Chain Grade

[zmad5306]

Quick question: Do I need or am I required to use Grade 70 chain?

I am hauling an RK24 on a utility trailer. With loaded tires, bucket, loader, etc it weighs in around 2500 lbs. Is grade 70 chain required to tie it down? It seems like quite the over kill. But I'm not sure with DoT requires. I am looking at using 5/16 chain with ratcheting binders.

G70 is expensive compared to G30 or G43. Don't want to spend money that's not required...

I plan on using a single chain on the rear looped through a shackle on the draw bar and two chains on the front with binders. I believe there is a good tie down point on the front where the grille guard connects. https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/rk-tractors-owning-operating/411668-rk-24-tie-downs.html

 

[caver]

I haven't had the need to move my tractor anywhere since I bought it but when I did I bought 4 5Klb rated ratchet straps.

 

[zmad5306]

I haven't had the need to move my tractor anywhere since I bought it but when I did I bought 4 5Klb rated ratchet straps.

I don't want to use ratchets as I'll be hauling mine quite a bit. Several weekends a year between our house and some property we own where I cut firewood and such.

 

[bcp]

I don't think grade is specified, just that the combination of grade and size must meet strength requirements for your load.

A like two chains on the rear to prevent sideways motion.

Bruce

 

[zmad5306]

A like two chains on the rear to prevent sideways motion.

Fair point, I'll consider it.

 

[LD48750]

5/16" G43 will be more then enough.
You could get buy with the G30, as you said, G70 is way overkill.

 

[ovrszd]

The cost of the machine versus the cost of chains to hold it on a trailer...…. I'd buy Grade 70 chains. Then when my tractor is stuck and I need to have my neighbor pull it out with his 100HP tractor he doesn't walk thru my chains like a knife thru butter.

 

[kennyd]

One advantage of G70 is that it is plated, so rust and corrosion isn't as much an issue. The cost is really not significantly more IMHO.

 

[ovrszd]

The cost is really not significantly more IMHO.

I'm not organized enough to only use a chain for one thing. So I always buy 70.

 

[Redlands Okie]

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/Drivers_Handbook_Cargo_Securement.pdf

Page 7 and mainly page 102 I think. Basically the chains working load need to add up to 1/2 of the load weight.

Google it for your area.


Personally I would only use grade 70 or better for many of the reasons listed above. The diameter of the chain can vary as needed for the load.

 

[4570Man]

The cost of the machine versus the cost of chains to hold it on a trailer...…. I'd buy Grade 70 chains. Then when my tractor is stuck and I need to have my neighbor pull it out with his 100HP tractor he doesn't walk thru my chains like a knife thru butter.

After growing up with all kinds of trash chains I’ll only buy grade 70 chain. I use 5/16 grade 70 for most things and 3/8 grade 70 for abusing. A 3/8 would hold back my 17,000 pound full size backhoe pulling down hill.

 

[4570Man]

Fair point, I'll consider it.

4 chains and binders isn’t required for under 10k but I usually do. You can hook the 4 chains on the ground vs having to get on the trailer and string them across.

 

[downsizingnow48]

I always use six GR70 5/16 chains. One at each corner of the tractor, one for the loader, one for the backhoe. Cheap. Amazing to me how many TBN folk want to use the minimum straps or chains (both number and strength). The difference in cost over a period of years of use, is not even worth talking about. Especially compared to cost of the equipment and liability if anything goes wrong.

 

[Fallon]

One advantage of G70 is that it is plated, so rust and corrosion isn't as much an issue. The cost is really not significantly more IMHO.

Bingo. Rust resistant is worth it. In theory you may be able to go with thinner & lighter chain if you go with higher grade. I prefer the extra safety margin & versitility.

Chain Strength Chart

 

[4570Man]

Could I legally use bungie cords to secure the tractor loader? My 4 chains on the tractor are way more than the minimum requirements for the whole machine. I can’t find any separate ratings for just the loader so would bungie cords meet the requirements of secured? The loader is clearly not falling off so I don’t tie it at all.

 

[ruffdog]

Could I legally use bungie cords to secure the tractor loader? ...... so would bungie cords meet the requirements of secured?.

What are they rated for.....what grade are they?:stirthepot:

 

[4570Man]

What are they rated for.....what grade are they?:stirthepot:

I can only find DOT ratings pertaining to the whole machine weight. My machine weighs 10,000 pounds and I’ve already got 22,600 WILL of chains on it. About 4x the minimum DOT requirements. Adding the bungie cords is obviously a complete waste of energy but would it count for securing the loader?

 

[LD48750]

I always use six GR70 5/16 chains. One at each corner of the tractor, one for the loader, one for the backhoe. Cheap. Amazing to me how many TBN folk want to use the minimum straps or chains (both number and strength). The difference in cost over a period of years of use, is not even worth talking about. Especially compared to cost of the equipment and liability if anything goes wrong.

I see your point & I'll change my recommendation to he should use at least 4 1/2" Gr70 chains for his 2500# tractor.

Let me know when you will be on the road with your underchained and dangerous load.
I'll find a place to hide with my family.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

SR

 

[bdog]

A 5/16” grade 70 chain can be bought for less than $40. How much cheaper can a lesser grade be bought for?

5/16” grade 30 has a WLL of 1,900 lb
5/16” grade 43 has a WLL of 3,900 lb
5/16” grade 70 has a WLL of 4,700 lb

All would be adequate for that light of a tractor but the corrosion resistance of the grade 70 and just the added piece of mind are likely worth it. One chain cut into four (or three) pieces will likely be long enough to do what you want. Even if the lesser grades are half the cost which I doubt they are is it worth saving $20? Securement devices are one area where I think overkill is a good thing.