Chains vs straps

[99ls1tj]

Greetings. I was hauling a John Deere 3039R for a friend recently on a 550 mile trip. All we had to tie down with was 2" ratchet straps. I had a mix of Macs and Husky straps. We put 8 straps on the tractor. It seemed like overkill, but we had them and I wanted to use them. About half way through the trip, we hit some really bumpy roads so we decided to stop and check the straps. The webbing had broken on one of the Husky straps. Needless to say, this somewhat broke our confidence in the straps. All I ever hauled heavy has been Jeeps. Are straps even considered safe for hauling a tractor like this, or should I have used chains? Asking in case I ever need to haul it again. Thanks!

 

[sea2summit]

I'm not a CDL holder, lawyer or anything else just a guy trying to do the right thing.

From what I understand your tiedowns need to secure 1 g of forward force (total weight), .5 g forward and side to side.

So the 3039 weighs about 4k? A quick google around says a 2" ratchet strap is rated at 3-3,700# so right there one strap from the rear is not sufficient as I understand it. I'm not smart enough to argue all the math so I just focus on one tie down covering each requirement.

At a minimum for that tractor I would do a chain at the rear, 2" ratchet strap for each side to prevent lateral shifts, and a chain for the front. Ideally two chains rear and two chains front covers all your bases.

Again, just this guys opinions on how I understand the requirements.

 

[99ls1tj]

I'm not a CDL holder, lawyer or anything else just a guy trying to do the right thing.

From what I understand your tiedowns need to secure 1 g of forward force (to total weight), .5 g forward and side to side.

So the 3039 weighs about 4k? A quick google around says a 2" ratchet strap is rated at 3-3,700# so right there one strap from the rear is not sufficient as I understand it. I'm not smart enough to argue all the math so I just focus on one tie down covering each requirement.

At a minimum for that tractor I would do a chain at the rear, 2" ratchet strap for each side to prevent lateral shifts, and a chain for the front. Ideally two chains rear and two chains front covers all your bases.

Again, just this guys opinions on how I understand the requirements.

We had it figured at about 5700lbs with the attachments. Thanks for the reply.

 

[4570Man]

My guess is you had the straps hooked across something and they got cut. The load rating of straps is pretty good but the abrasion resistance is zero.

 

[PILOON]

My guess is you had the straps hooked across something and they got cut. The load rating of straps is pretty good but the abrasion resistance is zero.

I also use straps but I like to protect them from friction cutting.

I use 12 inch or so lengths of old fire hose as protection sleeves that I position anywhere my straps make contact with sharp edges, even wood.
Works and so far never trashed a strap.
I am lucky in that I have a some HD 2" straps from aviation cargo tiedowns.

 

[2017JD1025r]

My guess is you had the straps hooked across something and they got cut. The load rating of straps is pretty good but the abrasion resistance is zero.

Going to agree here. I've had straps come unhooked and super loose. But biggest thing is they will chafe bad.

That being said I hate/have no developed skills to chain and bind. Takes me FOREVER to properly bind. But I find they usually stay good.

I use straps when I can. My SCUT is fine with 2 of your husky straps but when I move an ag tractor I jump to chains or multiple straps as you. But you have to watch their contact points.

 

[Redlands Okie]

Straps are fine as a type of tie down. They do get cut and will abrade and break if they rub on anything. They will do so easier than you might suspect. Chains are more forgiving on the wear and tear part. Chain hooks need to be attached in such a way to keep in mind that they do not come loose if the chain gets slack in its somehow. Same for straps for that matter.

Personally we tie down are equipment on each corner. Probably over kill but it easier that way and for sure stronger. Implements get at least one separate tie down each.

Stoping and checking tie downs a short distance after starting and then regularly on the trip is a very good idea. The chance to stretch your legs while doing so is just a added bonus.

 

[i7win7]

Several videos on tractor securement
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=tractor+tie+down+straps

 

[Industrial Toys]

For what it's worth. I usually try and keep straps straight, but in fact a twisted strap is much less likely to flap. Maybe more important for lighter loads.

 

[99ls1tj]

My guess is you had the straps hooked across something and they got cut. The load rating of straps is pretty good but the abrasion resistance is zero.

I know what you're saying, but I don't think that was the case. Truth be told though, my buddy had removed the broken strap by the time I saw it and I'm going by what he told me. I was busy putting on another strap and didn't realize he had discarded the broken one, so I didn't actually see it. I was just going by where he told me it had broken in the webbing and that part of the strap would not have been touching anything.