Straping Mowers???

[Exmark Guy]

Do you guys strap your mowers down to your trailer every time you move, even if your only goin 1/4mile or so down the road? In the past 2 weeks or so, I've seen 3 or 4 trucks hauling a 60in. ztr just bouncing around on the trailer, because they havent been straped down, or have been but just half azzed. I always thought it was self explanatory, but I guess Im wrong. I even saw a guy who had some mowers going around 50 on a highway not straped down.

Oh, and do any of you have those "lazer lockers" that you bolt down to your trailer. How do you like them. I saw them at my exmark dealer and was scared to see how much they cost. I know i can get some also outta J-Thomas But not sure how much of a difference they are price wise.
Drew

[Hanau]

I like to because it actually saves me time. If the mower isn't strapped down I get paranoid about it and drive real slow and careful. If the mower is strapped down I have no worries and drive normally.

[GravelyNut]

In the trailer = strapped down.

[Supertiger]

to be honest NO, i should but no i don't.
Gravely NUt how is your Rapid xz holding up. The one i use has had some vibration isues with the drive shaft but it is covered under warrenty.

[txgrassguy]

Unless I'm moving the trailer from the rear of the maintenance bldg yard to the front - everything to include the 21" mowers are either strapped or chained down.
Regardless of what state you work in federal rules dictate loads must be secured while on a public road.
Most city cops aren't even aware of this rule and several times I have come across accidents where a mower is lying on the road/in a ditch after being ejected from a trailer during an accident. When I asked the cop(s) if they were going to issue the driver a ticket for an unsecured load they just looked at me like a dog hearing a strange noise.
I have seen the State Cops wail on drivers with unsecured loads big time as these guys know the danger of unsecured equipment. I have seen them pulling over LCO trucks in cities and writing tickets.
The "locker" type wheel securing boots seem to be a good idea but I haven't installed any due to the multiple uses my trailers are subject.
Now I weld an enclosed ring to one side of the trailer frame, the other side has the chain end welded to the frame. Then all I do is run the chain through/along the frame of whatever I am transporting and secure the chain end with a binder.
Seems clumsy but it isn't. Park the machines on the trailer, bind them in place - about 20 secs per machine = a load that will pass muster with the Staties.

[KeystoneLawn&Landscaping]

My tractor gets strapped. On the walk behinds, I welded a 3/4'' inch piece of pipe on the front center. Then I drill a 3/4'' hole in the trailer floor, in a few differnt spots, and place a 1/8'' plate with a 3/4'' hole for durability. I make a 10'' long pin from 5/8'' steel with a top welded on, like a threadless bolt. Then all I do is drop the pin, I've never had them move. I know this may not pass state laws for "secured".

[txgrassguy]

Keystone, depending upon the trailer side height you may be alright.
I thought of doing something similar but my trailers all see different uses so I found the chain set-up I described to work the best for me.

[KeystoneLawn&Landscaping]

Keystone, depending upon the trailer side height you may be alright.
I thought of doing something similar but my trailers all see different uses so I found the chain set-up I described to work the best for me.

Side height is enclosed, but the way the law reads all loads must be secured. Inside big trucks they are supposed to use load bars to secure their skids , boxes, etc. I'm thinking inside an enclosed trailer secured could depend on the DOT inspectors point of view. The pin secures the mower in place , but in a hard crash it could move. I guess even with straps or chains anything may move in a crash!

[TheMadOne]

22 years in Fire Rescue & EMS as well as some time prior to that in the 80's in the heavy materials hauling & handling business.


From the D.O.T. in Indiana: All loaded equipment must be secured to the truck or trailer with the properly rated equipment. Loaded freight must be secured to the trailer/truck or secured within an enclosed truck/trailer so as to prevent a load shift creating a "hazardous condition". In an enclosed trailer/truck this means load jacks, straps, or temporary partitions to keep stuff from shifting or moving about. On an open truck/trailer this means loads & equipment must be either strapped down, bolted down, 'dogged' down, or in a closed container secured to the floor.

From a liability point, been there seen that on accident scenes more than once, strap it, chain it, dog it, whatever. If the equipment comes off of the trailer/truck and injures someone the owner/operator of the truck/trailer in question is ALWAYS liable for personal injury torts & even the possibility of criminal charges. Doesn't matter if someone has negligently run a stop light, failed to yield, or operated their vehicle in an otherwise reckless manor and hit your vehicle.... you are held responsible to have made a reasonable attempt within the letter of the law to secure said equipment, and/or other freight/load to your truck/trailer. Even if you were just hauling it 1 block down the road to the next job.

If you want to take a chance (and that's what it is, a roll of the lucky dice) some DA isn't going to run into you or otherwise cause an accident clearly not your fault in that block go ahead. BUT, if your equipment comes off of the truck/trailer and hurts or kills someone as a result of the accident clearly not your fault, then you will be faulted with the resulting injuries/deaths from not properly and legally reasonable securing of said equipment.

Have been called to give depositions on just such type accident, AND the injured person suing and winning against the LOC in 1 of the cases was the DA who caused the accident! How much for the equipment to meet your legal obligations to secure your equipment?? How valuable is the few minutes to do the securing as compared to the potential civil & legal liabilities?? Only you can answer that one, but I know my answer.... Don't tempt Murphy, secure the stuff!