Straps or Chains for trailering?

Jchonline

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
Kubota L6060, KX040-4, M7060, RTV X1100C, M62 (sold)
Oct 28, 2018
1,386
596
113
Red Feather Lakes, CO
Chains and ratchet binders. Mostly because that’s what I’ve been doing successfully for 40 years and thousands of miles with various types of equipment.
Same for me. Buy once, they last a lifetime.
 

ferguson

Active member

Equipment
L3130
Jan 19, 2022
288
110
43
w.v.
Can you point me to that? I haul a 9800 lb vehicle in WV and only use wheel straps. I'm not commercial so that could make a difference. Been pulled over for bypassing a weigh station but once I said private transfer they apologized and let me roll on.
It is commercial / i am not a commercial just alwayes did it that way (Shame on me for not reading the fine peint)
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

GreensvilleJay

Well-known member

Equipment
BX23-S,57 A-C D-14,58 A-C D-14, 57 A-C D-14,tiller,cults,Millcreek 25G spreader,
Apr 2, 2019
9,669
3,916
113
Greensville,Ontario,Canada
re: I like the idea of straps for ease of use, storage and no scratches.

really, you're worried about 'scratches' ? Those add 'character' , show that you actually USE the tractor as it's supposed to be
 

Captain13

Active member

Equipment
M7040 4WD ROPS, ZD28, Woods (84” box blade, 72” harrow, 48” pallet forks)
Feb 27, 2019
516
168
43
Kathleen, GA
I too use chains and binders. If you get the binders that lever over then have a few bungies to keep the levers from opening. Never lost anything but several times a binder opened. Not a good feeling. And yes I have straps too and would not fear using them. If you go with straps get them way over rated for the load.
I usually wrap the binder with the excess chain. They will open up for sure sometimes if not secured. I’m trying out the ratchet type now. I like them but they are a PITA so far.
 

My Barn

Active member

Equipment
Kubota, Ford
Sep 14, 2022
135
37
28
Michigan
My first choice Chains and binders... I have used straps in the pass for light stuff!
 

fried1765

Well-known member

Equipment
Kubota L48 TLB, Ford 1920 FEL, Ford 8N, SCAG Liberty Z, Gravely Pro.
Nov 14, 2019
6,311
4,001
113
Eastham, Ma
Damn.
I'm 51 years old and I still use straps.
How old do you have to be to prefer chains???
:LOL::p
I am 81 years old (nearly 82), and still use straps, so you have at least another 30+ years to go.;)
I made some slide on/off 2' long sleeves out of EPDM for my straps, so wear/chafing is never an issue.
Chains are OK, and I have them, but straps with rubber sleeves do not tear up the machine paint.
 
  • Love
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users

The Evil Twin

Well-known member

Equipment
L2501, LA526,
Jul 19, 2022
2,330
2,205
113
Virginia
I am 81 years old (nearly 82), and still use straps, so you have at least another 30+ years to go.;)
I made some slide on/off 2' long sleeves out of EPDM for my straps, so wear/chafing is never an issue.
Chains are OK, and I have them, but straps with rubber sleeves do not tear up the machine paint.
They make sleeves made of fire hose material. I've also used motorcycle tire tubes.
 

fried1765

Well-known member

Equipment
Kubota L48 TLB, Ford 1920 FEL, Ford 8N, SCAG Liberty Z, Gravely Pro.
Nov 14, 2019
6,311
4,001
113
Eastham, Ma
They make sleeves made of fire hose material. I've also used motorcycle tire tubes.
The EPDM rubber sleeves are much easier on the paint than fire hose, which has a coarse outer fabric.
 

NorthwoodsLife

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
Kubota B7100(sold), Kubota LX2610 Cab
Oct 15, 2021
907
881
93
Wisconsin
I use ratchet straps now, but will be replacing them with chains and binders. I always used chains in the past. But I didn't have to move a tractor for a few years until this past year with my LX2610. So recently I bought straps for the LX because they were alot cheaper. I regret that.
In my opinion, straps take longer to fasten than chains.
Only drawback is they don't build- load mount points from the factory on these newer fancy tractors.
I'll be welding on some chain hooks onto my LX next year.

By the way, I'm 60 years old and chains and binders is my preferred method due to experience with both methods.