Tie down advice

[Engine Mike]

Ok I purchased my trailer to haul my Kubota 2320. Now I need advice on tie downs. I am thinking of 4 straps but also considering chains. Can anyone suggest straps or chains and where to purchase them? And what to expect to pay? Thanks.

 

[stihlman]

Strong D rings attached to trailer by welding or grade 8 bolts. Good chains and boomers. Boom her down tight, no slapping, jerking chains. Haul with confidence

 

[dstig1]

A million ways to do this. Ratchet straps, if rated sufficiently, will work fine for a smaller tractor like that. I find I like chains and ratchet binders. Flexible and easy to use plus really great load capacity and no risk of them rubbing through like straps. They all have their place and I use straps on some things, but chains on bigger, heavier items. Also depends on your trailer and what it has for tie-down points. Check in the Towing & Transportation subforum for more discussions.

 

[4570Man]

I prefer chains, but straps will work. For a tractor this size two 10,000 pound straps ( which usually have a working load of 3,300 pounds ) will be sufficient. If I was using straps I'd use 4. If I was using chains I'd use 2.

 

[motownbrowne]

I use chains when I haul tractors. I do use 2" 3,333# working load limit ratchet straps on the loader and whatever is on the back. Remember, you have to tie down your implements too.

 

[Stubee]

I just find chain binders and a cheater bar to tighten easier on my aching arthritic thumbs than straps big enough to secure, for me. I can grip a binder with my hand easier than I can pry a strap release with my thumb. Use both but chains on the B2320 itself.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I've used the 4" straps, two of them, one front and one back for 10 years. I've hauled up to a L3240 HST FEL Boxblade. I have chains but I use them for lifting "stuff". Harbour Freight or Ebay or maybe Amazon will send them to you.
I hook the end to the lower edge of the trailer and ratchet it down tight.

 

[My Hoe]

Subscribed.

 

[Tomtint]

I like straps for my tractor and chains for the Skidsteer. If I'm correct, DOT wants one on each corner.and one over any implement weather it's attached to the machine or not.

 

[varmint]

You can't go wrong with chains. Harbor Freight often has good deals on them, and binders as well. Some states can be pretty strict about trailer tie downs, if you come into their radar. And a trooper in a bad mood can ruin your day with a laundry list of fines. No personal experience, but I know guys who have learned the hard way to check the rules and play by them. Tomtint's observations above are a pretty good starting guide. You especially don't want your load moving forward during braking or worse.

 

[topbuilder]

I like chains. Hooks in pockets as shown. Bind the slack.

 

[tcartwri]

And be aware that straps will stretch about 5% the first time you use them. Don't be surprised if they're flopping in the breeze after a couple of miles.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

And be aware that straps will stretch about 5% the first time you use them. Don't be surprised if they're flopping in the breeze after a couple of miles.

Interesting this happening to you. Never experienced this in over 10 years strapping my tractors down tight.

 

[newbury]

Chains for tractors, straps for attachments. There is a ratchet binder with a folding handle which is pretty nice but pricey.

And fluid film to cover the chains and binders.

Also pick up a little bit of fire hose to use to prevent the chains from rubbing on equipment and the straps from wearing over contact points.

Here's 1 good older thread on straps vs chains.

 

[gwdixon]

3/8" chain and ratcheting chain binders at all four corners is my go-to setup. Never had anything get loose. Those ratcheting chain binders are easy to use and put a real stretch on the chain!

Harbor Freight is a good place to get 3/8" chain, especially when it goes on coupon or when you have a 20% off coupon. But they only have 3/8" in grade 43 (if that is legal in your state).

I prefer Truck and Tow for my chain needs. However, it is best to catch their "free shipping" offer that happens about once a month and lasts a week. They pretty much have everything you could think of.

Tie Down Transport Chain | Truck n Tow.com

In the photo below, I have since added a fifth chain to the center rear to make sure there is absolutely no movement when braking.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

Lowes has 20' lengths of 5/16" grade 70 transport chain for under $30. Please avoid using the over center chain binders that many ppl refer to as "boomers". They are cheap and simple but are simply not worth the hassel. Get the ratcheting style and don't look back.

 

[tcartwri]

It's industry standard, not something I made up. Straight from the tie down suppliers.

 

[JWR]

Lowes has 20' lengths of 5/16" grade 70 transport chain for under $30. Please avoid using the over center chain binders that many ppl refer to as "boomers". They are cheap and simple but are simply not worth the hassel. Get the ratcheting style and don't look back.

Most of this discussion has gone beyond any realistic needs for towing a small Kubota. I too use chains for the larger tractors and straps for the smaller ones. Sometimes add a strap here and there just because it seems more secure. The old over-center chain binders are said to be "illegal" or anyway not kosher in some states like PA. Not sure what the Fed transportation safety people say. I have no hesitancy to use over-center binders regardless of the fuzzy blur of regulations. So far as I am concerned, it is my safety and my risk that I look out for, not their inconsistent regs. I always use bungy cords (or wire) to secure the handles on the over center binders just in case the chains loosen.

 

[4570Man]

3/8" chain and ratcheting chain binders at all four corners is my go-to setup. Never had anything get loose. Those ratcheting chain binders are easy to use and put a real stretch on the chain! Harbor Freight is a good place to get 3/8" chain, especially when it goes on coupon or when you have a 20% off coupon. But they only have 3/8" in grade 43 (if that is legal in your state). I prefer Truck and Tow for my chain needs. However, it is best to catch their "free shipping" offer that happens about once a month and lasts a week. They pretty much have everything you could think of. Tie Down Transport Chain | Truck n Tow.com In the photo below, I have since added a fifth chain to the center rear to make sure there is absolutely no movement when braking. <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=477659"/>

Aren't you overloaded on the trailer and likely the tow vehicle?

 

[RedNeckRacin]

Most of this discussion has gone beyond any realistic needs for towing a small Kubota. I too use chains for the larger tractors and straps for the smaller ones. Sometimes add a strap here and there just because it seems more secure. The old over-center chain binders are said to be "illegal" or anyway not kosher in some states like PA. Not sure what the Fed transportation safety people say. I have no hesitancy to use over-center binders regardless of the fuzzy blur of regulations. So far as I am concerned, it is my safety and my risk that I look out for, not their inconsistent regs. I always use bungy cords (or wire) to secure the handles on the over center binders just in case the chains loosen.

I guess I implied that chain was required but its not. I prefer to use chain on anything that rolls or moves under its own power. Straps for everything else. Boomers are not illegal and I still have a couple as backups but I have slowly begun retiring them. The issue with them is not the transport although they are a lot more likely to pop open. The issue with them is when you can't get the right link so you have to use a cheater pipe to tighten them. Many guys have lost teeth or have launched cheater pipes over the moon when they knock them loose. You do what you want, but for someone who is asking for tie down advice, no one should recommend boomers because they are too tough or cheap to use better tie down methods.