trailering a Kubota L3400 & Maine law

[Woodland]

I have searched the state website in vain looking for the regs on trailering equipment and have yet to find anything. I'll probably give the SP a call after the new year unless the good folks here could give me some insight. I was told that all equipment must be tied down, separately, on all four corners, plus one tiedown for each attachment/implement.

My current chain setup has been as follows which I feel is safe, but if the lawman does not agree.... I have been using one chain either run through the tube on the FEL or between the grill guard and the grill and another chain through a clevis shackle on the draw bar in the rear.

If my understanding of the law is correct I will need to rethink my chaining options. I am thinking I can chain off either side of the front grill guard by either wrapping the chain around the guard and onto itself OR installing mounting some type of D-ring or U-bolt through the two factory holes in the guard (perhaps that is why they are there??). See the attached picture. As for the rear of the tractor, I am at a complete loss. I honestly have no idea where to chain the tractor on both sides unless running two separate chains to the draw bar would satisfy the legal requirements. And, for the "attachments" I would probably use ratchet straps over the FEL just behind the bucket and weave a ratchet strap over/around/through whatever 3PH implement happened to be on the back.

 

[Dyer retired]

Woodland,

Did you look at Title 29-A, Subsection 2396, paragraph 2? That statute is primarily for log trucks and commercial haulers, but defines some other loads. I am not sure what your understanding of the law is, but I was only aware of specific regulations concerning logs, how many binders would be required, how high the load could be, etc. The reality is that anyone that stops you hauling your tractor on a trailer will look for your load being reasonably secured, but I would be surprised to find you being stopped strictly to check for a particular method of tie downs. This is all pretty general and I don't speak for everyone, but unless you're hauling the tractor in an obviously unsafe manner, or on an obviously inadequate trailer, you will not be bothered. Now, for the definitive answer on all of this, I'll PM you the name of the Lieutenant that oversees the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division who will be happy to look into your specific questions. Hope this helps. Dyer, retired....I stress....retired

 

[Diamondpilot]

I do not live in Maine and have never been there but I have been told the rule of thumb is 1 tie down on each corner then one for each implement. I actually bought specific tie downs for my tractor then I have some universal ones for other loads.

Chris

 

[Woodland]

I do not live in Maine and have never been there but I have been told the rule of thumb is 1 tie down on each corner then one for each implement. I actually bought specific tie downs for my tractor then I have some universal ones for other loads.

Chris

This is essentially what I was told. It seems to be a bit excessive (and I'm not entirely sure that physics supports its usefulness) but if it is the law, once set up to accommodate, it really won't take much extra effort to do it.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I think the thought process is if one of your 2 chains fail, lets say the rear chain, the load could easily shift. On a 4 chain setup you lose a chain it can only shift slightly. Also, lets take your example of running the chain over the brush guard. In some instances it is possible for your load to shift sideways if it were to slip.

Chris

 

[Woodland]

I see your point. If all 4 chains hold, the load would certainly be more secure, if one breaks, however, I don't think you would be that much better off than with only two chains. I have heard back from Dyer's source and the official work is 4 chains and thats federal reg not state.

 

[Mikeeemo]

Woodland, I have a L4400 which is in the same series as your L3400. I also have a FEL. I wrap a chain around each axle by the wheels on the tractor and attach to the trailer. I sometimes have to cross them to get a clear line to the tie downs. I have a binder for each chain. Once the tractor is locked down, I place a chain over the FEL and the implement on the 3 point. I have binders on them as well. It is a pain, but if I am in a wreck, I don't worry about it getting loose. I have cut corners in the past, but now when the urge hits, I remember what this machine is costing me each month. I look at it as "wealth preservation"...

I have found that I don't get any attention, when the law drives by and sees all of the chain & the brake system.

 

[LarryRB]

I see your point. If all 4 chains hold, the load would certainly be more secure, if one breaks, however, I don't think you would be that much better off than with only two chains. I have heard back from Dyer's source and the official work is 4 chains and thats federal reg not state.

Like Connecticut, Maine is following DOT laws for tractor trailers. A live load, and anything being hauled on rubber tires is considered a live load, a car, truck, tractor,. etc,,, must have a chain, schedule 70 minimum, on each corner,. plus, such as a backhoe attachment, it too must have it's own chain. Even though the scale house has seen my Kubota L48TLB a hundred times, they know it is pinned for droop and swing,, this is not enough,, Another chain, schedule 70, goes from one side of my trailer, wraps around the hoe bucket and is connected on opposite side, It is not an argument of, only 2 chains are needed, or other,, is is simply following DOT law.

 

[QRTRHRS]

IMHO, unless there are specific tiedown points, the outer axle areas are the best place to chain to. Used fire hose if you can find it is nice to slip over the chain to minimize dinging the paint up.

Cross tieing the chains is perfectly acceptable and is about the only way to chain from the outer axle area down to the deck tiedown areas while keeping the chain off of other parts of the machine.

In addition to the federal guidelines on cargo securement, read the Educational Materials which has some useful examples. Be advised, the handbook is large and takes a few minutes to download. If you take the time to read it, be sure to go to section 3.7.2 "♦ Use at least two tiedowns at both the front and rear of the cargo to prevent movement."

Accessories on the deck do need to be additionally secured and that would be my preferred way to haul something but once again if an accessory such as a back hoe can be securely pinned in place then it may be hauled that way.

 

[George2615]

I have searched the state website in vain looking for the regs on trailering equipment and have yet to find anything. I'll probably give the SP a call after the new year unless the good folks here could give me some insight. I was told that all equipment must be tied down, separately, on all four corners, plus one tiedown for each attachment/implement.

This is the general rule. Technically, if your load is under 10K you only need one chain front and one back but if you follow what you've been told above using 4 tie downs (one each corner) plus a tie down for each implement you can't go wrong and your load will be more safely secured. Check the Federal laws someone posted.