Chains and binders for trailering a compact tractor?

[Reb954]

Nikerret, good info. It confirms what I learned many years ago and what I have practiced since.

Here is a pickup I had to retrieve last week. 250 mile round trip and it pulled like a dream.

2 cross chains front and back so it was held from moving forward or rearward, side to side and down.

 

[Aquamoose]

Straps may be legal but I've witnessed countless of tractors being hauled around here in different configurations.
This machines bounce. Straps will give and stretch. I cringe whenever I see machines bounce with chains much less straps.

Agreed.

Chains last longer, doesn’t get cut, and gives me a better peace of mind. They get used on equipment / machinery that has some “give” like tractors with tires while straps are reserved for static loads that has no “give” like brush hogs & other implements. Of course, anything above 10k automatically requires chains.

 

[tractorshopper]

I have 3/8" grade 70 chains and binders that I use with my BX2380.

Actually I use two 2" straps (WLL like 7,500 lbs each) for it. I used to use my 3/8" chains and binders for my L3800. Probably overkill, but I felt good about putting it on the highway that way. With my BX and using the 2" straps, it's also overkill, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

 

[4570Man]

3/8 chains and binders is ridiculous overkill for a BX. I used 3/8 chains for my 17,000 pound full size backhoe and it was still overkill. I was using 4 chains which brought the working load to 27,000 pounds. 5/16 chains would have met the DOT requirements but I felt better with the 3/8. Really it probably would have ripped the cuff pockets off the trailer before a 3/8 chain broke. The cost difference of using a 5/16 vs a 3/8 isn’t significant but the 5/16 is way easier to handle.

 

[RickB]

Q

3/8 chains and binders is ridiculous overkill for a BX. I used 3/8 chains for my 17,000 pound full size backhoe and it was still overkill. I was using 4 chains which brought the working load to 27,000 pounds. 5/16 chains would have met the DOT requirements but I felt better with the 3/8. Really it probably would have ripped the cuff pockets off the trailer before a 3/8 chain broke. The cost difference of using a 5/16 vs a 3/8 isn’t significant but the 5/16 is way easier to handle.

Did you maybe happen to read the part where he USED TO USE 3/8 on his L3800?
If he wants to use what he already owns what is your concern?

 

[4570Man]

Q
Did you maybe happen to read the part where he USED TO USE 3/8 on his L3800?
If he wants to use what he already owns what is your concern?

I’d rather see it over done vs tied on with bungee cords but that’s still way over kill. Even using 2 chains vs 4 it’s 5/16 is over double the DOT requirement. A single 5/16 chain could lift the l3800, loader and implement off the ground without exceeding the working load.

 

[RickB]

I’d rather see it over done vs tied on with bungee cords but that’s still way over kill. Even using 2 chains vs 4 it’s 5/16 is over double the DOT requirement. A single 5/16 chain could lift the l3800, loader and implement off the ground without exceeding the working load.

I do not disagree but if they are bought and paid for, I am using them too. WEight and cost difference is insignificant and there’s is zero downside. Not even debate worthy.

 

[4570Man]

I do not disagree but if they are bought and paid for, I am using them too. WEight and cost difference is insignificant and there’s is zero downside. Not even debate worthy.

Maybe in terms of total trailer weight but there’s a huge difference in a 3/8 and 5/16 chain when it comes to carrying them.

 

[ovrszd]

I have 5/16, 3/8, and 1/2" chains. I prefer 5/16 for handling. I prefer 1/2" for pulling.

I often tie down with straps.

All depends on use.

 

[spitter]

What ever size chain you use don't buy those crap ratchet binders from tractor supply I'm on my third set they tighten down then when you go to loosen them they lock up .unch: I have two good ones about 30 years old nice and heavy duty no problems .TSC binders I'm lucky if I can get 1 trip out of them they replace it no problem but that's a waste of time. I was hopeing I would find 1 good 1 but no luck yet.:drink: