Securing Tractor to Trailer

[JohnMaldaner]

It is time for me to haul my tractor in for scheduled maintenance. I’m looking for advice in the proper way to secure my Kubota L2501 to my flatbed trailer.

Thanks!

 

[shovelmike]

I would use high strength ratchet straps, less prone to damage the paint on the tractor, and plenty strong. Avoid sharp edges which might abrade or cut the strap, pad those with cloth if needed.

 

[oldballs]

I would use high strength ratchet straps, less prone to damage the paint on the tractor, and plenty strong. Avoid sharp edges which might abrade or cut the strap, pad those with cloth if needed.

That works for me too. I wrap the each straps around the front and back axle.

Cheers,
Mike

 

[RjCorazza]

Laws and opinions vary. My previous L3410 was secured with 4 3500lb nylon ratchet straps, plus one for the loader. I used short 2' axle straps around each axle point, with the front straps pulling forward at about 45 degrees, and the rears doing the opposite.

My trailer isn't heavy duty enough to handle my current tractor, but at 6500lbs I would likely use chains and binders. Not sure, but I believe the law in my state (Maryland) requires chain at 10000lbs.

 

[Thomas]

May want to check your state laws,some 2 point or 4 point tie down and some states :confused3:

 

[shaeff]

Whichever method you use, don't cross the straps or chains. (as in, don't make an X out of them) I tend to pull mostly straight back as much as possible, and mostly straight forward.

Here's a good video, doesn't matter whether you're using chains or straps, follow local laws and watch:
Why I don't Cross Strap My Trailer Tie Down - YouTube

 

[tradosaurus]

Amazon.com: Trekassy 2”x 96” Car Axle Tie Down System with 2 Ratchet Straps and 2+2 Axle Straps: Automotive

I used two sets of these to strap down a 4000 lb car on my dual axle trailer and transport it 200 miles.

 

[aczlan]

Laws and opinions vary. My previous L3410 was secured with 4 3500lb nylon ratchet straps, plus one for the loader. I used short 2' axle straps around each axle point, with the front straps pulling forward at about 45 degrees, and the rears doing the opposite.

My trailer isn't heavy duty enough to handle my current tractor, but at 6500lbs I would likely use chains and binders. Not sure, but I believe the law in my state (Maryland) requires chain at 10000lbs.

No requirement for chains on equipment in any state that I have ever seen.
Crushed cars, steel rolls and concrete pipe, yes. Equipment, no.
4 tiedowns are required at 10,000#.
Sometimes I crossstrap, sometimes I don't, it all depends on which gives me a better angle.
Ideal angle is 45 degrees down and 45 degrees to the side.

Aaron Z

 

[mcfarmall]

Here's an interesting slide show. In the section about heavy equipment, etc. it shows front to back tie downs, no crossing. I think I learned something today!

Proper load securement in north america

 

[WranglerX]

First thing I did when I go my car carrier (used to haul race car but now tractor) is make sure you have very secure anchor points (rings or loops) at each corner of trailer.... I also use 2500lb working load 10,000lb burst load ratchet straps.... So secure and you can pull a lot if holding force with them...

Little story... Was coming home from day of racing, cruising along a short cut (nice wide two lane road about 55 mph) and a car runs stop at "T" intersection , suddenly in my lane and I don't really have any place to go, I am hard on brakes and big Chevy PU is in full anti lock braking mode and trailer brakes are locked up and tire squalling.... Chevy emblem on truck grill must have looked 4 feet wide in his rear view mirror, we never touched and I am guessing you could not have put apiece of paper between his rear bumper and my front bumper... Biggest fear was race car would come loose on trailer and come forward into back bed or cab of PU... After stopping a bit later to let butt unclench from seat, race car never moved..... Stopped at road side rest and had snack and a drink, rested for about a hour, .. Got back on road... Was climbing a hill 4 lane with concrete center divider... Two 18 wheeler ahead on the incline and both going really slow, look in mirrors and not a car behind and nothing ahead. moved into inside lane, heavy on pedal to pass, and all of a sudden rear 18 wheeler is in my lane, seems front tuck is doing 10 MPH rear truck is doing 12 MPH and wanted to pass and I doing 50 MPH .. He is suddenly in my lane..... The words "Great Dane" (trailer brand) seem to cover my whole windshield, yes you guesses it, total lock down (again) ... When road in from of me was clear, I when past now lead truck still doing 12 MPH rolled down window and saluted driver over roof of truck........

Kommunist Kalifornia requires 4 tie downs on equipment on trailer...

Do your tie downs well.....

Dale