Tie down straps

[talbotfcat]

I have a Kubota L3900 with a front end loader and a 6’ bush hog. I haul it 2 hours each way about once a month. As I read the threads, I have been strapping it wrong. I read a thread from a guy that said he pulled the same tractor to Tennessee with tie down straps and it never moved. I do not remember who posted it, but I would like some advise on how to strap it down.

I don’t want to use chains. I use a 24’ trailer with angle iron rains and up and down supports. I am guessing I should add some tie down points to my trailer, but what are the best straps and best tie down points on the tractor? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

I have always liked to control the wheels cause if the wheels are strapped down tight the rest is sure to follow.
if trailering going to be regular occurrence i would add some e-track strips under where your wheels will be and use tire tie downs. you can get real HD ones better than the common light weight ones.

 

[ctfjr]

It's been ten years since I trailered my old L3400 but here is what I remember. I never used ratchet straps, always used 4 70 grade chains with chain binders. In the rear I went from the drawbar to each rear corner (not crisscrossed) with 2 chains. In the front I used a similar method but secured the chains to 2 separate welded on bucket hooks. I reinforced where the forged anchor eyes attached with steel plate.

Probably overkill, not sure it meets any state codes but it sure seemed safe to me. I would never trust ratchet straps.

 

[RCW]

I'm of no help, but there's been some very good threads on the subject over the years. Many with L-series tractors like yours.

I see you are new to OTT. Welcome aboard!

Try using the Search Function of OTT to see if you get some luck finding some of the older threads.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

wow, over 7,000 pounds of potential projectile and you DON'T want to use chains ?? If you insist on 'straps', watch how ONE busted strap took down an military cargo jet ! yeah,it was on TV,one of those 'looks good on paper, loadmaster approved, didn't matter, souls lost, cargo all over the desert......

if you do use straps, X2 the quantity !!!

 

[Sawburner]

Straps are used every day on tractor trailers. The problem with straps is they are prone to abrasion on sharp corners. So protect you're straps. I would use chains my self but to each there own. The company I hauled for required chains on raw steel, but straps on the finished product with protection on all corners.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I've used 10k straps for years, never an issue with a strap breaking.

Use 4 straps for the tractor, one strap for each and any other implement.

So in your case a strap across the bucket of the loader, and a strap across the brush hog.

On the tractor you can cross the straps to get a better angle so right axle to left side of frame and so forth.
Some use the draw bar, I personally like axles.

 

[Old Machinist]

Here are some links you may find of help on the subject.

I was meaning to look these up myself as my son in law told me a FL DOT guy told him straps were not allowed on tractors. I have hauled everything including my tractors using straps and have never been pulled over for it. I haven't got to the FL rules yet but I wouldn't think they would exceed federal since so many loads are from out of state.

According to this info not only is it okay to use straps but you only need two for loads under 10,000 lbs. I have always used 4.

Cargo Securement Rules | FMCSA

On September 27, 2002, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published new cargo securement rules. Motor carriers operating in interstate commerce must comply with the new requirements beginning January 1, 2004. The new rules are based on the North American Cargo Securement...

www.fmcsa.dot.gov

DOT Tie-Down Requirements for Transporting Heavy Equipment

In this post, we'll cover a few best practices for securing heavy equipment with tie downs, and what to know about these federal regulations.

whiparound.com

 

[Kennyd4110]

Post some pictures of your trailer so we can see what you have to work with...

What is the rating of the trailer?
What is your tow vehicle?

 

[DustyRusty]

In CT the car carriers are required to secure each wheel independently of the other. They all use straps that tie the tire to the bed. I have seen the local tractor guys using the same method with some small tractors.