Straps vs chains - trailering

[BTDT2]

I choose to use chains on the tractor, both front and rear, and straps on the implements- FEL, Bushog, Box-blade, etc.

FWIW and IMHO I disagree with those who chain/strap the back but only chain/strap the FEL on the front. I consider the FEL an implement and not suitable for securing the front of the tractor.

 

[BTDT2]

Just visited the Federal Motor Carrier Safety page and looks like straps or chains is non-problem but if the 'tractor' is under 10,000 lbs you can use the following rules from chapter 9 versus the heavy equipment wheeled or tracked chapter:

"Securing Automobiles, Light Trucks, and Vans (Section 3.7.2)
Tiedowns attached to the vehicle being transported are the most effective securement system.

Securement requirement
Use at least two tiedowns at both the front and rear of the cargo to prevent movement.
Side-to-side
Forward and rearward
Vertically

Note: More tiedowns may be required to satisfy the general cargo securement requirements. The Standard states: "The sum of the working load limits from all tiedowns must be at least 50% of the weight of the cargo."

 

[downsizingnow48]

When I was still in my teens my Dad and uncles had a rule, if it is metal use chains, if it is not metal use ropes. Straps replaced ropes of course. I still follow the same rule and have never had a problem with a load, or with the chains/ropes/straps, or with law enforcement.

 

[powerscol]

Just remember that whatever you use be sure the straps or chains are DOT compliant. Many of the TSC ones are not, which I was using. I ran through a check point last summer with my Bobcat CT235. I had it tied down with chains and straps. Some were compliant, and others not. Inspector was very nice about it and explained what I really needed, both per CO and federal law and for my own liability. I could have been fined if I was running commercial - I am considered farm. Found out if I ever was in an accident and the load came loose I could be in a world of hurt if they found the load not secured properly. I also checked with my insurance folks and yes they could deny coverage if I knowingly did not secure properly. I ordered 4 set of DOT chains and binders from truck&tow. I got the folding handle ratchet type binder - makes slick work of securing.

Would be worth checking into depending on your state.

 

[aczlan]

Just remember that whatever you use be sure the straps or chains are DOT compliant. Many of the TSC ones are not, which I was using. I ran through a check point last summer with my Bobcat CT235. I had it tied down with chains and straps. Some were compliant, and others not. Inspector was very nice about it and explained what I really needed, both per CO and federal law and for my own liability. I could have been fined if I was running commercial - I am considered farm. Found out if I ever was in an accident and the load came loose I could be in a world of hurt if they found the load not secured properly. I also checked with my insurance folks and yes they could deny coverage if I knowingly did not secure properly. I ordered 4 set of DOT chains and binders from truck&tow. I got the folding handle ratchet type binder - makes slick work of securing.

Would be worth checking into depending on your state.

What makes them DOT compliant or not?

Aaron Z

 

[Peter 315]

What makes them DOT compliant or not?

Aaron Z

With the wide variety of tie strap, ratchets and cam buckles US Cargo Control offers, you can rest assured our products are extensively tested for safe use. All of our ratchet straps have labels with working load limit information and most meet several requirements and guidelines, including:

Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) guidelines
Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations
Web Sling & Tie Down Association (WSTDA)
North American Cargo Securement

 

[Tractor Seabee]

What makes them DOT compliant or not?

Aaron Z

Good point about checking with your insurance. Last thing you want is an accident and insurance is denied. Remember put wood dunnage between metal surfaces and heavy items at the bottom of the pile. Proper tie down makes the trailer and load one solid mass. Shifting cargo can produce some awesome forces.

If you ever worked break bulk sea cargo you would have that experience. It was a lot of work making all that mixed sizes of cargo into a solid mass with the ship.

Ron

 

[aczlan]

With the wide variety of tie strap, ratchets and cam buckles US Cargo Control offers, you can rest assured our products are extensively tested for safe use. All of our ratchet straps have labels with working load limit information and most meet several requirements and guidelines, including:
Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) guidelines
Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations
Web Sling & Tie Down Association (WSTDA)
North American Cargo Securement

Good point about checking with your insurance. Last thing you want is an accident and insurance is denied. Remember put wood dunnage between metal surfaces and heavy items at the bottom of the pile. Proper tie down makes the trailer and load one solid mass. Shifting cargo can produce some awesome forces.
If you ever worked break bulk sea cargo you would have that experience. It was a lot of work making all that mixed sizes of cargo into a solid mass with the ship.
Ron

Neither of which answers my question.

What makes them DOT compliant or not?

Looking, TSC has 3 brands of 2" wide straps listed online:
Python:

Python 3500 Series Heavy-Duty Ratchet Straps are for rugged industrial jobs and tough farm use. The deluxe ratchet system on this strap gives you the flexibility to control and adjust the tension applied to your cargo load. This is the strap you turn to when looking for that extra level of security for heavy-weight cargo hauling.

Premium polyester straps
Rugged 8 in. x 4 in. wide steel ratchets
2.75 in. double J-hook ends ensure cargo is secured
Protective coated hooks prevent damage to cargo
Deluxe coated ratchet handle
Measures 2 in. W x 14 ft. L
Deluxe ratchet
Premium hook
Reinforced stitching
Yellow; pack of 2
1 year limited warranty

Smart Strap:

The SmartStraps 2 in. x 27 ft. Yellow Ratchet with Double J-Hook is designed to withstand the extreme rigors of heavy-duty cargo transportation.

2 in. wide x 27 ft. long
3,333 lb. safe work load
10,000 lb. break strength
Commercial-grade capacity ratchet tie down
Rugged, heavy-gauge steel construction
Extra-long with high safe work loads and high break strength
High-visibility yellow webbing
Super strong, plated double J-hooks

Buyers:

The Buyers Products 3 in. Ratchet Strap is 27 ft. long and features flat hooks to fit your stake body side rails.
Capacity of 15,000 lb.
Working load limit of 5,000 lb.

It would appear that all three are intended to be used to secure cargo on a vehicle and if one were to get a ticket because they weren't rated for securing cargo, you would have grounds to ask TSC to pay for the ticket as it was advertised as being for cargo securement.

Aaron Z

 

[Peter 315]

Neither of which answers my question.


Looking, TSC has 3 brands of 2" wide straps listed online:
Python:

Smart Strap:

Buyers:

It would appear that all three are intended to be used to secure cargo on a vehicle and if one were to get a ticket because they weren't rated for securing cargo, you would have grounds to ask TSC to pay for the ticket as it was advertised as being for cargo securement.

Aaron Z

I guess if they have the working load limit on them there ok , In 35 years of driving trucks i never had a problem with tie-downs just everything else

 

[Peter 315]

Neither of which answers my question.


Looking, TSC has 3 brands of 2" wide straps listed online:
Python:

Smart Strap:

Buyers:

It would appear that all three are intended to be used to secure cargo on a vehicle and if one were to get a ticket because they weren't rated for securing cargo, you would have grounds to ask TSC to pay for the ticket as it was advertised as being for cargo securement.

Aaron Z

Similarly, unmarked webbed cargo straps in good condition are minimum-rated at 1,000 pounds WLL per inch of width. A properly marked 4-inch strap could be rated as high as 5,400 pounds. If that 5,400-pound strap were downgraded 4,000 pounds because the label or marking was missing or not legible, the driver could come up 1,400 pounds short per damaged strap in meeting the minimum AWLL for the cargo.