The chain and binders vs. straps debate will probably never be solved, but I use straps. I've been using them for the race car for so many years I'm just used to them. I use two axle straps in the front. These are fixed length (once you adjust them) straps which loop around the front axles and hook to themselves at one end, and hook to the trailer at the other end of the strap, forward of the tractor. I like to splay them outwards as well as forward to try to prevent any sideways movement of the tractor.
In the back, I use two ratchet straps. While they also have axle loops, I hook them to the upright axle mounting brackets just inside the rear wheels, and to the back of the trailer.
The procedure is to drive up on the trailer, ease forward enough to be just ahead of the front straps. Shut it off but leave the brake off and in neutral. Get off and hook up the front straps. Then, hook up the rear straps and use the ratchets to pull the whole thing tight, moving the tractor back against the front straps while tightening the rear. Then, I set the parking brake, which as you know, works very well on the TC18. The front straps do run around the bucket, but this hasn't been a problem.
The straps are rated for 12,000# each, but the hooks and ratchets are rated for "only" 10,000# each. This gives me a total of 40,000# of holding power, 20K in each direction, and with doubled attachments in case one breaks or comes loose.
There are specifically tie-down straps, sold in a matched set with HD hooks and spring-loaded safety thingies to keep the hooks from coming off, not the straps sold in the home supply stores. I buy mine from Racer Wholesale for about $75, but I've seen them cheaper.
