Chains and binders for trailering a compact tractor?

[nyone]

2in ratchet straps can last a long time if taken care of. I just retired 2 from equipment/car securing because where the J hook meets the strap was looking a bit frayed. There about 13yrs old.

I use 2 3/8 gr70 chains in the back with no binders and 2in ratchet straps in the front with a short 16in piece of 3/8 chain thats got two slip hooks in each end. This combo has tied everything down to my 18ft car trailer. 2500 full size truck, 60hp farm tractor to a polaris RZR. The trick to getting away with no chain binders is hooking up the chains and pulling them tight with the straps at the front. You need grab hooks on the rear chains or corse.

Buy straps/chains for your trailer not a specific vehicle. This way if you have the straps/chains you can secure it.

Also if your buying 2in ratchet straps dont buy house brand ones. Get the Keeper brand.

 

[Fallon]

I chain the back of the tractor (front of trailer) then go until the tires spin. Plenty tight. Then I chain & use ratchet binders to secure the front of the machine (back of trailer). 4 5/16" chains, 2 ratchet binders. That works great for me & everything stays tight the whole trip. I hear you are suppose to have binders on every chain for DOT compliance.

 

[goeduck]

Truckers use straps and chains. Each is better for given situations. So use either or both as applicable.

 

[4570Man]

I chain the back of the tractor (front of trailer) then go until the tires spin. Plenty tight. Then I chain & use ratchet binders to secure the front of the machine (back of trailer). 4 5/16" chains, 2 ratchet binders. That works great for me & everything stays tight the whole trip. I hear you are suppose to have binders on every chain for DOT compliance.

I used to do that but I decided it was more work than doing the proper method and putting a binder on every chain. And DOT wants a binder on every chain.

 

[PA452]

When I had my BX23 I used chains and small binders on all four corners. Overkill? Maybe, I don't care. I found it easy and it was a good, positive tie-down. Plus more than a few times when I got to where I was going the chains came in handy for pulling things.

 

[Blackgreyhound]

Thanks for all the advice. I decided to go with a full set of four 5/16 grade 70 chains and binders

 

[PA452]

Thanks for all the advice. I decided to go with a full set of four 5/16 grade 70 chains and binders

FYI, you don't actually need four unless you want that. I do a four-point tie-down but with two chains. I just have two grab hooks mounted part way in on each end of each chain. That way I get a four point tie-down without cutting the chains.

 

[4570Man]

FYI, you don't actually need four unless you want that. I do a four-point tie-down but with two chains. I just have two grab hooks mounted part way in on each end of each chain. That way I get a four point tie-down without cutting the chains.

Not for most compact tractors. You need 4 chains for over 10,000 pounds. While it’s not a law you need 4 straps if using straps.

 

[PA452]

Not for most compact tractors. You need 4 chains for over 10,000 pounds. While it’s not a law you need 4 straps if using straps.

I'm essentially getting the same thing as four chains, there just happens to be some spare chain connecting the two pieces in the front and the two pieces in the back, but that spare chain isn't carrying any load.

 

[3Ts]

In addition to all the above, isn't there a DOT spec for the minimum grade chain being G43 (Hi Test)? The different grades are only made in certain sizes so the 5/16 will probably be the smallest you can find. (There seems to be a 1/4" in G43 & G70 but I've never seen it) Personally I would not use "proof chain" in a transport condition.