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.