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:

 

[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.