I need help chaining down the tractor

[John White]

I have a couple of the older binders. After having one of them pop loose. (and they will) I looked around and found some old clothline rope ( recoil rope off a old lawn mower works too) cut me a piece about 18" run it through the hole in the handle, centered it and tied it so it would'nt work out, now every time I use the binder the rope is attached to it. I wrap it a couple of tilms around the handle after tightning the load and tie it. I have never had one come loose since then.

 

[LoneCowboy]

That locking binder is slick as snot
I've never had a binder unlock (ever, maybe you guys aren't getting it tight enough? if they loosen, that will happen. You need a cheater bar to pop them on.)
But man, that locking binder is just the cat's meow, that would solve any possibility.

 

[QRTRHRS]

I have used lever type binders to haul steel beams, coils, machinery, lumber, you name it. I won't say that I never had one pop open but I never lost a load. I use a three foot piece of pipe to lever them closed without going overboard and stretching the chain. Sliding the pipe off of the lever can loosen it slightly so a little tap with the pipe cures that.

Nothing against the ratchets, I used what was provided with the truck.

 

[rback33]

I have used lever type binders to haul steel beams, coils, machinery, lumber, you name it. I won't say that I never had one pop open but I never lost a load. I use a three foot piece of pipe to lever them closed without going overboard and stretching the chain. Sliding the pipe off of the lever can loosen it slightly so a little tap with the pipe cures that.

Nothing against the ratchets, I used what was provided with the truck.

I will second all of that...

 

[john_bud]

For equipment under 10,000 pounds (like your tractor), you only are required to use 2 chains by Fed DOT. Individual states may be more restrictive, but not less.

I have used a chain thru the FEL tube going to the front pockets and a chain thru the rear wheels going to the rear most pockets for my L3410 (usually with cutter or tiller attached). The paint gets knocked off and the metal gets dented from the force needed to really bring it all down. First few tows that was a bother, I got over it. Typically tow it 15 times a year. The law enforcement types have given me the eyeball on more than one occasion - never a problem (knock wood).

After 10 miles or so, stop and check the chains. They will usually be loose, tighten them and they are usually going to stay tight. I use ratcheting binders. Much better than the snap over kind. Safer to use, faster to use and able to apply more force. (cost more too!)

Personally, I would recommend only buying the best chain and binders from a truck supply house. Cheap chain and binders are just that - cheap, in the pejorative.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Personally, I would recommend only buying the best chain and binders from a truck supply house. Cheap chain and binders are just that - cheap, in the pejorative.

John I agree!

There are plenty of good sources, AW Direct is the one I use most often. AW Direct Towing Recovery Service Vehicle and Wrecker Accessories - 1-800-243-3194 They sell to towing and hauling companies and specialize in equipment needs for those companies. They have good stuff!

 

[firemanpat2910]

pejorative.Am I the only one that had to look that one up in the dictionary? No Im probably not smarter than a 5th grader, but at least Im old enough to drink

 

[Iowachild]

pejorative.Am I the only one that had to look that one up in the dictionary? No Im probably not smarter than a 5th grader, but at least Im old enough to drink

I don't mean to be disparaging, belittling or derogatory in word or expression, but no I'm sure a bunch of us are looking it up!

 

[RPK]

Thanks John. I was planning on using good quality ratchet binders and transport grade 70 chain. I have 40k invested in my truck. 32k in the tractor and 4k in the trailer. I want to make sure this rig is set up right.

RPK
P.S. My neighbor is a State Trooper. He is going to see if he can get the State Police truck squad come out and check out my set-up before I hit the street.

 

[LoneCowboy]

Ok, paranoia is striking deep around here.
Given some of the sad things I see running around. (7000lb skid loaders on landscape trailers (you know, total rated load: 7000lbs,), being towed by explorers, etc Being conscious of your load, being somewhat oversafe and you're fine.
We're not talking about transporting a bulldozer across the US here.

Put some good chains on it, soem binders, leave it in gear, brake on, make sure the trailer can take the load and so can the truck
You're set.