Trailering a B3030

[Ace3]

I am a new B3030 owner and need help with the proper way to secure it to my trailer for transport. I have 3/8" chain with ratchet chain binders but need to know where to secure them to the tractor. Any suggestions?

 

[lawn_king]

I had my welder mount brackets on my rops rear and frame front, there is nothing to chain to on these machines. I posted photos here, do a search of my photos. You can see my new bracket, on my L, in my current thread orange addiction, click on the 3 pt hitch picture.

 

[MFL]

Morning Ace,

On my B7800, I run the chain over the FEL bucket or through the connecting tube of the FEL. Out back I use one of these on the draw bar. On mine there is also some pre-drilled holes in the FEL sub-frame just under the deck that I think I could hang a clevis to and add another tie-point. Never had any problems with this setup.

Actually, I take that back. The chain/FEL setup did chip a little paint off of the loader. Not really a problem to me, but some might think it is.

MFL

 

[lawn_king]

Morning Ace,

On my B7800, I run the chain over the FEL bucket or through the connecting tube of the FEL. Out back I use one of these on the draw bar. On mine there is also some pre-drilled holes in the FEL sub-frame just under the deck that I think I could hang a clevis to and add another tie-point. Never had any problems with this setup.

Actually, I take that back. The chain/FEL setup did chip a little paint off of the loader. Not really a problem to me, but some might think it is.

MFL

This method of securing the machine is illegal in massachusetts! Both the drawbar and loader are implements in the eyes of the MA. DOT. Chains/straps must be attached to the machine itself!

 

[spk64]

I am a new B3030 owner and need help with the proper way to secure it to my trailer for transport. I have 3/8" chain with ratchet chain binders but need to know where to secure them to the tractor. Any suggestions?

Check my post here. I added tie downs to attach chains an binders.

Trailer Setup

 

[Ductape]

I've never heard that the drawbar was considered an add-on here in NH (but it doesn't surprise me), but the loader most definitely is. Listen to the Lawn King...... he is correct. Here you would want to secure the front of the tractors chassis, the rear of the chassis....... AND a strap or chain securing the bucket or loader. Unfortunately, in the eyes of the law its considered an articulated attachment and must be secured seperately(same with your backhoe). Unfortunately...... things like this are a great source of revenue for states, and todays cops are taught to use them to the maximum. Afterall...... they want to keep their department well funded, right? They want new cruisers every couple years, right? And they wouldn't want to have any officers laid off when they already claim to be way under-staffed, right??

 

[MFL]

Lawn King,

To be honest, I'm not sure if my setup would pass in GA. I'm going to find out, though. I assumed this would pass here only because when I first bought my tractor the dealer was the one that suggested I chain over the FEL and chain through the rops. The one thing he did mention was that straps weren't legal. The clevis shackle was another suggestion i got from a county sheriff I used to horse back ride with.

Heading over to the GDOT site to see if I can find the right answer.

MFL

 

[Ductape]

And P.S. As i mentioned elsewhere tonight, you'd better have the ratings permanently affixed to your chains and/or straps. Straps will have a tag sewn into them, and chains will have a metal tag permanently attached. Always go by the "working load limit", which is generally 1/3 to 1/4 the breaking strength. Frequently, the big box stores use the breaking strength in large, prominent letters falsely leading you to believe they are useable to that weight limit. Its VERY DECIEVING !!!! When you have a strap where the tag has worn/fallen off, replace it. Johnny Law LOVES to write tickets for that too....... he'll grill you," How do i know what that strap will hold ???!!!" And at that point.... consider yourself lucky if you only get a ticket, and not get your trailer with tractor on it towed away.

 

[Ductape]

Lawn King,

To be honest, I'm not sure if my setup would pass in GA. I'm going to find out, though. I assumed this would pass here only because when I first bought my tractor the dealer was the one that suggested I chain over the FEL and chain through the rops. The one thing he did mention was that straps weren't legal. The clevis shackle was another suggestion i got from a county sheriff I used to horse back ride with.

Heading over to the GDOT site to see if I can find the right answer.

MFL

Straps are perfectly legal as long as :A) You do not exceed the "working load limit". B) The tag showing the the manufacturers rating is permanently attached. C) They are in good condition and not frayed. D) properly attached.

Unfortunately..... no matter what the GDOT tells you, you will find that eventually you will run into an officer who's interpretation of the laws will differ. This a great way for them to increase revenues without increasing taxes !

 

[MFL]

I agree that being legal and staying below the working limits is important, but I'm more worried about damaging my gear than being pulled over. Sounds like the N.E is NOT the place to be if you're working around the edges of the law.

This is only my personal experience, but since I've been towing my B7800, I've talked with quite a few guys about all things towed (including hay bales, building materials, etc.) and I don't think I ever heard of anyone actually getting pulled over and ticketed, much less having their gear impounded! Must be different priorities down south. Can't tell you how often I've seen tractors, cars, landscaping equipement, etc. rolling down the interstate tied down with what amounts to a pair of shoestrings and a couple of paper clips.

 

[lawn_king]

I was towed off the highway by the dot back in 2005, it cost me a couple hundred for the tow & screwed up my day. I learned my lesson the hard way and now im 100% compliant with MA law.

 

[bx24]

Lawn King-

What the trooper a pr--k or did you get mouthy? That seems awfully drastic? (but not completely unbelievable ... sometimes you just never get a break)

One other thing I have heard is that the machines need to be tied down at four separate points (rather than running a chain or strap through the frame or around the bucket etc). I towed heavy equipment for years using only a "front chain" and a "rear chain" ran through the frame and never had a problem, but I guess the theory is that if one of the chains broke, you would be SOL.

Here is what I came up with for my little toy ....

 

[Ductape]

BX24, i can't answer for Lawn King, but as someone with real world experience, i can say that it takes neither to get a ticket (or worse) for this type of thing. Its just how law enforcement is trained today. If there is anything they can write a ticket for, they have got to do it. The officers on the street want to keep their job, and the state wants their revenue. Unfortunately, its really about the revenue. I can't tell you how many times i've heard this in casual conversation with LEOs. In a previous life i owned a towing service, and might have been the guy the law called to tow away your improperly tied down/inspected/loaded/registered trailer with tractor on it. Of course...... i was also harassed/ticketed/fined for the same infractions / grey areas myself. Unfortunately...... for everyone who says they see unbelievable junk going down the road, with crap on board not even tied down....... i see it too and very rarely do you see law bothering those people. Again.... it comes down to economics. If you are driving a nice truck with a nice trailer with a nice kubota on it........ you can afford a ticket !! Plain and simple. I've even heard officers in scale houses say (as a particular truck rolls through) .... hey, we haven't given so-and-so a ticket for anything in a long time, go out there and find something to write him up for !

Your set-up looks good. I would make sure your front straps are permanently marked by the manufacturer with the working load limit(either with tags sewn into them , or printed right on the strap itself). I would also recommend you put a strap (or a chain through your center hook) over the bucket. And........ since your backhoe must pin in the upright position (always have it pinned/locked in place), if it doesn't pin or lock in place side to side.... i would chain it or strap it from being able to swing.

I know eighty percent of the members on this site read this tie-down stuff and think "this doesn't apply to me / they will never bother with me / this only applies to commercial vehicles", but i can assure you today there were officers in your state being trained to write tickets on this stuff TODAY.

 

[bx24]

I know eighty percent of the members on this site read this tie-down stuff and think "this doesn't apply to me / they will never bother with me / this only applies to commercial vehicles", but i can assure you today there were officers in your state being trained to write tickets on this stuff TODAY.

Ductape-

I know you are right and like everything else that has to do with government policy, your best bet is to smile and not dig yourself a hole.

One quick note, the reason I used the chains in the back and the straps in the front is because I figure 99% of the time there will be more stress on the rear (especially when stopping). With the price of gas now days, at least in my case, I will rarely be "taking off fast" pushing the limits of the straps (even thought they are rated for it)

Good tips guys

 

[lawn_king]

I may have failed to mention that my trailer brakes were not working when i got towed, like i said, i learned my lesson the hard way, now they would have a hard time getting me on anything, t i have my health card, first aid kit, triangle kit, fire suppression,msds for lawn chemicals, dot approved chains & binders, roll tarp, good rubber, new battery in my trailer (break away) state & federal truck inspection stickers, and so on!

 

[Ductape]

Ductape-

I know you are right and like everything else that has to do with government policy, your best bet is to smile and not dig yourself a hole.

I'm not trying to scare anyone into not trailering anywhere...... but everyone needs to have an idea what you are facing on the road these days. I should have given my disclaimer : Go with the odds....... and odds are you will never be bothered. But.... don't be shocked when it does happen. Stay safe out there !