Chains Chains or straps?

[azop]

Picking up my CT230 tomorrow and I got a great deal on a 16ft steel floor trailer. The dealer suggested chains and binders, but I'm leaning towards decent straps instead. The *most* I would drive this would be 30 miles round trip (highway).

What would you guys suggest? I've not used chains and binders, but I'm sure it's not hard to figure out.

 

[Dmace]

Chains on the tractor, straps on the attachments. :thumbsup:

 

[Canada_CT230]

Big rigs use lots of straps for everything. Just beware that straps can stretch when wet and can work loose. Then again, when I used to move a skid steer around, chains could work loose too...just not as often.

I moved my tractor 70 miles when I bought it using straps. No problems. Just as tight when I took them off as when I put them on.

I think application is probably the key.

 

[94BULLITT]

Straps, Just check them after the first 15 miles because they stretch. Strap will not scratch the tractor like a chain, they are easier to use, and they are safer. Load the tractor on the trailer backwards. Hook the straps around the through were the drawbar hooks on the tractor and around the frame up close to the brush guard. A set of axle straps make it easier to hook up and they are nice for hauling a car. Summit Racing SUM-G7965 - Summit Racing® Vehicle Tie-Downs - Overview - SummitRacing.com Tractor supply usually has them or a local trailer dealer should. If you decide to go with straps be sure you latch them shut. That helps lock them down. If they are left open they may not hold.

 

[Grayson Klassen]

Sold my old Ford 3000 and had to deliver it 30 miles or so. I used straps for everything and had no problems. Note above post back the tractor onto the trailer I drove mine on and it got a little scary when the deck tipped as I backed it off.

 

[WM75Guy]

Chains on the tractor, straps on the attachments. :thumbsup:

That's the way I go also. As both my tractors weigh less than 10,000 pounds I use two 3/8" Grade 70 transport chains with ratchet binders, using the NH attachment points on the frame and the drawbar. Two inch 5,000 pound straps across the FEL and any attachment. These must be lowered all the way down to meet the requirements of 49 CFR 393.128 & 393.130, USDOT Cargo Securement Rules.

 

[galaxie428]

I typically use a combination of both but I recall reading on here somewhere, may not have been in the BC forum, that laws require the use of chains in some states to haul stuff. You might want to check your states laws.

Of course 30 miles isn't far to go and the chances of you getting stopped are probably pretty slim.

 

[jimmyj]

Around here chains are the law. Chains for the tractor, straps for the attachments. Don't know your area though.

 

[MMagis]

This has been discussed and argued more times than I can remember. Many people will tell you that they have never had problems with straps and that’s true. But, as long as the ride goes smooth they wouldn’t have had problems if they had used nothing. What counts is how they hold in an accident. There are good straps out there, but those 10000 lb 2” straps are NOT them. Obviously any chain needs to be good quality as well. I like the simplicity of straps and have used them, but I feel a lot better with chains and binders. As mentioned, you need to check the laws in your area.

 

[Sabretooth]

Chains on the tractor, straps on the attachments. :thumbsup:

:thumbsup:

Never a good idea to just get by! always hope for best anticpate the worst

The other day I brought a BB for my 230 it fit in bed w/tail shut I strapped it in heading home a older man past me on the road a 2 lane 60mph highway guess to get in front me (He started to Move over then puts blinker on just a Texas lane change) and hits brakes to go into shopping center I had to slam on mine not to hit him I will tell you if it wasnt strapped I would've kissed my bed goodbye maybe worse.
I drove equipment large and small for a company back in Ny going up and down east coast. It is the Only way I travel I just wish others I see did the same I use 5/16" 70gr +lever binders for tractor and 2" 10k straps for any attachments(Thats over kill but I got such agreat price on em')
I know some like the rachet binders I just do not takes to long then if you check load down the road and need to tighten you have to go through hole garbage again.