Tractor hauling

Is it ok to use the ratchet type binders to chain my tractor down? I have heard that you should not use them when chaining down anything with rubber tires. Is this true?

Ratchet type strap or chain? Each has a rated capacity, but I prefer chains over straps. According to CDL rules, you need four corners anchored. Going through drawbar clevis with one strap/chain is not ok- each needs to be hooked separately. Recent rule in MN is any trailer capable of (not necessarily loaded with) 1500 lbs, needs brakes. Always recheck after a few miles- all tend to loosen.

I can't think of a reason not to use ratchet binders as opposed to breakovers, and I'm not sure what rubber tires would have to do with anything.

I've started using a combination, breakovers down tight on one end and pull with the ratchets from the other end until the tires squat a little.

I like them. If I find a chain gone a little slack when I stop to check them, it's often a lot easier to crank the ratchet down than it is to try to take another link on a breakover.

The four corner rule applies only to secured equipment weighing 10,000# or more. That's not to say it's not a good idea on lighter machinery.

I had a diesel bear get after me for usin' a single chain across two clevises on a drawbar once. What I had a hard time getting through his head was that I had a binder on each clevis with the excess chain hanging slack in the middle. In desperation/frustration I asked him if he had any bolt cutters, so I could cut the chain in the middle and make two chains of it. He didn't like it, but he finally got the point.

I use four grade 70 chains with four break over binders. I was thinking of doing what Scotty said by using two break over and two ratchet type.

Someone told me that you should only use ratchet type for loads that are solid. Meaning no tires or anything that have any give to them. I didn't think they were correct but want to get some opinions.

I like to keep things as "legal" as possible in the event that I ever had an accident.

There are a zillion different interpretations of the laws as they pertain to hauling tractors. It seems every state, every local law enforcement officer, and every person who post's on here has their take on how the laws should apply.

If you're standing along side of a busy highway on a rainy afternoon, while the commercial vehicle enforcement officer scrutenizes YOUR opinion, what I think, or what the next guy thinks has little relevence.

Call your state DOT, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, State Police, ect, whoever ENFORCES the law....and ask them what THEY think. It won't do you a lot of good to tell the judge thet some guy on YT said what you were doing is OK if the judge thinks otherwise.

The ratchet type binders are quite often just about the only thing that WILL work on solid loads without tires, but I think the ratchet binders will work where you would normally use an over-center type also. No matter which type is used, you still want to stop the tightness of the chains after the first mile or two.

You make a good point.

My view is the best thing to do is read the book and have it in your truck.

I've had a number of different questions, some to do with registration and others with different regs. In each case I ran them by DMV, State Police, DOT bears . . . whoever seemed appropriate and I have yet to have a consistent answer to any one of those questions. Most times each of them agrees somewhat but has their own little twist, so I can't even get a best two out of three to go with. That bear on the side of the road ain't gonna buy "another cop told me" or "I was told by DMV" any more than he's gonna buy "wunna my online tractor buddies told me."

As far as the binder question, a properly rated and properly tensioned binder on an adequately rated chain fixed to adequately rated securements is legal, whether a breakover or a ratchet. The regs do not differentiate or even dictate a binder. They require only each component (chain, binder, strap . . .) of whatever is used for restraints to be rated for the load and be tight enough to actually secure the load.

Was coming back from Madison SD yesterday. A pickup and trailer with a Bobcat pulled out in front of us. The Skidder had no bucket, the loader was down square with the trailer, pushing up. A (single) wide ratchet binder was hooked to each wheel well, running over the loader arms. That was it! Made me nervous. No clue as to legallity, but you could use the 'pucker' factor, looking it over as if you were the 'other' guy too! Greg

Like the cops told me when they talked at my job, "when we see a trailer in the ditch upside down, we expect to see the load still attached".

Ratchets are fine on rubber tire machines.You need 1 chain at each corner and if you have a loader bucket or backhoe you need 1 chain securing that also.That's the way it is in CT and everywhere else as far as I know.

Vito

The maddest I've ever been at the DOT is when the officer at the scale pulled out the thick book and started deciphering the printed word in his way to make his opinion look right. We had to park the trucks at the scale and run to the nearest town in a pickup to get the safety equipment HE thought we should have. I was reading the book at the same time he was and the book did say this stuff was needed, but it didn't apply to us.

What I'm trying to say is yes, it's important to have the book along to show that you have tried to do it the right way, but don't be surprised if he pulls out a revised version. Jim

I only have one tractor that is over 6000 pounds.

Here is a picture of my old truck hauling a couple Farmalls. These tractors weight about 3500 pounds each.



We use 2" 10,000# rated straps. We place one at each corner so we use 4 straps for each tractor.

Not had a problem yet!

Dave Olson - East-Central Illinois

There's a wealth of information on all this at the link at the bottom. In this quote (Sect. 393.130) note that the four corner/four restraint rule does not kick in until the tractor or whatever hits 10,000#. Here they specifically refer back to the car/truck rules for equipment under 10k (Sect. 393.128), which require only adequate restraints front and rear without specifying their number. Those rules, if you go to the link, in turn refer to the 10k rule for cars and trucks that might exceed 10k.

In short you should not get a ticket (that's not saying they wont try to give you one) for having one chain on the front of a narrow front tractor and one or two on the rear, as long as the machine weighs under 10k and the weakest rated working load points in your restraints add up to at least half the weight of the machine.

Myself, the more chains and bigger, the better. I've got plenty of 'em and I use 'em. But a fella doesn't need four lengths of Grade 70 chain with eight hooks (that probably cost more than the chain!) and four binders to go with them to SAFELY and LEGALLY tie down a Ford #N or a farmall H.

From the FMCSA regs:

Sect. 393.130 What are the rules for securing heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery?

Applicability. The rules in this section apply to the transportation of heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery which operate on wheels or tracks, such as front end loaders, bulldozers, tractors, and power shovels and which individually weigh 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) or more. Vehicles, equipment and machinery which is lighter than 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) may also be secured in accordance with the provisions of this section, with Sect. 393.128, or in accordance with the provisions of Sect. 393.100 through 393.114.

Preparation of equipment being transported.
Accessory equipment, such as hydraulic shovels, must be completely lowered and secured to the vehicle.
Articulated vehicles shall be restrained in a manner that prevents articulation while in transit.

Securement of heavy vehicles, equipment ormachinery with crawler tracks or wheels.
In addition to the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section, heavy equipment or machinery with crawler tracks or wheels must be restrained against movement in the lateral, forward, rearward, and vertical direction using a minimum of four tiedowns.
Each of the tiedowns must be affixed as close as practicable to the front and rear of the vehicle, or mounting points on the vehicle that have been specifically designed for that purpose.
FMCSA Cargo Securement Regs

Great rig! I like the single rear on the truck and the triples under the trailer.

What's the truck?

If I am allowed to guess....I'd bet it is a late 40's White truck with a flathead 6 engine.

If that was my rig and load, I'd load the tractor on the truck with its rear wheels up tight against the front bulkhead. That way if a quick stop is needed the tractor can not move. Because of some idiot driver blowing a red light, I had to panic stop my older van and trailer with load. The load shifted forward, cutting the 10,000# strap and then creamed the back of the van. Yes, I still use straps, but try to use 1 or 2 chains to keep the load from moving forward. The chains don't stretch so there is no movement which can cut the strap. Just another lesson from the school of hard knocks.

Be safe out there..

Paul in MN

Your right about the truck. It is a 1946 White Model WB-22. The triaxle trailer is a 1970 DoMor.

Here is another picture taken while we were hauling Cases.



Gotta have an antique truck to haul antique tractors Right! Thats what I tell my wife anyway!

Dave Olson

Hi Dave,

Are you near the Rochester MN area? With that military Moline on the White, I am guessing that you are the same Dave Olson whom I have met at the Rockford MN Moline gathering in July (and a few other places in MN as well. If so, a hearty "Howdy!!" once again.

I love the White, Molines, and a few other colors also. I wish my wife was as understanding as your wife is. I'll bet the White was about as hard to restore as the military Z (if memory is any good). I have heard that brakes for that vintage truck are the real challenge.

Thanks for sharing the pictures!


Paul in MN

Hello Paul,

Sorry but I'm from East-Central Illinois. Also the little tractor on the back of the truck is a '30 C Model Case.



The engine is a 6 cylinder flathead and I had it overhauled a couple years ago. Model 150a, 386 cubic inch and puts out all of 138 horse power! The truck has air brakes and so far no problems!

The wife does Not understand spending time and money on old iron! As a mater of fact right now she is on my case to get rid of ALL my toys and pay some bills! I don't expect that I would get all that much out of these right now and really don't want to sell just yet.

Dave Olson

I use 3" and 4" ratchet straps with chain leads on each end. The straps never touch metal, or they will get damaged. The straps have enough stretch so as not to ever get loose when the tractors bounce. I think they are a lot easier on the load. I use one on each corner always. If one fails, it"s not a disaster. I would never transport a tractor with one chain on each end.

Dave,

I can assure you there is another Dave Olson here in MN who is into Molines. I am sorry that I confused the 2 of you.

I know the wifee problem, mine wants me to get rid of all my stuff "in case I die". Like it is some kind of big sin that the kids will have something to do before they collect their inheritance. Too Bad!!

I do like that truck!! A real sweet restoration!

Best Wishes from MN!

Paul in MN

Thanks Paul,

I've had a lot of fun with the old White during the last 5 years that I've had it. Had some good times with the tractors too! I just started my collection 7 years ago this month.

I hope things work out so I can keep the toys for awhile yet!

Dave Olson