Tieing a BX24 to a Trailer

[megaboz]

This may seem like a dumb question, but how do you tie down a tractor? After all, a $15,000 tractor is nothing to mess with, not to mention that the public hazard I could create.

I tend to go way overboard when it comes to tieing anything in a trailer, I use 6 straps just on a 4 wheeler, so imagine how many I will try to use on a tractor?

I have a BX24, and will be transporting it on a 20 ft trailer.

Is it safe to use several straps that are rated for 1500 lbs to tie down a 3000 lb tractor?

Should I set the BH on the deck and strap the bucket to the deck too, or should I use the PINS and leave it hanging?

Should I throw a strap acrosss the FEL and should I tip the bucket up side down and tie down?

As far as actually loading the trailer, I assume it is safe and best practice to try to keep the load balanced on the trailer while maintaining a safe load on the tongue.

 

[radioman]

actually - its not a dumb question. Its a good one, and for this one you will probably get several different answers here.

Basically what I do with my BX24 and 16ft trailer ( you can tweak how i do it to fit your needs) . I try to follow the federal DOT preference. My state doesnt exactly post how it should be done. DOT wants four corners of the tractor tied down and each implement tied down as well.

If I have my FEL and BH on, I use chains and binders on the tractor, two on each corner of the BX grill guard and two on back of the holes near the top of the tractor (its used for holding the 3pt from traveling down). I keep the bucket flat as possible on the deck, not turned down.(my reasoning is if there any forward movement and the chains break, then the curl piston could be damaged) I use a 10k strap on the FEL across top of the bucket. I since I only have one 10k strap, I ended up using a 5k rated strap on the BH bucketin curled up postion and on deck. hey! at least the "implement BH" looks tied down right ?!

 

[Firefighter Kubota]

You are going to get a lot of opinions on this one.....

I aggree with radioman, althought straps vs chains are a personal preference.

I have chains, but use #3500 straps with small pieces of firehose for chafing gear, and Thats the biggest issue with straps. Like accross the bucket...or any sharp edges.. Straps are lighter and quicker, I feel. For a bobcat, I use chains -- more mass

I would though upgrade to the #3000 straps, even though you are probably safe with yours the 3000 are thicker and less prone to chafe and Stretch (in wet weather)

Read "hauling the bota" for all the opinions...

Regardless of DOT, (in most states) unless you are commercial, the ordinary citizen is exempt...unless something goes wrong... Like the guy with 10 sheets of plywood on the roof of his VW with twine....unless he dumps the load or it appears the load will shift off, most DOT, stateys leave you alone..once you dump it....look out.


Good luck

 

[radioman]

Regardless of DOT, (in most states) unless you are commercial, the ordinary citizen is exempt...unless something goes wrong... Like the guy with 10 sheets of plywood on the roof of his VW with twine....unless he dumps the load or it appears the load will shift off, most DOT, states leave you alone..once you dump it....look out.


Good luck

Yeah , I forgot to add this part, that was my whole reasoning for the overkill as a ordinary citzen - IF the load ever falls off. You probably could get away with strap on a bucket and single chain in the back through the bottom plate of the hitch. ( shhh! I had to do this once the first time since it was all I had at first, it not recommeded though) MY reasoning was the bucket was against the metal railing on front to prevent it moving and the chain "should" hold the sudden movement in the back. The strap would keep the tractor steady. The whole point here is to "look legal" so you wont get a second look and be safe. Use your judgement and be safe. It took me awhile to collect the right equipment over time due to money restraints.

 

[PUSHINDIRT]

I like Firefighter Kubota use a combo of both. My biggest problem with straps is that they loosen during my trip. My chains with the foldable tie downs always hold my tractor still. You can never be too careful! Nothing will ruin your day like seeing your new 24 on it's side in a ditch because grandma didn't see you coming!

 

[Ace3]

I use chains with ratchet binders on all 4 corners and a strap over the FEL bucket.

 

[IC Smoke]

Chains Chains Chains. And a couple good ratchet binders! Michigan DOT says you have to run 4 chains(stamped rating) and 4 ratchet binders plus one over the boom (hoe)

Being commercial you have to abide by the rules but I think thats way overkill on a BX or small piece of equipment so I just run two long chains and two ratchet binders and make sure the pins are in the backhoe to keep it from moving.

On any load... too much is always a good thing. I wont haul anything unless I know it wont move or have the chance to move. I guess its better to know than to second guess and think "Huh I wonder if this will hold"

.02

Ian

 

[DickS]

Tie Down

 

[megaboz]

I didn't want this to turn into a debate, so please let's not go there. So far so good.

However, I do want to thank everyone for their inputs. And I think I am going to agree that I don't like the idea of straps (I have had them stretch myself with just a 4 wheeler), so I will probably go with chains on at least all 4 corners.

Thanks guys for your input.

 

[BANDAMAN]

On my BX, I use the 3" 10,000 lb rated ratchet straps. I have never had one loosen up, all of mine are less then 3 yrs old and I check for frays when attaching. My BX has no backhoe, so it is a bit lighter and I don't feel chains are necessary. We use chains and binders on all the heavier equipment, but I feel the straps are fine for the BX and they don't scratch it all up.

I would not use those 1500-3000 lb ATV straps.....I use 4 of those on an ATV, but the ATV is under 600 lbs, the BX is about 1800 I think....yours is quite a bit more I bet.