Chains Binder & Chains

[smoothie17]

Could someone post some pictures showing the correct way to attach the chains to the load and the trailer? Do you hook the end of the chain to the D-Ring; do you wrap the chain around the D-Ring or what? I've been using straps the last 2 years and just purchased chains and ratchet binders yesterday and want to make sure I'm doing it right.

Thanks for all your help.

 

[RonR]

Oh, Smoothie, did you open a can of worms!

If you do a search on binders or straps or chaining down, you will be inundated with opinions and "facts".

It's almost like asking if Orange is better than Green on an open forum!

There's the 2 vs 4 chain camp, the chains vs straps camp, rachet binders vs overcenter binders, only the tractor or every attached implement camp, Grade 43 vs 70 chain camp, the DOT vs state regulations camp, etc, etc.

Personally, I use two chains, one over-center binder. 45 Degree angle on each. I have a clevis on the front and back of the tractor. Chain the back , then move the tractor tight, then chain front with binder. I wrap the chain around itself (cross it) at each clevis to keep it from sliding. This is the right way
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif to do it!

BTW, I saw one of our city pickups /trailers hauling a small tractor/mower yesterday. I can't be sure (it was at a distance), but I'm pretty sure they held it on the trailer with a only a nylon strap across the operator platform. This is NOT a good way to do it, and I plan to contact the city park boss to let him know that's not a safe practice.......................

Have fun,
Ron

 

[smoothie17]

I've seen all the posts about straps vs. chain but I'm not trying to start that all over again. That's like asking Ford or Chevy? Mostly interested in attaching the chain to the D-Rings. I could have saved myself the price of one binder if I remembered to attach the chain on one end of the load and then move the load itself to tighten.

Thanks for the feedback!!!

 

[RonR]

Just keep the binder and take it with you. Never know when you might want to put it in the mix. If you see a chain is loose and you need to tighten stuff up in a hurry, you can slap that binder on quickly and move on.

I should add: Most of my hauls are <30 minutes at speeds <30MPH. If I were going cross country, I might do it a little differently.

Ron

 

[Highbeam]

I think the question is on how to use the chain and not whether to use, how many, or what grade of chain.

I use the stake pockets on the trailer and 4 chains with hooks on each end. I drop the hook through the stake pocket then wrap it to the outside where it is hooked to the stake pocket forming a loop. This method allows the hook to stay hooked even if the chain goes slack. Around the tractor I run the chain through the tractor frame and then hook it onto itself. Most D-rings out there are too thick to allow the chain hook to be directly hooked on the D-ring, you'll have to run the chain through the d-ring and hook it back on itself.

Routing the chains is also difficult since the angle of the chain to the tractor makes a big difference in how secure the load is.

 

[smoothie17]

Thanks for the feedback!!!

 

[George2615]

I use 5 chains. The 2 chains at the rear I drop through a stake pocket then up to clevis hooks on the back end of the tractor, then I pull forward to take up the slack. On the front end I use 2 more chains. I go around the tractor frame and drop the chain through a stake pocket on each side. Then I connect the two chain ends with a ratchet binder on each side and tighten them up. A 5th chain goes in a stake pocket on each side and chain is hooked to hooks I mounted on each side of my bucket. Bucket is then curled to take up slack. Rear implements usually get strapped down.

 

[LeadPoison]

My dealer delivered my M4900 with FEL and 6' cutter with one frayed strap. I know. I couldn't beleive it either.

 

[snal]

I've read were several of you chain the back...then pull forward till the chain is tight....I'm curious as to why this method is used rather than using binders at the rear....is it just to keep from having to buy rear binders?

Speaking of binders, which type is prefered...the cam-lock type....or ratchet type?

I'll be hauling mine for the first time in a few weeks, using my 16' car hauler. It only has D rings in the front, and pieces of flat bar welded across the C channel side rails....I think I'll weld some pieces of channel vertically, so I can hook the chain the way you guys are talking about.

 

[George2615]

I'll be brave and answer that. I don't want to buy another set of ratchet binders for the rear. It is faster to drop on the chains and pull forward till they tighten up then use ratchet binders up front. I also prefer ratchet binders. I have cam type binders but don't use them. I have busted my knuckles and pinched fingers several times and had them pop open a few times too.
Most Tractor Supply stores sell stake pockets and D-rings you can weld on to your trailer too.