4 binders on 4 corners rule

Mopower

Well-known Member
I've been lectured over and over about putting four chains and binders on four corners or I will be in "huge trouble". I looked it up in DOT law. As long as your cargo is over 10,000#, this is true. Under that, one at each end is fine so long as there is little chance of side-to-side movement. On tractors, I also use a heavy GR70 clevis on the drawbar to run the chain through in the back. This is also subject of scruitiny as some say to run through the hitch frame or axles. I've never had an issue with DOT or my safety here. I figure if the GR70 chain, binder, and clevis go, or if the drawbar (in good shape)and hitch break, I've got bigger issues to worry about (such as whatever shock would cause that to break). I'd think the trailer tie down rails would be the weak point. I haven't looked this up though. Anyone care to enlighten me?
 
You are correct, with a couple exceptions as always. Steel wheel or tracks always require 4.
 
4 chains? We haul dozers, excavators, end loaders, and skid loaders were I work and and it's usually two chains and four binders, sometime on the end loaders and skid loaders two binders two chains, and dot has never bothered and of me or my coworkers, and yes some have been stopped, not me. Not saying our not right just didn't know that, does that apply in Iowa and Minnesota? I guess excavators get three chains five binders.
 
I use the 4 corner rule. I use a heavy GR70 clevis on each rear corner of drawbar. I then use a 3/8 GR70 chain with a 3/8 20,000lb lever binder on each one of them. On the front I have a piece of GR70 3/8 chain bolted to frame on each side with high strength bolts and hook this with same type binders and chains as rear of tractor. I also put tractor in gear and lock brakes. I would rather be safe than sorry.
I don't like the one chain across back of tractor because if something would break or come loose there is than nothing to stop tractor from coming forward.
 
besides 4 corners dont forget you now also need to chain down any impliment ie booms blades buckets ect , i got a ticket once for not having the blade of a d-8-r chained down even though i asured the dot cop that with the dozer off and locked down and chained down that big blade could not possibly move, i still got a ticket because i didnt have a chain and binder on it
 
(quoted from post at 21:26:00 12/09/13) besides 4 corners dont forget you now also need to chain down any impliment ie booms blades buckets ect , i got a ticket once for not having the blade of a d-8-r chained down even though i asured the dot cop that with the dozer off and locked down and chained down that big blade could not possibly move, i still got a ticket because i didnt have a chain and binder on it

The DOT cop could very well have agreed with you, but he is not authorized to interpret or judge, only to write a summons where something appears to be in violation in order to get the offender before the judge.
 
went i had a dot inspection this spring the guy doing the inspection told me that 4 corners and if it a backhoe bucket and boom front and rear. now that being said a lot guy don't,, he said that but his point was, when you are involve in a accident then if it not tied down right that when you pay and pay big bucks.
 

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