What size chain binders and chains?

[HCJtractor]

I plan to replace my ratchet strap binders with chains and ratchet load binders. I tow a 70 horse Kubota on a gooseneck and normal implements like rotary cutters, etc. I'm thinking about the ratchet style rather than the lever style. Looks like Northern has all I need. What size chains? 5/16 or 3/8? And I assume I need grade 70 chains? Any tips or advise?

 

[Diamondpilot]

6 5/16 chains and binders and you will be good to go.

Chris

 

[Gary Fowler]

For my tractor, I go with 4 of the 3/8" grade 70 chains-one at each corner. I have a little safety margin that way for my 10K pound tractor with FEL. I use separate 2" wide ratchet straps on the FEL and anything else attached. IIRC (its been a while since I used them) they are rated at 10K pounds. I don't mind using straps on attached items as they are not coming off anyway, but law requires them tied down. If the straps wear on a sharp corner, I am not going to loose my load. I prefer chains for my tractor.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

Gotta be grade 70 chain. Get the ratchet binders, The lever binders are cheaper, but not forgiving. They also can bounce open if not tied shut. The ratchet binders are a little slower, but I think I can get them much tighter.

 

[Xfaxman]

Definitely get the ratchet binders. :thumbsup:

 

[mikehaugen]

Definitely get the ratchet binders. :thumbsup:
<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=387969"/> <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=387970"/> <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=387971"/> <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=387972"/>

That's cool, I don't remember ever seeing binders with the folding handle.

 

[LD1]

Not sure what others experience is, but if you do get the ratchet binders, keep a can of wd-40 or similar in your truck. and keep the threads and ratcheting part lubed every once in awhile.

 

[HCJtractor]

I was looking at those folding handle versions online. I agree those look to have advantages over the standard type. I also see on your photos how you attached both ends of the chain to the tractor and trailer rails respectively and then took up slack in the middle. Never thought of that. Duh! I wondered how the short chain on the binder itself would reach thru the trailer rail. Is that how everyone does it?

And another question. Do you use one chain at each corner (4 chains and binders total) or run one longer chain from from one corner across tractor to the opposite corner and use one binder ( so two chains and binders total)?

What length chains should I buy? Is 3/8 overkill?

 

[Xfaxman]

That's cool, I don't remember ever seeing binders with the folding handle.

Yep, makes them easy to store also.

They have a neutral detent on the ratchet, makes it quicker to adjust, just rotate the black rubber grip with your hands.


I got them at a store in Oklahoma City, that sells transport chain and equipment.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I was looking at those folding handle versions online. I agree those look to have advantages over the standard type. I also see on your photos how you attached both ends of the chain to the tractor and trailer rails respectively and then took up slack in the middle. Never thought of that. Duh! I wondered how the short chain on the binder itself would reach thru the trailer rail. Is that how everyone does it?

And another question. Do you use one chain at each corner (4 chains and binders total) or run one longer chain from from one corner across tractor to the opposite corner and use one binder ( so two chains and binders total)?

What length chains should I buy? Is 3/8 overkill?

I would rather use 4 of the 3/8" gr. 70 chains than 6 -5/16" any day. I also use the 9200 # rating ratchet rather than the lighter ones (5200?). Legally you have to have a separate chain & binder for each corner. You cant use one chain and 1 binder for each side (or front /rear) of the tractor, so yes you need 4 short chains and 4 binders plus a chain or strap to hold down each attached implement like FEL, backhoe, bush hog, box blade etc.

You use your binder to take up the middle slack in a chain, each end of the chain is attached to trailer/equipment.

 

[HCJtractor]

I would rather use 4 of the 3/8" gr. 70 chains than 6 -5/16" any day. I also use the 9200 # rating ratchet rather than the lighter ones (5200?). Legally you have to have a separate chain & binder for each corner. You cant use one chain and 1 binder for each side (or front /rear) of the tractor, so yes you need 4 short chains and 4 binders plus a chain or strap to hold down each attached implement like FEL, backhoe, bush hog, box blade etc. You use your binder to take up the middle slack in a chain, each end of the chain is attached to trailer/equipment.

Thanks Gary. Good info!

 

[BKBoiss]

. I have used these hauling heavy equipment before. You never need to worry about a handle rattling into a tight spot and getting stuck, that being said don't set the handle down to tie on your wide load signs and forget it, of course that is just a hypothetical scenario.

 

[andrehoude123]

Here's how everyone does it around here 2 short chains in the front hook that up and back up till their tight then put your longer chains in the back and put your binder in the middle and wrap the extra chain around it to make sure it dosent pop open also when you close your leaver binder give it a good hit it will lock it

 

[newbury]

I plan to replace my ratchet strap binders with chains and ratchet load binders. I tow a 70 horse Kubota on a gooseneck and normal implements like rotary cutters, etc. I'm thinking about the ratchet style rather than the lever style. Looks like Northern has all I need. What size chains? 5/16 or 3/8? And I assume I need grade 70 chains? Any tips or advise?

Don't ignore the BB hardware stores for chain. I got my first 6? chains from Home Depot and it was less expensive than Harbor Freight. I'd recommend you carry at least 1 lever style. If you are only loading a tractor and a bush hog you may not need it, but sometimes I've found that the lever (w/ handle tied) fits where I found it "tight" to swing the ratchet. I've also used lever types on one end, hooking them up first, then ratchet types on the other end to make the load squat.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

andre, You need to drop the hoe to the deck and secure it. Be careful tying down over your ramps, you might end up with a kink in the ramps over time or after a hard stop.

 

[Diamondpilot]

<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=388060"/>

Here's how everyone does it around here 2 short chains in the front hook that up and back up till their tight then put your longer chains in the back and put your binder in the middle and wrap the extra chain around it to make sure it dosent pop open also when you close your leaver binder give it a good hit it will lock it

<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=388061"/>

I would put two chains in the back vs one. Last thing I want is that tractor coming through my cab in a crash.

Chris

 

[andrehoude123]

andre, You need to drop the hoe to the deck and secure it. Be careful tying down over your ramps, you might end up with a kink in the ramps over time or after a hard stop.[/QUOTE

I stopped at our local scales (MTO) and ask they said I don't need to because theirs a way to lock it both up and side to side and I'm not to worried about the ramps bending they weigh about 400 pounds a piece

 

[andrehoude123]

And ya always 2 chains and 2binders in the back

 

[CJONE]

If you are worried about cam/lever binders backlashing when releasing them, get a cheater bar for this style of binder. It has a release bypass so it won't backlash. Available a most truckstops. I warned and then watched a guy break his leg while releasing a lever style binder. If he would have listened he would have been fine. There is a right way and many wrong ways of doing things. Right now I am stuck with 3/8" G 70 chains but I am replacing them with 5/16" ones as I go. I am keeping all of my 3/8-5/16" binders and gave away/sold all of the ratchet binders I had. The only time I have ever had a snap binder come loose is when it was not bound down correctly and loosened up allowing the binder to open. CJ
edit. 2 separate tie down points and binders in the back, 2 in the front [sometimes I cheat and do 1] Then small straps for each implement. DOT regs say even your bucket that is attached to the loader has to have separate tie downs. Like I said I just use small straps but it is legal. Don't need any grief with a CDL license.