Help me understand WLL requirements for hauling small tractors.

[sixdogs]

In plain English, can someone explain or give a link to the working load limits needed to haul smaller farm tractors? Say 5,000lbs or 7,500lbs? I've been reading this afternoon and it's confusing and then some. I know I've seen a simple explanation before but can't find it and need a little help.

Normally, I use one strap or chain per corner but sometimes just one (5/16" #70) chain though a clevis and across the back. I know, or think I know that you must have one chain per corner for more than 10,000lbs. I seem to think that the WLL must be half the weight of the item hauled but that doesn't makes sense, I don't think. And if so, does that mean each chain must be half or all chains collectively must be half the weight of the item hauled? I'm lost.

If you hook to a clevis you installed on the tractor, I've read there is no WLL requirement for that but that doesn't sound right either.

Any advice or direction appreciated.

 

[countrybumpkin]

Here is one link to federal guide lines. Heavy equipment.

Driver's Handbook on Cargo Securement - Chapter 1: Heavy Vehicles, Equipment, and Machinery | Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration


And light vehicles.

Driver's Handbook on Cargo Securement - Chapter 9: Automobiles, Light Trucks, and Vans | Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

 

[sixdogs]

OK, from the above links I came up with the following regarding "cargo". Is a tractor cargo? Here's what it said:

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."

So this means I can tie down a 5,000 lb tractor with four 1250 lb rated WLL chains and similar rated hooks? If so, that would mean I could use 1/4" chains and stop busting mu hump with heavy chains? Am I thinking straight or is a tractor not "cargo". That' s where it gets confusing is the definition of things that don't seem logical.

 

[Jcoon]

eCFR — Code of Federal Regulations

Tractors fall under special cargo.

If over 10,000 pounds, one strap in each corner, for a total of 4.

If under 10,000 then whatever meets the requirements.

You have to secure for half the weight of the tractor. 5,000 pound tractor, have to secure for 2,500 pounds.

If the chain/strap goes from trailer to tractor, then back to same side, you get 1/2 the WLL of that tie down, if it goes from one side of trailer, to tractor, and then to other side, you get full WLL of tie down.

All attachments have to be secured properly, unless they can be put into a locked position, like a backhoe or front end loader can be locked or pinned.

 

[nyone]

5/16 chain is a bit small. I would be useing 3/8.

It does say at 10klbs you need enough straps/chains so the WLL combine is 5k but that seams way to light to me.

With there calculatuons and four 1in strap with a WLL of 1klbs you could technically tie a small car down. I would never do this. 2in straps are cheap.

I want half of the WLL of my straps to be at least the weight of the cargo.

 

[Rock Crawler]

Shoot! I am way overkill then!

I use 2 x 3/8" 4700lb chains on the front, and I use 2 x 3,300 lb work load limit straps (10,000 lb break) on the rear.

So I use 16,000 lbs of chain strap power that is legal for 32,000 lbs of equipment.... to pull around a what.... 4,600 tractor?

Tractor base weight of 1800
400 lbs of fluid fill x2 is 800
Larger rims and tires adds what, 100 lbs or so?
Loader is around 900 lbs.
I believe that the BH77 backhoe and subframe is around 900 lbs?

So I have 15% of the load that my hold down equipment is legally allowed to carry. I think I am pretty safe then :laughing:

 

[CincyFlyer]

Nobody every got a citation for "over-secured load".

 

[downsizingnow48]

The cost of an extra chain is nothing compared to the value of the equipment, not to mention possible liabilities in an accident, when everyone's insurance company is pointing fingers and dodging responsibility.

For the B21 (about 4k) I use 6 chains, 5/16 G70. 6 binders. One at each corner of the tractor plus one on the backhoe and one on the loader. Trailered that way across the country from Virginia to California. No doubt that is more than the bare minimum various government regulations require for a tractor of that size.

 

[countrybumpkin]

Nobody every got a citation for "over-secured load".

No kidding.

Something to think about is the chains in front straps in back , your chances of over stressing the rear attachment system is by far greater than the front. Accelerating from a stop isn’t putting near the force on the front as in the sudden stop or hit of the brakes or worse rear ending someone. Seen WAY more loader dislodged to the front from this than rearward.

 

[countrybumpkin]

The cost of an extra chain is nothing compared to the value of the equipment, not to mention possible liabilities in an accident, when everyone's insurance company is pointing fingers and dodging responsibility.

.

This along with the attorneys in the lawsuits.