Any tips for hauling tracked equipment?

I'm sorry I have to take exception to some of this, I'm not trying to be argumentative. But "most" machines don't have tie downs built in, newer excavators are getting them but anything older does not. I mostly haul Cat and Deere dozers (because that's what we have) and they don't have tie down point's the D-7 has a loop under the front for chaining but I've caught hell from DOT for two chains on one tiedown point. I've chained on he tracks for 19 years been through countless scales, DOT stop's, portable scale stop's, as well as countless highway patrol superload escort's in multiple states and never had a cop say a word about a chain on a track ever. I've also never had one come loose under on a track, barring some unforeseen incident.

 

I chain off the tracks too... Never caught hell for it.

 

get if don't already have and use 1/2in chain min. I always used 1/2in alloy chain and had tow 5/8in chains I used to anchor and secure the rear of machines,, also use only ratchet binders,, don't do like many Landstar drivers do they use 5/16in chain,,might be good to hold your dog but never for RGNs.

 

I agree. If the tracks could come off from chaining to them, they would fall off while operating the machine.

 

And they do. All the time.

 

-Use the boom to help you load/unload.
-If you're hauling from south to north in the winter put some anti gel in or she probably wont start when you get there.

 

We have dozens of track machines running everyday and I could not tell you the last time we threw a track. I'm not sure what you do but if you're throwing tracks all the time you might want to reexamine.

 

I think that everyone can agree that the tracks are not the best securement but they are the most convenient and easiest to use. Just my personal preference to not use them. I have seen them bent with a ratchet binder so I just do not feel safe doing it. I have see others put 4 each 3/8" snap binders and chain on a 320 and take off down the road. It's their license not mine but I give them plenty of head start. That way I have enough time to slow down. It is only a matter of time until they lose one.

 

These machines that are having the tracks come off, are they being used in a scrap iron/auto wrecking yard?? That is where old excavators go to die & having a track slip off the idler while loading is not uncommon for a worn out P.o.S.. Another note, I have been chaining to the tracks since 1978 and NEVER had an issue.