Hauling tractors with straps?

[gordy from Iowa]

Can a tractor be tied down with straps instead of chains? I know chains would be better, but they sure raise heck with a nice paint job and bolted hooks and other stuff on the frame look out of place. Ya,, I know - forget the paint, but I think the tractor goes faster if the paint is not chipped! Just kidding, really would like to know if I can use straps and not upset the DOT.

 

[old]

My self I will not use straps only chains. As far a D.O.T. call them and ask if its legal. Now as far as the paint job thats not a problem either. I hook a clevis on the draw bar and run the chains there and On most I can run the chain through the front wheels , and or lay a rag under that chain to shield the paint
Hobby farm

 

[dittmerku]

I use straps all the time and never have a problem. i use a few more than is probably necessary though. Never checked with DOT though.

 

[Anonymous-0]

i have used straps for 20 yrs with no problems but i am sure chains and binders are alot stronger especially if you had a rollover i would say its all to his own.

 

[Gary from Muleshoe]

The rule here in TX is that you can have either strap or chains rated for the load your hauling. You must have 4 of them.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I only trust a chain on something like that. Remember if your strap breaks you might have more than scratched paint to worry about. Straps are fairly strong unless a sharp object on your tractor starts to cut into them then they might unravel just like old underwear.
I just put a clevis in the drawbar and put an old bike innertube on the chain that I put around the front axle. Might scratch paint a little but not bad - better than pulling the tractor out of the ditch when it comes loose from the trailer or worse - causes an accident and hurts someone and if it does you can bet you will hear from thier lawers.
Just my opinion.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Aclevis on the drawbar is not DOT approved Old. You need 4 seperate chains and attach points.

 

[kyhayman]

That would depend on "where". There are different rules for different states. For interstate commerce (and within 1 mile of the Interstate Highway System) yes they are legal provided you have the correct rating of strap attached to the correct number of attachment points for your payload. Outside the IHS its up to your state or locality. In some states its grade 70 "DOT" chains only, and in others is "load must be adequately retained".

 

[Jim in Ma.]

Here in Ma. the DOT said you must use chains. To save the paint I took some old fire hose and cut some 24" sections and put them over my chains. Hey - it works for me.

 

[Old Puller]

I used straps for about three years untill one broke in the middle with nothing close to it. I always used heavier then needed, checked condition of straps ect. and used one to each corner of tractor fastened with snap hooks on end of straps to prevent any chance of strap in contact with sharp edges ect. Even with three other straps rear of tractor moved over about three inches. I also had one break while tightening it and sent me a$$ over tin cup so now it's nothing but good chains and binders. Maybe just me but I no longer trust straps and there are creative ways you can pertect your paint when chains are used.

 

[Jeff in TX]

You better check that Gary. Last I heard it is against the law to use straps on a rubber tired vehicle here in TX. Jeff

 

[Anonymous-0]

and binders thats what i have heard and local DOT said same thing. Some have been stopped with straps and have posted here and it has cost them plenty of money. Seems like it depends on the DOT man who stops you. To be safe i use chains and have friends who travel pulling and they say chains.

 

[Clint Youse MO]

The Dot is going to Depend on the man that stops you I use A chain on the rear going back and a chain around the front Axle the law say it must be secured on four corners the way I read it I go all ways off any thing I haul only use straps to haul pipe, gates, and the such.

 

[806man]

Just my 2 cents worth but if it against the law for you to haul a rubber tired vehicle with straps then how can the tow trucks using the under reach wheel lift then legally haul vehicles? All I have ever seen use the strap webbing to secure the vehicle to the tow truck. I am sure the "Man" has watched them drive away from accident scenes with those straps on the wheels of the wrecks.

 

[djw]

The chain on each corner rule [4] applies to tractors or eqiupment over 10,000 lbs. under that number one on the front and one on the rear.

 

[Anonymous-0]

straps are for securing a load to the trailer vertically, as in lumber,pipe,wood,,etc,, non rolling cargo..

chains are for either vertically or rolling stock, anything that needs tension front and rear pulling against each other,,[as in 1 in the front of tractor, and 1 in teh rear of the tractor] you need chains ,, the chains and binders keep the load there where you put it with no stretching,,-- where as a strap will flex a bit and your load will move when used horizontilly, is in hauling a tractor..

the paint job is the VERY LEAST you will need to worry about when that tractor comes off your trailer,,, not saying I havent seen them go down the road with straps,, but I tell you what the first time y ou are in an accident and there is an investigation why your tractor did not stay on your trailer,, whether it is your fault or not on the accident,, IT will become your fault,, for improperlt securing your load,,

better be safe than sorry,, if you are that concerned about paint,, get something to cover where the chains touch the axle or frame,, once your chains are secured properly,, it wont be moving at all and there wont be any scrathes that you didnt put there . when you were setting the chains,,

when securing chains,, go from the front of the tractor to the front of the trailer,, with a set of chains, and from the rear of the tractor to the rear of the trailer with another set of chains,, so they are pulling the tractor between them,,

I very seldom have to retighten a set of chains from point A to point B,, but check them whenever I stop anyway,, [but I guess the quick look around comes from a whole lotta miles running the road,, good luck be safe,pat
<a href="http://s49.photobucket.com/albums/f297/maplehillfrm/?action=view&current=frontchain.jpg" target="_blank">

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<a href="http://s49.photobucket.com/albums/f297/maplehillfrm/?action=view&current=100_2420.jpg" target="_blank">

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works the same way with any size load,,no matter how far you are going
<a href="http://s49.photobucket.com/albums/f297/maplehillfrm/?action=view&current=100_0276LargeWebview.jpg" target="_blank">

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[Anonymous-0]

I have also hauled cars with the wheel lift on my 4 car carrier,, you can legally and safely use the straps because it is a vertical pull on the tires, into the cradle of the wheel lift,,

the tire sits in the cradle, and is secured with the strap as a safety measure,, pulling against the center of the tire DOWN,, so there is no rolling action going on,, there is no back and forth momentum,,

so in reality it is not the same force as securing a tractor [or car for that matter] on a platform [deck of trailer or rollback]

 

[Anonymous-0]

A friends son just last month got in trouble for having straps in California. if I got the story right. He took it to court and asked the judge to have the DOT bind his load for him the correct way. The judge went along with it and after the DOT was done he loosened all the chains with his straps, and the judge let him off. He wasted a few days and cost him alot of lost wages, but he did win.

 

[Anonymous-0]

A person below uses fire hose, I use old inner tubes to protect the paint.

 

[HENRY E NC]

I live near GA and TEnn in NC and I kniw it is now ikkegak ti use the pull down binders on chains, Ratchet type are required in NC and Tenn. Henry

 

[Allan in NE]

I can tell ya that the most dangerous part of any haul is putting the pictures up on this board.

Ya really got to be careful with that. :>)

Allan

 

[CHinNY]

I believe that backhoe is illegal You have to have 4 seprate chains binding the tractor and two binding the hoe to be legal as per my hauler that owns a trucking company that hauls equipment everyday and deals with DOT and has the fines to prove it.

 

[Kirk Grau]

I was wondering if you would chime in on this.

Has the snow started melting yet. Talked to my step father in Omaha yesterday and it was 60 outside and he was thinking about cleaning up his garden. Expecting that kind of day here in Pennsylvania today, but than it is supposed to rain and make everything muddy again.

Have a good day.

 

[Anonymous-0]

hey allan,, I'm beginning to think you are correct,,, [at least I use chains,, most of the time,,, sometimes just put it in gear and set the brakes huh?? ;^)---


{{I was just thinking a picture helps some,, but it also opens you up for critique,, [my opinion is from some who may have never even hauled or done the task they are criticizing,,, oh well welcome the the world of info and advice,,, its still worth what you pay for it-}}}}

<a href="http://s49.photobucket.com/albums/f297/maplehillfrm/?action=view&current=Apr18243.jpg" target="_blank">

</a> HOWS THIS ONE?? What did I do wrong on it??

I have hauled enough heavy equiptment to know how to secure the load correctly, and safely,, In ALL my years and miles , I NEVER!!!! had one come loose or off,,

as far as only ratchet binders , I never heard of that one, but I dont make it that far south, so no worries,, I dont see how they can do that as there are many trucks coming from all over the country and they wont all have ratchet binders on there loads, myself I use the pull over binders and a cheater bar, and 320lbs of ME,,

 

[Allan in NE]

I've got four of those ratchet binders. Sure looking for someone to give 'em too. Biggest waste of metal ever. :>)

Wish you would have hauled that ol' inop hydro out here; I would have taken it off your hands. :>)

Allan

 

[rustyfarmall]

Allen, what do you need for the ratchet binders?

 

[Allan in NE]

Nothin. Let me find the rascals and they are yours.

Allan

 

[Anonymous-0]

I use straps all the time. Never been bothered by DOT yet. They look for bigger fish than us hobbiest. Look at all the loads of drywall and round bales that are being hauled. tied down by only straps.

 

[big jt]

I have a alternative for you. On painted tractors I use axle straps with chains. Seems to be a solution that works for me.

Don't forget to keep a close eye on the condition of those straps. If they even show a hint of fraying I pitch them, same with ratchet straps. The few dollars to replace them is well worth it when you consider the alternative.

jt

 

[Alex-41JDb]

I like the ratchet binders. Some times with the over the top kind they are too tight/too loose or there is something in your way from using a good cheater bar. I use both and like the ratchet better, Also the over the top ones can pop open, although I normally tie them with wire or rope.

 

[tiresntracks]

Here in CA you have to have a seperate chain and binder for each corner. You also have to have one on the backhoe unless it can be locked so it can't swing. OSHA says that you can't use a cheater on your lever type binders. If you can't get it tight enough by hand, you're supposed to use a ratchet binder. I don't know if that's a DOT rule or not, but its kinda dumb anyway.

 

[Gary from Muleshoe]

Jeff
It doesn't surprise me, thanks for that info. I was thinking of using straps this year. Guess I will stick with my chains. I was going by what was said at our club meeting last year. I have always used chains, two in front and two in back. I used to use three but a friend of mine from NM got stopped by the local DOT man received a ticket for not having four.

 

[Bill(Wis)]

Most if not all of the guys I know who haul tractors back them onto the trailer to avoid any possibility of a back flip. I would especially recommend doing that if you ever pick up a Fordson without fenders. >)