Chaining a skid steer to a trailer is crucial for safe and legal transport. It involves understanding proper tie-down points, chain grade and strength, and employing correct tensioning techniques to prevent load shifting during transit.
Understanding the Fundamentals of Skid Steer Transportation
Transporting a skid steer, a powerful and versatile piece of machinery, requires careful planning and execution. Failing to properly secure it to a trailer can result in severe accidents, costly damage, and potential legal ramifications. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to chain a skid steer to a trailer safely and effectively.
Essential Equipment and Preparation
Before attempting to chain your skid steer, ensure you have all the necessary equipment. This includes:
- Heavy-duty transport chains: Grade 70 (G70) transport chains are the industry standard for securing heavy equipment.
- Chain binders: These devices tension the chains, ensuring a secure hold. Choose either lever binders (snap binders) or ratchet binders, understanding their pros and cons. Ratchet binders offer finer tension control and are generally preferred for heavier loads.
- Wheel chocks: These prevent the skid steer from rolling.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from sharp edges and grime.
- Safety glasses: Safeguard your eyes from debris.
- A helper (recommended): Having a second person can make the process significantly easier and safer.
- A trailer rated for the skid steer’s weight: Absolutely crucial. Consult your trailer’s documentation to verify its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and ensure it exceeds the skid steer’s operating weight.
Identifying Proper Tie-Down Points
Both the skid steer and the trailer are equipped with tie-down points designed for securing loads.
- Skid Steer: Locate the manufacturer-designated tie-down points on the skid steer’s frame. These are typically reinforced areas with loops or D-rings. Never use hydraulic lines, axles, or other vulnerable components as tie-down points. Consult your skid steer’s operator’s manual for specific locations.
- Trailer: Trailers typically have multiple tie-down points along their perimeter. Ensure these are in good condition and adequately rated for the load.
The Step-by-Step Chaining Process
- Position the Skid Steer: Carefully drive the skid steer onto the trailer, centering it between the axles to distribute the weight evenly. Use wheel chocks immediately after positioning. Engage the parking brake.
- Attach the First Chain: Connect one end of a chain to a designated tie-down point on the skid steer and the other end to a corresponding tie-down point on the trailer. Avoid twisting or kinking the chain.
- Install the Chain Binder: Position the chain binder in line with the chain, ensuring there is enough slack to engage it. Connect the binder’s hooks to the chain.
- Tension the Chain: Operate the chain binder to tighten the chain. For lever binders, ensure they are “over-center” locked. For ratchet binders, use controlled ratcheting until the chain is taut but not excessively tight. Over-tightening can damage the chains, binders, or tie-down points.
- Repeat for Remaining Chains: Repeat steps 2-4 for the remaining tie-down points, ensuring the skid steer is secured from all four corners. A minimum of four chains is generally recommended. For larger skid steers or longer distances, consider using more chains.
- Double-Check Security: After tensioning all chains, thoroughly inspect each connection, binder, and chain for proper engagement and tension. Shake the skid steer to ensure it is securely anchored.
- Pre-Trip Inspection: Before commencing your journey, perform a thorough pre-trip inspection. Check tire pressure, lights, brakes, and, most importantly, the security of the skid steer chains. Re-tension the chains after the first few miles of travel, as they may loosen slightly as the load settles.
Chain Binders: Lever vs. Ratchet
Choosing between lever and ratchet binders is an important decision.
Lever Binders (Snap Binders)
- Pros: Faster to operate, generally less expensive.
- Cons: Can be more difficult to achieve precise tension, require more strength to operate, can snap back dangerously if not properly locked.
Ratchet Binders
- Pros: Offer finer tension control, easier to operate, less risk of sudden release.
- Cons: Slower to operate, generally more expensive.
Best Practices for Safe Transport
- Weight Distribution: Center the skid steer on the trailer to distribute the weight evenly. This improves stability and handling.
- Route Planning: Choose routes that minimize sharp turns, steep inclines, and rough roads.
- Speed Limits: Adhere to posted speed limits and adjust your speed according to road conditions.
- Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect the chains, binders, and tie-down points during your journey. Re-tension the chains as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What grade of chain should I use to chain a skid steer to a trailer?
Grade 70 (G70) transport chain is the minimum recommended grade for securing heavy equipment like skid steers. It offers a good balance of strength and durability. Never use lower grade chains, as they may not be strong enough to withstand the forces exerted during transport.
2. How many chains are required to secure a skid steer?
A minimum of four chains is generally recommended, one for each corner of the skid steer. Larger skid steers or longer distances may require more chains for added security. Focus on creating a balanced and redundant system.
3. Where are the best tie-down points located on a skid steer?
Consult your skid steer’s operator’s manual for the manufacturer-designated tie-down points. These are typically reinforced areas on the frame designed to withstand the stress of securing the machine. Using non-designated points can lead to damage or failure.
4. What is the difference between a lever binder and a ratchet binder?
Lever binders are faster to operate but offer less precise tension control and can be more dangerous if not properly locked. Ratchet binders provide finer tension control, are easier to operate, and are generally safer.
5. How tight should I tighten the chains?
The chains should be taut but not excessively tight. Over-tightening can damage the chains, binders, or tie-down points. The goal is to eliminate slack and prevent the skid steer from shifting during transit.
6. Can I use straps instead of chains?
While straps can be used for lighter loads, chains are the preferred method for securing heavy equipment like skid steers. Chains offer superior strength and durability and are less susceptible to abrasion and wear. Always choose chains over straps for skid steers.
7. What should I do if a chain breaks during transport?
Pull over immediately and assess the situation. Replace the broken chain with a new, properly rated chain. If possible, redistribute the remaining chains to maintain even tension and security. Proceed with caution.
8. How often should I inspect the chains and binders?
Inspect the chains and binders before each trip and periodically during transport, especially after the first few miles. Re-tension the chains as needed. Look for signs of wear, damage, or corrosion.
9. What is the importance of using wheel chocks?
Wheel chocks prevent the skid steer from rolling on the trailer, providing an additional layer of security. Use them immediately after positioning the skid steer on the trailer.
10. What are the legal requirements for hauling a skid steer on a trailer?
Legal requirements vary by state and province. Generally, you must comply with weight restrictions, securement regulations, and licensing requirements. Consult your local Department of Transportation for specific information. Ignoring these laws can result in fines and penalties.
11. How do I calculate the proper chain size and working load limit (WLL)?
The chain’s WLL must exceed half the weight of the skid steer per chain, assuming at least four chains are used. This ensures a safety factor. Always err on the side of caution and choose chains with a higher WLL than required. For example, if your skid steer weighs 6,000 lbs, each chain should have a WLL of at least 3,000 lbs.
12. What type of trailer is best for hauling a skid steer?
A trailer specifically designed for hauling heavy equipment is recommended. This type of trailer typically features a reinforced frame, heavy-duty axles, and multiple tie-down points. Ensure the trailer’s GVWR exceeds the skid steer’s operating weight.