towing, sort of

bellweather · Feb 26, 2003

Simple question...I need a tow rope so that the next time my car gets stuck in the soft snow on either side of my slippery driveway, I can use my tractor (BX22) to pull it out. My question is this: what's best...nylon rope, chain, cable, or other? and what is meant by "work load limit" in the catalog? Does that mean if I exceed that amount of tension on the rope, it will snap and take my head off? One of the ropes I am considering has a work load limit of 1420 lbs, yet in the catalog description it says it's good for towing cars, tractors and boats....any one of which can weigh more than 1420 lbs? Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks

herbenus · Feb 26, 2003

I lean towards a tow strap. Mainly because I carry it around in my truck all the time, and a strap is easier to get out of tool box. And doesn't rust. I seem to remember that straps are better because they do stretch, eliminating that initial shock that a chain would do. The rating is the working tensile limit of the strap. Not the weight of the vehicle unless your lifting it up off the ground. But I would go with the heaviest rating you can find. A heavier strap may also be longer.

Of course by the same token, for dragging logs and stuff around your place you'll want a chain or chains. So if you don't want both, get a chain. But if you're going to carry it in your vehicle (a good idea especially this time of year), I'd get a strap. Just my nickel's worth.

Anonymous Poster · Feb 26, 2003

Hi, bellweather i've bean using a four inch strap type. In nasty stuff we use chains but 20ft of chains is a lot heavier than strapping, never liked tow rope stuff stretches to much and if it lets go... thats a bad thing. If your giving something a yank out unless your using chain only please put an old jacket or blanket (something to takeup the energy) if one end lets go. A stap wraps up nice and stores flat in a plastic bag also. So I guess I like straps followed by chains.

Not related did I remember to add my link on the last measage? if not..web page

Cheers
Tony

MossRoad · Feb 26, 2003

Get one that is called a "snatch strap" vs just a tie down strap. They are made for just what you describe. You attach it to both vehicles. Then the pulling vehicle pulls ahead slowly, stretching the strap. The stuck vehicle then attempts to drive forward. The strap acts like a giant rubber band and helps to pull the vehicle out. There are probably better explanations than mine, and follow the instructions on the package. They work very well.

jhburke · Feb 26, 2003

For my money use a snatch strap. On slick ground you can drive with a little slack in the strap and when you hit the end of the strap your momentum will help get the stuck unit to moving. With the strap it eases the jerk when it tightens. If you use a rope or chain you have to ease up till it tightens and then apply the power only by then you are just spinning your tires. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

ns_in_tex · Feb 26, 2003

For carrying around in your truck, just in case it might be needed, I like the strap. If working with my tractor, I like a chain.

Be sure to remember Tony's warning of laying something across the strap to asorb the energy if it comes loose or breaks.
My son was using one and the rubber band effect, went through his rear truck window, just missing his head & took out the truck dash.

RobS · Feb 26, 2003

As others have said... Nylon strap for towing, chain for dragging things through the dirt. Just don't get your expectations too high though on un-stucking your car with your tractor. You're still facing the basic laws of physics and your car probably weighs a lot more than your BX22 /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

bellweather · Feb 26, 2003

Thanks everyone for the tips. the snatch strap sounds interesting. I'll look into it. I see in the McMaster catalog that they offer tow strap with wth either forged hooks at the ends or loops. Also I appreciate the safety tip of draping a blanket over the rope. Hopefully the BX22 will be up to the task next time my car gets stuck....otherwise "hello AAA"

billfires · Feb 26, 2003

bellweather, while the advice about straps is good for vehicles, I doubt the BX22 will develop enough "speed" to take advantage of the elasticity of a snatch strap. For just pulling the car back on the driveway just about any type of towing device (chain,cable, rope or strap) would suffice. As to the work load limit that is a percentage of the breaking strength of the device and I wouldn't be overly concerned with it in this particular application. Hope this helps, Bill C

Soundguy · Feb 26, 2003

While the weight of your car may be 3-4K#.. the rolling weight will be less.... inertia though..... might be an interesting thing to watch with snow and a light tractor...

good luck and be safe!

Soundguy