Trailer

IED Handler · Jul 21, 2010

I have a Bobcat C230 and just bought a 18 foot 10,000 pound trailer. I'm not superman at trailering but know enought to ask questions. I have read a lot of different guidance on straps verses chains. Could someone tell me which would be best with the fact that my wife and I are moving from Vermont to Arkansas so it will be a very long trip.

I appreciate anyone's input.

Gittyup · Jul 21, 2010

Plenty of info in the trailering forum. The ideal setup is grade 70 chains and binders:

2 on front frame (1 to each side)
2 on rear frame (1 to each side)
1 forloader
1 for backhoe or other rear implement

I think technically, this is the legal requirement too.

Many use one front, one rear, and one each attachment. That is what I do. With no attachments, I go 2 front, 2 rear.

I wouldn't even think about straps for the tractor. Maybe for lighter implements (<800 lbs).

Make sure you have a good brake controller for your trailer and a spare tire for your long trip.

Grand_Pooba · Jul 21, 2010

The CT230 manual has pictures of where to attach the chains to the tractor. I believe the back two are attached to the draw bar mount and the fronmt two are attached to the grill guard mount. Thats how the dealer had mine attached when he delivered it. Chains and binders is the safe way to go.

Cami · Jul 21, 2010

Regulations aside, there are straps and then there are STRAPS. What does it weigh? A couple tons tops?

Some thoughts on straps:

Chafing is going to be a problem. Be careful what you run them over and use dunnage when in doubt.

New straps might have a little initial, permanent stretch. Check the tension a few times during the first day in service.

A good thing to do with straps is to put a twist in any section that will be in the open air so they won't flap in the breeze. A strap that's flapping can chafe and fail in short order.

Gittyup · Jul 21, 2010

Yeah, and a couple of tons becomes 6 to 8 tons or more when subjected to sudden stops and swerves. Straps - don't do it. And those that do on 4000 lb+ rolling equipment, I hope you get fined every time you try it. There are good reasons for the regulations. Where is Bob skurka anyway. He'd surely have something to say about this one.

Cami · Jul 22, 2010

Schadenfreude is not cool.

I don't know about where you are, Giddyup but where I am a little tractor like that, assuming there are no implements/attachments that need to be secured, only requires two tie-downs to be legal....and your winch, if you have one, can count as the front tie-down. We're not talking about a 100,000# excavator here.

I only have 15 years on my commercial licence, but my driver's abstract is clean and I'm proud to say I have no National Safety Code violations.

Gittyup · Jul 22, 2010

I don't want anyone hauling heavy equipment using just straps to secure it anywhere near me nor my family. Those that do are a hazard to everyone. If I were a police officer and pulled over a rig that was blatently and irresponsibly using the wrong tie downs, I'd impound the vehicle right on the spot if it was in my power. That person deserves no better. Straps aren't legal for this application down here, and for good reason.

Hawghauler · Jul 22, 2010

Hey IED,

Chains are better at keeping it from becoming a VBIED. Straps are usually for tie down of pallets or static loads such as plywood or crates. Be careful when affixing chains and binders, you can get a heck of a bone breaking kick in the face or arm from a binder. Pull in opposing directions and re-check retighten after moving it a block or so, then maybe again after a few miles. Check tension everytime you stop. Even a Grizzly with a cheater bar doesn't usually get it perfectly tight during initial load.

Hawghauler · Jul 22, 2010

BTW. Congrats on the move. I left Vermont almost 10 years ago. Never regretted it, but always have missed it. Insane politics but great people and a beautiful place. Arkansas ought to be quite an adventure for a woodchuck.