John Deere Maintenance Monday: Using safety chains
Living the Country Life Radio Program with Betsy Freese
Radio interview source: Jason Breuer, product manager, John Deere
In this edition of Maintenance Monday, we're answering a question from Mark in Oklahoma. He saw a hay wagon break away while being towed behind tractor on the highway. Thankfully, there was nobody driving close behind. Mark is wondering what the regulations are for securing implements.
John Deere Marketing Representative Jason Breuer says the driver must not have been using safety chains. When driving on your property, you're not required to use them, although it is safer. However, when towing on the road, the law requires having safety chains between the tractor and the implement. The chains must be strong enough to support the trailer when fully loaded.
"If that the hitch pin were to accidentally become separated, the safety chain would secure your tractor with your piece of equipment," Breuer says. "See your local dealer for a proper chain strength that will have a rating equal to or greater than the gross weight of your machine."
There are chains made specifically for this purpose, so you don't want to dig out the old chain you found in the barn, attach it between a tractor and implement, and hope it holds. Nylon rope isn't an alternative either, because it can stretch and break.
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