Proper securing of tractor while trailering

netwayne · Sep 17, 2011

Did a quick search and I am sure this has been talked on here before but wanted to get some advice on proper use of tie downs. I am getting ready to trailer our JD 2305 which weighs about 1500 lbs. I currently own 1000 lb rated ratchet style tie downs and thought I would use 4 of them to secure the tractor but although I may be able to "get away" with it, I decided to do this post to get some opinions before proceeding. I know in larger applications, chains are pretty prevalent.

I am borrowing the trailer of a neighbor who owns a larger Deere and he might have heavier duty tie downs or chains but thought I would ask for future use.

Thanks for the replies!

PoorPlowboy · Sep 17, 2011

A vehicle crash is a "shock load" and will pop those nylons every time. Chains (grade 70) are much safer.

whistlepig · Sep 17, 2011

I prefer chains. Nylon stretches more than chains. Stretching allows bouncing.

KennyG · Sep 17, 2011

Although the pros prefer chains, I use straps for my 2320 and it seems to work pretty well for lightweight tractors. The problem I see with your plan is using 1000 lb straps. I wouldn't trust those to be anywhere near true capacity. For the equipment, I use the 2", 3000 lb working load straps (usually 4). I have a bunch of 1", 1000 lb straps but I use them only for cargo, not equipment.

aczlan · Sep 17, 2011

KennyG said:
Although the pros prefer chains, I use straps for my 2320 and it seems to work pretty well for lightweight tractors. The problem I see with your plan is using 1000 lb straps. I wouldn't trust those to be anywhere near true capacity. For the equipment, I use the 2", 3000 lb working load straps (usually 4). I have a bunch of 1", 1000 lb straps but I use them only for cargo, not equipment.

Same thoughts here. I have Erickson 10,000 lb. Ratchet Strap, 2 in. x 27 ft. - 3018109 | Tractor Supply Company for our BX2660/B7500 and as long as you keep them from rubbing on anything sharp, they will hold well and can be used for tieing down lighter things.

Aaron Z

whistlepig · Sep 17, 2011

Experience is the best teacher. If you use the nylon straps and they work well for you the nylon is certainly safe. There is no doubt about that. In my experience the nylon straps had a tendency to work themselves and loosen on long hauls. The chains seem to stay tight for me. Also, around the farm, chains are a pretty handy thing to have.

George2615 · Sep 18, 2011

I prefer chains. Under 10,000 lbs technically only requires one in front and one in back. I always secure my tractor with 4 chains (one at each corner) plus straps or chains for implements that may be on front or rear.

Ken45101 · Sep 18, 2011

First of all, are the "1000 pound straps" the working load limit, or the breaking load limit? Most of the time, it's the breaking load limit and that far exceeds the safe load limit (usually by a factor of 5?)

Although I don't think a 1500 pound tractor falls into federal regulation territory, it's still wise to follow those rules. Four 1000 pound rated (working load limit) straps would meet safety rules. IIRC, each strap must be rated at 2/3rds of the total weight AND must be in good condition.

IMO, it's also a function of how and where you are towing the tractor. If you are just occasionally going five miles at 25 mph to the dealer for service on empty back, flat roads, that's different from hauling it 100 miles over hills and curves or Interstate highways at 65 mph.

Ken

bigtiller · Sep 18, 2011

aczlan said:
Same thoughts here. I have Erickson 10,000 lb. Ratchet Strap, 2 in. x 27 ft. - 3018109 | Tractor Supply Company for our BX2660/B7500 and as long as you keep them from rubbing on anything sharp, they will hold well and can be used for tieing down lighter things.

Aaron Z

That is just like the straps I use with my 2305. To make them easier to use, I cut the strap down from 27 feet to 10 feet long. One on each corner! To avoid the chafing problem with straps I bolted an eye-bolt to all four corners of the 2305 for the "J" hook to slip into. I also use a 12 inch long chain on the other end of the strap to tie to the rub-rail stake slot.

That way the strap stays straight and never rubs on anything. These straps are about $20 each but you can catch them on sale for 12 to 16 dollars.

This is the way I tie down weather I am going around town or down the interstate.