how do you tie down your tractor to a trailer?

[deereboy72]

do you use chains or straps to tie down your tractor to a trailer post pictures if you have them

also those who have experience of renting trailers from rental company's do they provide chains for you to use or sell them with chain binders?

 

[AKfish]

Chains. I don't trust straps. They can abraid or wear and then fail.

That said, I would consider straps for short hauls; 30 miles or less.

AKfish

 

[Army grunt]

I use straps, an have for over 40 years, have not had a problem. I strap from frunt to back then back to frunt. sort of making a x for the tie down.The straps are 1 1/2" lumber tie down straps. I find rubber tires will move around the strapes will go with the flow. If its a dosser I use chines there no give once its binder is set. One very important thing is to check the load after one or two miles of leaving .If your going long distances check after that 20 miles also.Set brakes, an if you have chalks, say 4x4 or 6x6 cut on 45 will add in safety.Any time you haul over kill is a good thing.
Army grunt

 

[Deadman]

Straps are much easier on the machine, they allow it to flex as the tires move a little, and chains dont allow it to budge.
Straps need to be strong and high quality of course.

 

[grnspot110]

Depends on the size of the load! For the bigger tractors (my old two-cylinders, over 5000#), chains & boomers. For my 790 w/loader (under 4000#) I use 2" HD straps. A piece of split 2-1/2" fire hose over any spot that may wear the strap. ~~ grnspot110

 

[Storm56]

Chains and binders for me. I used to use straps on a JD 850. One day I forgot to undo one that went over the loader bucket. I started it up and picked up the bucket and was amazed at how easy it broke, was supposed to be a good quality strap too. Chains ever since.

 

[jenkinsph]

Four chains and binders, one on each corner to stop all movement. The 110 has tie down points built in, very helpful. On the 4520 I have the drawbar removed from its socket and this leaves a large hole in the bracket to run chains through with the hooks attached. On the front I made tie down points that are bolted to the weight bracket attachment point. These also allow the chains and hooks to pass through them without scratching up the paint.

Some pics of the front tiedowns

 

[TGF]

2 inch HD straps. I put two on the front weight bar/bumper and 2 around the rear axle housing. Straps will last a life time if you are smart with them. I carry with me in my truck and couple heavy duty cardbard boxes. Anytime it looks like a strap is going to rub on a hard edge I place a peice of cardboard between the strap and the edge.

 

[Egon]

3/8 chain and binders.

 

[orlo]

I used to use straps when I just transported my 2305, now I use chains and binders. I find the chains much, much easier to attach and feel safe with. I usually am transporting it 200 miles. I've transported my 2305 tons of times and my former 3720 cab many times also. I haven't transported my 4720 cab yet.

Some states may require chains. The 2305 has cutouts in the front frame/weight bracket that fit 3/8" chains exactly

I usually have one chain in front (around the front frame or axle) and one in back. Another for the bucket (VT requires the bucket be chained separately). I think VT now also requires a chain for each corner for units over 6000# instead of one chain at each end. (I usually get my reg info from the dealer as it's impossible to find it on-line .

Remember some states have certain requirements for transporting tractors.