

 

[PapaPerk]

TSC is very expensive on a lot of stuff. I got my binders on line from the chain on fork folks. TSC was 200% more for the same.

:thumbsup:

 

[crashz]

I have the 5/16" chains from HD and a 3/8" from Lowes (the Cambell brand is made in the USA, but the hooks & package from China!), but need to upgrade to an approved DOT chain. I also have 2 new ratchet style binders, that I bought from a truck supplier at $60/ea. Made in China. I can't seem to locate the US made binders.

Do binders have to have DOT stampings/tags like chains do?

Also, my skidsteer (5200 lbs) only has two tie-down points on the chassis. They are located at the center of the main body on the front and rear. When I moved it home, I ran the chains through them and bound them down, pulling to the front and rear of the trailer, like a V on either end. I also bound the buckets with straps. From my understanding of the regs, this is OK for loads less than 10,000 lbs. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

I'd rather use four chains and four seperate tie-down points on the machine. But that will require me to attach hooks on it I think. Maybe the bolt-on D rings would work.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I have the 5/16" chains from HD and a 3/8" from Lowes (the Cambell brand is made in the USA, but the hooks & package from China!), but need to upgrade to an approved DOT chain. I also have 2 new ratchet style binders, that I bought from a truck supplier at $60/ea. Made in China. I can't seem to locate the US made binders.

Do binders have to have DOT stampings/tags like chains do?

Also, my skidsteer (5200 lbs) only has two tie-down points on the chassis. They are located at the center of the main body on the front and rear. When I moved it home, I ran the chains through them and bound them down, pulling to the front and rear of the trailer, like a V on either end. I also bound the buckets with straps. From my understanding of the regs, this is OK for loads less than 10,000 lbs. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

I'd rather use four chains and four seperate tie-down points on the machine. But that will require me to attach hooks on it I think. Maybe the bolt-on D rings would work.

I think you are ok for 10K and under using two appropriately rated chains. Like you said the only other thing you could do is weld on grab hooks or attach some sort of ring.

I am like you though, and feel better with 4 seperate tie downs no matter what the load weighs. I even use 4 ratchet straps when I move my riding mower. Even a 500# object like that is something I do not want coming though my rear window in a head on collision.

Chris

 

[saltbranch]

I have the 5/16" chains from HD and a 3/8" from Lowes (the Cambell brand is made in the USA, but the hooks & package from China!), but need to upgrade to an approved DOT chain. I also have 2 new ratchet style binders, that I bought from a truck supplier at $60/ea. Made in China. I can't seem to locate the US made binders.

Do binders have to have DOT stampings/tags like chains do?

Also, my skidsteer (5200 lbs) only has two tie-down points on the chassis. They are located at the center of the main body on the front and rear. When I moved it home, I ran the chains through them and bound them down, pulling to the front and rear of the trailer, like a V on either end. I also bound the buckets with straps. From my understanding of the regs, this is OK for loads less than 10,000 lbs. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

I'd rather use four chains and four seperate tie-down points on the machine. But that will require me to attach hooks on it I think. Maybe the bolt-on D rings would work.

The binders should have the WLL(working load limit) stamped on them. Campbell is Domestic made. I used to be all about using the cheaper binders and chains when I was trucking. now that I am in the industry for wire rope.chain and nylon slings- basically lifting etc and sell the import and domestic chains and binders. I have seen the chinese binder chain break at half of the working load, seen it break over the WLL. In short you dont know what you are getting. As a rule on import stuff, chinese is the cheapest junk, korean is alot better and Domestic is the best. When pull testing the chain in a test bed the domestic always out performs and breaks at a better average than the import stuff.
Link for the tie down requirements
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Cargo Securement Rules - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

 

[Millwood]

Thanks to all for the info on my chain and binder questions. I finally decided. Went to Lowes and got the two 20 ft lengths of 5/16" gold chain that's stamped with 70 every foot or so and says "Made in USA" on the bag they came in. Bought 4 extra chain hooks, cut the 20's in half and added hooks to make 4 ea 10 footers.($84 total) Since I value my teeth and skull, I opted for ratchet binders, but couldn't find any USA made ones and had to settle for 4 ea 5/16" China made at Big R.($41 each) As I'd read here on a post about China made ones, I unscrewed them and sure enough, they were loaded with metal filings. I cleaned them out and greased the threads.

I should be OK with my choices and thanks to all who replied.

 

[saltbranch]

Just some links to Domestic made binders. Call the MFG and see if they have a distributor in your area

Campbell ® Grade 70 ratcheing load binders

Home

Load Binders on Peerless Chain Co.

Theres more if you search google

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Millwood sounds like you got a good set up.

When I use binders for heavy loads I try to get the chain as tight as possible without binder usage THEN hook the binder to take make the chain tight.

I see some use binders with a foot or more of loose chain between the hooks. It is my goal should a binder snap the chain is still tight enough to hold the shifting load.

 

[Millwood]

In my previous post I said the ratchet binders I bought at Big R were made in China and loaded with metal filings. I did clean them out and greased the threads, but last night it got to bothering me. I took a real close look at them with my jewelers magnifier and saw that the threads on the shanks had breaks and missing metal all along the threads. This is indicative of high speed running of a die, with little or no lube when cut. If this is what is acceptable on the shank threads, then I can only imagine what the threads on the insides of the tubes look like. It also brings to question the quality of the steel used to make these ratchet binders.

I plan to return them to Big R for a refund and invest in USA made ratchet binders, but if denied then I will donate them to a recycle bin as I will not chance my tractor coming off my trailer and killing someone !!!!!

 

[crashz]

Thanks guys!

I have the same concerns with my new binders Millwood. The threads actually look to be in good shape, but the play in the shanks and tubes seem excessive. Even screwed all the way in (~ 6 inches of thread contact) the hook ends have visible amount of play vs the body.

Thanks to saltbranch, I'll be reasearching an investing in a new set of chains and binders made here. I generally try to buy USA made product anyway, and only buy imported products when the timing or availibility does not permit finding the US made alternative.

 

[oldtoyboyd]

I don't want to start a new thread for discussion, so I'll ask my question here as it has to do with binding down a load. I just bought a new Kubota B3300 and a new 16 ft flatbed to haul it. The total weight of the tractor with LA504 loader, Landpride RTR1258 tiller and 610 lbs of beet juice in rear tires is 3917 lbs. I am now looking at tie-down equipment. I have read all the posts here and have decided that ratchets are my choice, with 3/8's solid link chain. Is the chain size over-kill? My tractor is spanking new and I don't want to bark the paint with chain, so does anyone have a suggestion on a rub-guard where the chain wraps around the axle? I was thinking of getting some old 2" firehose from local station, cutting and slipping it over chain, or do they make something I can buy?

Here is a pic of the hooks I welded on the front of my tractor for transport. It sure makes it alot easier and I don't scratch up my tractor.

I have one on both sides. I use one chain and one ratchet binder between each hook and trailer.