How to chain up the tractor?

barticus73 · Sep 7, 2006

Where do you guys typically buy your chains and binders? Is 3/8" the 'standard' size for the CUT's? Do you buy the ready made chains with hooks or do you buy the chain and hook separate? What typial length do you buy when using one chain at each corner? I have been using two chains and manual binders for mine but after reading through these posts want to set myself up right with new stuff and want to get the most bang for my buck.

Thanks

rback33 · Sep 7, 2006

RobertN said:
Depends on where you are. Always check your state regs. Some time ago I contacted CHP; here in Calif they want to see four chain/binder or straps, plus additional on the back hoe, loader, ect.

Better to talk to law enforcement before, not after, you get a ticket

I stand corrected.... I was referring to Fed Regs... (you read that in there right?

) State regs may be more stringent....

mchasal · Sep 7, 2006

barticus73 said:
Where do you guys typically buy your chains and binders? Is 3/8" the 'standard' size for the CUT's? Do you buy the ready made chains with hooks or do you buy the chain and hook separate? What typial length do you buy when using one chain at each corner? I have been using two chains and manual binders for mine but after reading through these posts want to set myself up right with new stuff and want to get the most bang for my buck.

Thanks

I would say that for most CUTs 5/16 should be plenty, unless you have a really large machine. You can get chains and binders at Tractor Supply and the like or order them online. I got my chains from a friend who started hauling an excavator so he stepped up to 3/8. The binders I got from Erigging - Catalog .

Here are some others:
Generators, Pressure Washers, Sprayers, Lawn Mowers, Tractors, and more from NorthernTool.com
AW Direct Towing Recovery Service Vehicle and Wrecker Accessories - 1-800-243-3194
Chain, Chain Supplies, Binder Chains, Lifting Slings and Hooks

For length 10' seems to be the norm. Mine were 2 20' sets that were cut in half and extra hooks added. If your existing chains are long enough, you can just do that and just have to add binders. Technically you don't even need the extra hooks, but I like to wrap mine around the binder handle and hook the end on the chain to keep things from flopping around.

Mike

ETA: Hmm, the board put in those fancy descriptions for my links by itself. Neat, in a spammy kind of way

Cranky · May 7, 2015

I know I am bumping a super old thread, but it has a lot of good info and there is no reason to ask people to type the same thing again.

For those of you using axle straps, where do you get them? All the axle straps I can find are rated for 10,000 lbs which means they only have a 3,000 lb (or 3,330?) WLL.

bdog · May 7, 2015

The best straps I have found are Mac's. They too are 10,000lb rated but are very well made. I have a complete tie down kit from them I use for my Polaris Razor.

For a tractor I would use chains. I can't think of any reason not to use chain. 5/16" grade 70 has a working load limit of 4,700lb. It is actually cheaper in the long run because it doesn't fray and wear out. I am using tie down chains and ratchets I bought over ten years ago.

To tie down a tractor buy two 16' chains and cut them in half. Buy four extra hooks to put on the cut pieces. Buy four ratchet binders. You will be good to go. It will cost around $160 but your tractor will not be going anywhere and it will last a lifetime.