tractor hauling

DK35vince · May 15, 2004

( I would also recommend checking out your state DOT web site to see what the regulations are. In PA a chain on each corner isn't just a good idea...its the law. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif )

I was under the understanding that this law isn't only PA. But most states began this law the beginning of 2004.
1 chain for every corner of every machine.
The chains combined must have a weight rating to lift a minimum of 50% of the weight of the machine being towed.

AndyM · May 15, 2004

Start with Grade 70 chains and binders properly sized for it. Don't know I'd go as far as one chain per corner of the tractor, but some like that. For sure you want chain going out from each corner, but for my money, it can be one chain on each end of the tractor. 

There are some tractors where it's simply not possible to use one chain per each end of the tractor...

On my Ford 8N, I put one on the back, but there's really no easy way of putting only one on the front without the chain digging into any part of the tractor that you don't want to see broken. I haven't trailered the New Holland yet, but I think I'm going to buy another binder or two anyway, just to be safe. Besides, you can never have too many chains. The last thing I want to see in my mirror when I hit my brakes is a tractor coming at me! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Also, carry a piece of steel pipe with you, to get more leverage on your binders. I like to get the chains tight enough to make the tires flatten slightly.

40Kchicks · May 15, 2004

From now on when I trailer the tractors it will be chained a all 4 points. This is because the last time I trailered my tractor a guy pulled out in front of me and I had to swerve to miss him. I only had one chain on the front and the tractor slid to the side of the trailer. I did have a couple on the back and it didn’t move back there. It was a good lesson and thankfully I avoided having an accident.

Eric

BrettW · May 15, 2004

thanks to all,
I'll go to a local farm store or TSC and get more chains, and 2 more binders. I have 2 chain/binders now and 2 heavy duty nylon straps that would probably do it as they are rated for more than the tractor weights. I think I'm going to have to overlay plywood over the bed of the trailer as the wood on it has some rotten spots. I did a test loading today and I heard the boards cracking a bit which didn't do much for my confidence level. Any thoughts on a spare tire? I don't have one yet. thanks once more, brettw

EricL · May 16, 2004

I would get the flooring fixed/replaced, plywood may not be enough. I may be wrong on this but would you want to chance the tractor falling through going down the road. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

AndyM · May 16, 2004

I've got a pretty pitiful looking homemade trailer, but it gets the job done. The two inch oak boards were starting to show a little rot, so I went the plywood route, and it made all the difference in the world. I used 1/2 inch treated plywood, and I glued and screwed it to the two inch oak boards that were there already. I used it that way several times last summer, and haven't had a problem yet.

I also put the toolbox on the front, after I rolled the tractor off the front at the end of a long hot day last summer. I'm not going to go through that again! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif It makes for a great place to store chain and binders.

Chechnya · May 16, 2004

Nice trailer

I think this is overkill. A chain on one side going through the FEL with a load binder on the other end and the same for the same through the backhoe is enough.

The only reason why your tractor shifted to one sides was because your tractor wasnt properly tightened down. Ive seen accident pictures of people who were towing tractors and the trucks flip over and the tractors are still sitting perfect on the trailer.

chevy · May 16, 2004

Are heavy duty ratchet straps not legal for hauling compacts? I have been using them for the past 5 years with out any problems. I also have not had any problems with the DOT as they heavily patrol this area . I have been hauling in Indiana & Ohio. The dealers & other owners I have seen hauling compacts also tie them down with ratchet straps. I have even seen large farm tractors at tractor shows & tractor pulls tied down with ratchet straps. After seeing this thread I checked the Indiana & Ohio web sites & could not find any information on this subject. I have always tried to do things the proper way, but this is the first time I have heard that chains are required. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Chris

RonR · May 16, 2004

I didn't mean to imply that rachet straps are illegal. I don't know, but I supect they are legal if used properly, are the right strength, etc. I have read (here and other places) that the nylon straps can chaffe or be cut by sharp edges. My BX2200 was delivered with straps by the dealer. They used some cardboard or wafferboard shims over the trailer edges.

My current hauling is within 3 miles of home. I have a clevis in the front grill and on the drawbar. Chains go through that, with one twist so the tractor can't simply slide across the trailer, and one binder in front to tighten it.

When I get to the job site, I loosen the chains, unhook the clevis, and drive off. Time is money to me, so I want my process to be SAFE and quick.

Best wishes, Ron

DK35vince · May 16, 2004

( I think this is overkill. A chain on one side going through the FEL with a load binder on the other end and the same for the same through the backhoe is enoug.)

Overkill or not, I do know for a fact that here in Pa. it is the Law that 1 chain is required for each corner of every machine.
Also every boom that can swing must be locked with a pin and/or chained to prevent swing.