Towing Safety Overview
Many adults and children receive injuries and even die from towing accidents.
Safe Use of Tow Ropes, Cables and Chains
Stuck! The tractor won't go forward or backward, and you need help! Or, that stump or rock has got to be moved. A lot of power will be attached to whatever towing device you choose, easily stretching it to the limit. When that limit is reached, something will break. When it breaks, the rest becomes a deadly projectile. Parts such as ball hitches, clevises, chains and even complete bumpers have broken loose, becoming dangerous missiles.
- Strong Equipment - Always use the strongest and best tow rope, cable or chain available. Use the strongest hooks that you have. Fasten them securely and be sure that the bumper or drawbar is secure.
- Hitch to the Drawbar - Always hitch to the drawbar of the tractor doing the pulling. Hitching to anything other than the drawbar dramatically increases the chance of tipping the tractor. Hitching above normal drawbar height may tip a tractor backward.
- One Chain per Vehicle - When using more than one vehicle for pulling, do not hitch them single file, with the total effort exerted on only one chain, cable or rope. Instead, hitch each vehicle independently, otherwise too much power can easily be applied to the final towing device.
- Clear Area of People
- Make Sure All Attachments are Secure
- Apply Power Smoothly Without Jerking - Do not attempt to use the elasticity of nylon rope to increase your pulling power.
Tow Rope Statistics
All towing materials are dangerous when recoiling from a stretched condition and most can go through tractor cabs and pickup windows. The result is often a serious, disabling injury or death.
Tested Strength of New Tow Ropes:
- 1-inch Nylon Rope has a breaking strength of up to 25,000 pounds. Nylon rope tends to recoil straight back to the point of attachment.
- 1-inch Steel Cable may break at 10,000 pounds. Broken steel cable whips about furiously as it recoils.
- 1/2-inch diameter Chain with Links may break at 2,400 pounds. Broken chain rebounds unpredictably, eventually winding around anything in its way.
- Hook - Most commonly used may break at 4,000 pounds. The broken hook is like a bullet.
