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Tieing down tractor on trailer

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Jim

12-16-2003 10:51:53

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Just curious what you guys use to tie you tractors down on trailers for transport. Dont really want to use chains as they mark up the paint. What is a good way to do it without ruining paint job?

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John in Md.

12-17-2003 14:41:53

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Re: Tieing down tractor on trailer in reply to Jim, 12-16-2003 10:51:53

If I'm hauling a tractor it gets tied down with chains and binders. DOT doesn't care about your paint and either do I. I know it sounds bad but who's going to pay the fine? You or Me.
It's a simple case of mine over matter, "It ain't mine so it don't matter." A quote from a MARYLAND STATE TROOPER with portable scales on a back road in Carroll County MD.

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Bill Becker

12-17-2003 06:42:58

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Re: Tieing down tractor on trailer in reply to Jim, 12-16-2003 10:51:53

My experience with hauling equipment is that chains will scrape paint off and straps will rub paint off. When I secure my tractor to my trailer I run a chain through a clevis attached to the drawbar. I then run a 27' strap through the drawbar and hook it to the trailer near the front by the front tires. I use the rachet on the strap to tighten the chain along with a chain binder. I then put the tractor in gear and lock the brakes. I have never had any problem with the tractor moving unless I forgot one of the steps.

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Tom

12-17-2003 05:26:56

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Re: Tieing down tractor on trailer in reply to Jim, 12-16-2003 10:51:53

I rented JD-550 dozer and had it delivered. The guy that delivered did just that for a living constantly loading and unloading all sorts of tractors, backhoes, dozers, loaders, etc. His company lost a piece of equipment on the interstate in Fort Worth - envolved couple of cars, damage to rig, equipment, highway, fines, lawsuits, etc. Now, by policy they use FOUR separate chains with FOUR ratchet binders on each tractor or other equipment.

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ShepFL

12-16-2003 20:44:26

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Re: Tieing down tractor on trailer in reply to Jim, 12-16-2003 10:51:53

Don't do much hauling but the hauling I do I chain every thing down, whether 10 miles or 1000 miles. I use break over binders wired shut, been toying with the idea of ratchet binders, just not gone there yet. Binders are always on the drivers side so I can monitor them in the rear side view mirror while traveling.

None of my rigs are pretty so chains go across front axles, thru the rears and drawbar if one on the rig. I like chains and use them for tie down. For snatching people out of the ditch I use a strap.

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kyhayman

12-16-2003 13:11:15

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Re: Tieing down tractor on trailer in reply to Jim, 12-16-2003 10:51:53

Depends a lot what 'your state' or the state(s) you are going through require. We have no specific requirement here. I make a lot of short (6-20 mile) trips and usually use a single strap over the transmission if anything. Even without never had one move even a millimeter but I'm hauling heavies (60-100hp diesels with all the ballast I can put in the tires) If I'm making a long haul (in state) or going to have some steep hills I'll chain front axle, rear through the drawbar slot, and strap over the transmission. That's the same way the local dealers and towing companies fasten them here when they haul them.

Longest haul I made was NH bale wagon 600 miles. It took all of my trailer length. I chained each axle independently and the tongue left and right, took the sides off and stacked on top and 2 straps over the sides. Most cargo (such as hay) I strap, machinery I'll chain and strap if I cant pull it.

I appear to being against most of the conventional wisdom here but my personal philosophy is if I put it in the ditch I would rather dump the tractor than take it with me. If I were hauling smaller stuff I'd want it tied better, be afraid of it bouncing off. When I had a little tractor (IH 140, to cultivate tobacco) would even run it up in the cattle trailer.

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Just Checkin'

12-16-2003 14:17:20

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Re: Re: Tieing down tractor on trailer in reply to kyhayman, 12-16-2003 13:11:15

If I might be so rude as to criticize something you posted, why in the world would it make a difference as to how far you are going? Would that not be similar to not buckling up just because you're running into town 3 miles for something? I would think that you could get in almost as much trouble two miles from your gate as 200 miles away.

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kyhayman

12-16-2003 15:04:18

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Re: Re: Re: Tieing down tractor on trailer in reply to Just Checkin', 12-16-2003 14:17:20

No criticism taken, each person has their own philosophy (just like some folks would rather pull on and some back on), and what their local legal issues are. These short hops are roads I know, either 4 lanes that I know the grades or 2 lanes (all paved) that my greatest hazard is dropping the tandems off the shoulder. If I do that I darn sure want the tractor off in the ditch instead of taking me with it. If I'm going on a long haul I dont know the grades.

Not worried about forward slip, gooseneck will stop it (even though they have never moved, and I may move 2x per day in hay season) plus way more steel in the gooseneck than in any 10 chains and I put the loader or the weight rack against the neck, local DOT doesn't require it so there is no legal issue, side slip is unlikely (physics of it say it will go forward or backwards more readily than sideways), only way it is going backwards is on rapid acceleration (and I dont see that happening with 15K behind a 3/4 ton) or on a really steep grade. If I dont know the roads, I dont know the grades so I'll chain it.

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Kevin (FL)

12-20-2003 18:49:36

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Tieing down tractor on trailer in reply to kyhayman, 12-16-2003 15:04:18

For anything over 1500 #'s or so, I use two separate chains & binders from the drawbar to the opposite side of the trailer (diagonals) and two separate chains & binders from the front rails. Also will use the 10K nylon ratchets across the torque tube for the smaller AC's and Farmalls. I like the nylon straps but they don't hold up very well and will cut easily on long runs. I always use large ty-wraps on my chain binders or copper bailing wire. If I'm hauling other folks tractors my chain binders are pad-locked for overnight stays.

Made runs anywhere from 500 to 2500 miles and never lost one yet. Biggest problem I've seen on the roads are stupid drivers that pull out in front of you like they do it every day. Or how about the people that pass you on the interstate (while you're on cruise) and as soon as they get back in your lane they either hit the brakes or slow down?? I keep a lot of distance between me and guy in front of me. After making many road trips hauling tractors with a 36' trailer, I have a much better appreciation for what the professional truckers go through and also a lot of respect for them.

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concerned citizen

12-18-2003 16:07:05

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Tieing down tractor on trailer in reply to kyhayman, 12-16-2003 15:04:18

brother in law put 40,000 lb steel coil int back of cab on flatbed he had the same philosophy you do and it almost killed him maybe you should let us know ehere you are and what time your there as my wife and I are in KY every day on a dedicated run so we can be where you aint. and before you get carried away it was chained in 3 places but he had a choice, stop or die at 50 mph

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rustyfarmall

12-16-2003 16:58:42

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Tieing down tractor on trailer in reply to kyhayman, 12-16-2003 15:04:18

How do you know the tractor will end up in the ditch? It could just as easily end up on top of a mini-van with mom and 4 kids inside.

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Ken

12-17-2003 17:59:11

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Tieing down tractor on trailer in reply to rustyfarmall, 12-16-2003 16:58:42

Could be innocent kids too!

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Newgen

12-16-2003 18:31:57

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Tieing down tractor on trailer in reply to rustyfarmall, 12-16-2003 16:58:42

I was about to say the same thing but you beat me to it-

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jd-tractor

12-16-2003 15:26:27

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Tieing down tractor on trailer in reply to kyhayman, 12-16-2003 15:04:18

You should take it as criticism! and the cops should be sitting at your driveway the next time you pull out!!!You apparently have a lack of common sense and disregards for other peoples safety! when hauling> The purpose of anchoring a load is tO MAKE Sure it dosen't move. not to stop it.I know of a lot of dead people due to an attitude like yours

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Chris

12-16-2003 13:08:43

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Re: Tieing down tractor on trailer in reply to Jim, 12-16-2003 10:51:53

Use chains and binders. Make sure the chains are grade 70 or better. Straps will not pass a DOT inspection for holding a piece of equipment. Depending on the size, it can be chained front and rear for a small tractor,or all 4 corners for a larger tractor.

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Bret

12-16-2003 15:22:23

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Re: Re: Tieing down tractor on trailer in reply to Chris, 12-16-2003 13:08:43

Actually straps will meet the DOT rules if the tractor is small enough. The DOT rule is that you take the weight of the load, divide in half and must have enough tie down strength to meet that weight. Also on 01/04/04 the new tie down requirements come into effect. These state that there must be at least 4 seperate tie downs, ( chain,cable, whatever) hitched to the points closest to the 4 corners of the equipment that are suitable for attachment. If there's a boom or bucket type attachment to the equipment it has to be secured too. Of course the DOT rules only apply to vehicles over 10,000 lbs engaged in commerce. Talk to your local DOT guys if you want more specific info.

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Jason

12-16-2003 12:57:59

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Re: Tieing down tractor on trailer in reply to Jim, 12-16-2003 10:51:53

I use the straps for the smaller tractors(such as a Farmall Cub) With one on the front and back and a lite tractor I don't think the odds of it breaking are high.
On the bigger ones I use chains and ratchet binders. What ever you do don't ever use those other type binders! Im not sure what the technical name for them is,but I just call them JUNK! I worked at a landscaping place for a while and we almost lost a brand new $26,000 skid stear loader cause of those things.

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Red Tom

12-16-2003 12:36:45

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Re: Tieing down tractor on trailer in reply to Jim, 12-16-2003 10:51:53

The local Police says four chains per tractor. Technically they must be transportation grade too. He says if he sees a trailer upsidedown in the ditch the tractor better still be chained to it. I know it sounds extreme but pays to be safe. Oh, and straps are a nono too.

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Chris

12-16-2003 12:23:36

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Re: Tieing down tractor on trailer in reply to Jim, 12-16-2003 10:51:53

Marks on a tractor aren't very pretty but they are better than loosing it off a trailer. I usually run one chain over the front tires(on a narrow front) and one chain through a clevis on the drawbar. You can cut a piece of rubber hose and slide on the front chain to keep the paint from chipping. I have also put a piece of rubber or PVC pipe through the cultivator holes in the frame and ran a chain through it. It works OK too. I always check the chains after a few miles if you chail around the tires because they will work up some slack after a little distsance.

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Indydirtfarmer

12-16-2003 12:05:06

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Re: Tieing down tractor on trailer in reply to Jim, 12-16-2003 10:51:53

Having your tractor fly off the trailer, and land on the hood of someones Lexus isn't good for your paintjob either. Chain it down good. I've seen several tractors with hooks attached to the frames/transmissions for hooking your chains to. On the rear, put a clevis on the drawbar, and run your chain through that. Also, use "grade 70" chains. They are a bit higher than grade 43 (what most hardware stores sell) but they have a much higher tensile rating. The D.O.T. demands that they be used with chain binders. The grade 70 chains are a gold color, for easy identification. Nothing will ruin a week-end faster than getting busted by the local DOT enforcement people. John

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old

12-16-2003 12:02:40

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Re: Tieing down tractor on trailer in reply to Jim, 12-16-2003 10:51:53

We use a piece of old carpet under the chain to help stop the paint from comeing off and from scraching things

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rustyfarmall

12-16-2003 11:10:15

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Re: Tieing down tractor on trailer in reply to Jim, 12-16-2003 10:51:53

Attach some hooks to your tractor to fasten the chains to, that way, you only scratch the hooks. Even the straps will rub the paint, plus, you run the risk of the straps breaking. Also, the D.O.T. does not like straps, they would rather see chains. you can use chains, and risk marring the paint, or you can use straps, and risk losing the whole tractor off of the trailer. Which would you rather do?

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Aaron

12-16-2003 11:40:10

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Re: Re: Tieing down tractor on trailer in reply to rustyfarmall, 12-16-2003 11:10:15

I will confirm that straps will break. I never believed it until it happened to me. Hauling a 1939 DC case on my flatbed C-70, crossed a bridge with a rough spot in the center, the tractor bonced on the truck bed and that strap went like a rubber band when it broke. Luckily a friend of mine was behind and happened to have an extra chain and binder in his pickup. Haven't used a strap to tie a tractor since. Chain and binder only!

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Red Dave

12-16-2003 11:06:59

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Re: Tieing down tractor on trailer in reply to Jim, 12-16-2003 10:51:53

We had a lot of bad fire hose at the station, so I cut up some to use as pads where the chains and straps rub paint. Works very nicely.
The companies that make binders and lifting straps make sleeves to put over them for rub protection, the free fire hose was cheaper though, and works just as good.

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Dana

12-16-2003 10:59:01

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Re: Tieing down tractor on trailer in reply to Jim, 12-16-2003 10:51:53

Just put towels between the chains & your rims. You can get your sweetie some new ones at Wal-Mart & use the old ones for the shop and the trailer.

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Hoppy

12-16-2003 12:39:36

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Re: Re: Tieing down tractor on trailer in reply to Dana, 12-16-2003 10:59:01

I always have plenty of Levi's and so I cut the legs off and run the chains or straps through a double set of them. It keeps them from rubbing the paint off.

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