Proper way to bind tractor onto trailer?

Bob_Skurka · Dec 17, 2005

( Unless you're using Gr70 chains and appropriate binders, please keep away from myself and family when on the road. )

Ditto.

Thorndike, I think I have essentially the same set up you have. Did you get it from AWDirect?

Everyone needs to understand that some chain is designed for STATIC loads and some is designed for DYNAMIC loads. Transport chain must handle DYNAMIC loads that include shock and weigh. Non DOT approved chains can snap with no apparent wear or warning before they break. Sorry folks, but Grade 43 is dangerous for tractor/equipment transport. Not just to you, and your tractor, but to innocent people on the road.

kingoflawns · Dec 17, 2005

Here in taxachusetts the dot requires 4 chains & 4 binders. 1 in each corner opposing each other in direction of pull. They can be pissy about complience, they towed me off the highway for non complience 10 21 05, i'm fully complient now!

tawilson · Dec 17, 2005

What ya got there, a box blade bungee corded down between your loader and your tractor? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Scrounger · Dec 17, 2005

I only use three on my BX, two int he back and one up front. I'm also not using chain, I use 5000# Working Load straps. I'd like to put two up front, but I find it near impossible to put two upfront. I need to look at better ways to secure the tractor. Maybe going over the bucket and not around it.

Dargo · Dec 17, 2005

I would have to recommend that you seriously reconsider using straps. That would not only be dangerous, but just like using grade 43 chain, illegal in most applications for securing a tractor. Straps are not sufficient to secure a rolling load, and grade 43 chain is not sufficient for load securement (per chain manufacturers and federal regulations). I've done all I care to do here. It's obviously up to each individual whether they want to obey any specific laws or to operate dangerously. It's bad enough when you don't know better, but when all printed information and experienced users tell you that you are illegal and dangerous, not only would you have to deal with yourself if you kill someone, but you may get to spend some quality time in jail for manslaughter. If you don't think an ambulance chasing attorney wouldn't think to do internet searches and find where you knew that you were violating the law and were dangerous, wish big from the tooth fairy this year. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif I assure you that if you dropped your load and it hit me, and I knew that you were only trying to save a few bucks and endangered my life, I assure you that you'd not see the light of day for many decades.

As I said, I'm finished with this. All I can do is provide the verifiable information and have others also quote laws and links to the laws. If saving $50 is worth losing your equipment, your equipment isn't worth trailering anyway. Let's not be just plain stupid now when you're faced with all the facts. Why do you think the laws exist and why do you think they print acceptable uses for chain from the manufacturers? Sorry if this sounds harsh, but I have little tolerance for plain stupidity. This post isn't particularly aimed at you scrounger, but anyone who willfully violates both laws, common sense, and federal laws. I'll have to agree with the previous poster who said "stay away from me" if you're towing dangerously. You needn't be on the road and, I don't want to be around when you take yourself out.

Thorndike · Dec 17, 2005

( ( Unless you're using Gr70 chains and appropriate binders, please keep away from myself and family when on the road. )

Ditto.

Thorndike, I think I have essentially the same set up you have. Did you get it from AWDirect?

Everyone needs to understand that some chain is designed for STATIC loads and some is designed for DYNAMIC loads. Transport chain must handle DYNAMIC loads that include shock and weigh. Non DOT approved chains can snap with no apparent wear or warning before they break. Sorry folks, but Grade 43 is dangerous for tractor/equipment transport. Not just to you, and your tractor, but to innocent people on the road.

)
Yes I did Bob. It's a good place to deal, and the free premium gifts are outstanding!! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Thorndike · Dec 17, 2005

( What ya got there, a box blade bungee corded down between your loader and your tractor? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )

The bunge cord is hooked thru the hole in the end of the ratchet. It keeps tension on the handle to keep the cam in place so the ratchet won't loosen up. Photo is before I ran another chain across the BB to make sure it doesn't move either. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Av8r3400 · Dec 17, 2005

 ONLY  grade 70 is legal as a load binding chain on US highways. It is distinguished usually by a 'gold' anodized finish.
More than you ever wanted to know about chain, click here.

Av8r3400 · Dec 17, 2005

More

Makes for interesting reading. I was told, in my DOT training while selling this stuff 5 years ago, that the grade 70 is the only legal binder chain in the US. The guidelines given here (re binding with 30 and 43) are per the manufacturer's requirements, not the DOT.

/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Farmwithjunk · Dec 19, 2005

While obeying written laws are very important, "obeying" the interpretation of those same laws, as they are read by the guys in uniform who write the tickets may be even MORE important. (In my mind, keeping my tractor SAFELY on the trailer is #1, however...)

Every Motor Vehicle Enforcement Officer I've dealt with is of the belief that wheeled vehicles (Only subject I've asked about. Non-wheeled cargo may well be covered by the same rules) must be secured with grade 70 "binder chain". (In addition, secured with perscribed number of chains) Since you or I can't conduct a road-side legal review with these guys, it seems to me that the PRUDENT thing would be to secure my load with GRADE 70 CHAINS. Forget the straps.... Forget the grade 43 chains....

I've already mentioned it in a previous post, but I think it needs mentioning again. WHEN THE DOT HAS YOU PULLED OVER, THEY'LL FIND SOMETHING TO WRITE A CITATION FOR. Why give them an invitation to do so? The difference in cost between grade 70 chains and grade 43 (or even nylon straps) is inconsiquential (sp?) compared to an illegal load violation. Why fight the system? Get "legal" to the highest extreme.