Question about Trailering a 5000 lb Tractor

[LouieJunior]

I picked-up a utility trailer and wish to transport my JD4105 tractor between properties. ( A few miles -- not cross country) What do I need to tie down the tractor? The trailer is 2000 lbs and 18 feet long with a gross capacity of 7000 lbs. I have some log chains and some heavy duty synthetic ratchet straps. I am assuming it needs to be secured on all four corners, but how strong must the straps be? 5K lbs each -- or 5K pounds divided by for four corners = 1,250. Also, how should the loader be positioned?Thanks in advance.

 

[Dmace]

Each chain should be rated at total load. 5k load should have 4 chains EACH rated at over 5k lbs.
Even on my little 6k lb Kioti CK20 I run chains with binders to the four corners of the FRAME, not an axle or loader/backhoe. Then I run a fabric strap over the loader then another over the backhoe. The loader should be positioned flat on the deck if possible.

Many states allow 2 chains vs. 4 as long as there are still 4 attachment points like going from the trailer, looping around the frame then hook on the other side of the trailer. So one chain in the front, one in the rear.

 

[shortthrow50]

Each state has different laws regarding proper tie down and rating

 

[Gary Fowler]

Get yourself some rachet binders to tighten those 3/8" grade 70 chains securely and you will be good to go. I do belief that some DOT regs will allow grade 43 for binding chain.
I have a grade 43 chain for pulling stumps and stuck tractors and I pulled the drawbar off my tractor without damaging the 3/8" chain so it is plenty strong.
I am not a trailer guy, but just from observation, it looks like nylon straps are just as good as chains as most truckers now use them rather than chains since they are much easier to handle. You would need pretty large nylon straps to meet the load requirements though for a 5000 pound tractor.

 

[moored4]

nylon straps don't like sharpe edges. You'll need to use softners and that can be a hassel loading by your self! I stick with chains. :thumbsup:

 

[Diamondpilot]

Around here straps are good for loads under 10K if personal, not for hire. Over 10K or for hire it must be chains and as Dmace said being 4 individual ones on all 4 corners plus straps over any items attached like a mower, FEL, or Back Hoe.

For your load I would get 4 10' long chains and then use the straps for the FEL and implements. I do not like using 2 long chains but its technically legal for non commercial drivers but the problem is if it comes lose on one end you now have a total failure where 4 chains gives you some redundancy. It only makes sense to spend a few dollars on good tie downs since you more than likely have nearly $70,000 wrapped up in the truck, trailer, and tractor.

Chris

 

[mikim]

ditto diamondpilot ----make sense to put your high dollar equipment at risk with cheap tie downs? Go get the grade 70 chain and chain ratchet binders. Might cost a hundred bucks but cheap insurance. Last week I saw a guy trying to fix a cheap tie down strap that had broken off his several thousands of dollars motorcycle. I nearly laughed....big bright & shiny and tied down with some walmart special straps .....are you kidding me? Protect your investment. And if something broke and caused an accident -- even worse.

 

[rsewill]

Two chains, four points on the trailer. With chain binders, of course. The important thing is that it be secure. Because there are so many different types of loads there really is no set rule other than your load be secure. Now if it were longer and heavier then there are requirements as to how many load securements in the first ten feet and so forth but not applicable in your case.

Run your chain across the loader to each front corner of the trailer (or the rear, however you load it.) If you have a drawbar then attach a clevis and run your chain through the clevis to two corners of the trailer. All pins on your drawbar and clevis must have a keeper.

 

[Looking4new]

IF and only IF you go with straps, the load rating of the strap MUST be imprinted on the strap.
5000lb tractor, I would go with 10,000lb straps. Then only use them for the bucket and BH or whatever else you've got on the 3ph.
Then chain all 4 corners anyway. Check with your local DoT, they will tell you what you need to be legal.

 

[LouieJunior]

I notice the straps have two numbers -- which one is applicable?

Break Strength or Load Capacity?

Looks like the Break Strength is three times the Load rating.