I am going to invest in a set of ratchet binders for the chains,for the times I do use them(chains).
I don't know if this is only a problem with my model skid steer(543)but heres the problem I have with it when I use chains.
On the mainframe,at the lower front & rear corners,Bobcat has cut holes through especially for securing it down.Also on the bucket there are similair holes in the top edge.I place it on the trailer,all 4 wheels touching the deck,and drop the bucket down flat on the deck.In this position I cannot reach the holes on the lower front of the frame,as the bucket is in the way now.I won't leave the bucket raised,and crawl under it too use the front holes on the mainframe,I'm not comfortable when I'm under a raised bucket,and if I did use them the bucket would set atop the chains when dropped fully.So,I use the buckets holes for the front chains.But,by using a point that can vary in relationship to the mainframe,any slight change in the booms position greatly affects the binders/chains tension.In order to have the chains tightened at a point that doesn't have a "any looser frame/bucket position"combination,I must chain it down,crawl into the cab,move the controls through their cycle(while shut off)and recheck chain tension.Almost invariably they'll need to be adjusted.This proceedure may happen more than once.When everthing is in the tightest position possible,the front tires are barely,if at all,touching the deck.This is because the rear chains are pulling down on the rear of the frame,and the bucket can drop slightly below ground level,on the flat.
That proceedure obviously has flaws,and is very time consuming.But if I don't follow it perfectly,the chain will be loose enough that they could fall off within a very short distance.I would prefer chaining to the mainframe,on the front,but other than using the leading edge of the cab(which isn't a good idea either)I can't see another way to do it.
If I use the exact same routine with the ratchet straps,after cycling the controls,they may take a click or two on the ratchet,and then it stays tight.Even when I recheck them down the road,they're still tight.They've just enough springiness to them to maintain tension.And it cuts the loading time in about half.
Has anyone else had a similiar type problem securing their skid-steer?This problem seems to be unique to a skid steer,and possibly only certain models,due to their different securing points.I can't believe there's not a better,or safer way too do it,that wouldn't require me to crawl under a raised bucket every time I load it up.