How to correctly use Snatch Straps, Bridles and Axle Straps
Please be aware of the associated risks of using snatch straps and keep all personnel at a safe distance. For further information, contact McIntosh & Son
Australian Made Snatch Straps that are designed to meet the demands of today’s large machinery. All straps however have their limits.
Below is a guide on how to correctly use snatch straps, bridles and axle straps for safe extraction of stuck machinery.
- Step 1: Place Axle Strap around axle, not over sharp edges or moving parts with a shackle through both eyes of the Axle Strap and one eye of the Bridle.
- Step 2: The Bridle then goes through the eye of the Snatch Strap across to the other axle and use a second shackle to connect to the second Axle Strap.
- Step 3: The other eye of the Snatch Strap is connected to the towing tractor drawbar.
Ensure Bridle or Snatch Strap will not damage machinery guards.
Pulling from both axles will ensure an even pull on both sides of the stuck machine when strain is placed on the snatch strap.
This process is suitable for Self-Propelled Combines, Sprayers, Tractors, to hook onto the front of trucks and other machinery, suitable for both front and rear pulls.
The straps are manufactured to let go at the weakest link, which is the stitching at the end of the loop when they reach their maximum load. Snatch straps can NOT be used for towing. The snatch strap stitching will also come away if used as a tow strap once it reaches its maximum stretch.
Never place a strap over a tow ball, always use a drawbar, drawbar pin and lock with a clevis pin combined with the appropriately rated shackles if required.
A rough Rule of Thumb for Horsepower Snatching to strap size:
- 16,000Kg strap up to 135Hp Snatching (Maximum 8,000kg GVM fully loaded)
- 26,000Kg strap up to 220Hp Snatching (Maximum 13,000kg GVM fully loaded)
- 50,000Kg strap up to 330Hp Snatching (Maximum 25,000kg GVM fully loaded)
- 60,000Kg strap up to 380Hp Snatching (Maximum 30,000kg GVM fully loaded)
- 75,000Kg strap up to 480Hp Snatching (Maximum 37,500kg GVM fully loaded)
- 100,000Kg strap up to 550Hp Snatching (Maximum 50,000kg GVM fully loaded)
- 150,000Kg strap up to 700Hp Snatching (Maximum 75,000kg GVM fully loaded)
Tow straps also available for the above listed ratings. (Can not use Tow Straps for Snatching or Snatch Straps for Towing)
Do Not use Snatch Straps under any of the following conditions:
- Do Not Attach anywhere else other than where advised in this document.
- Do Not Use Straps that are badly worn, torn or damaged by improper use.
- Never Join a Chain/Wire/Tow Strap to a Snatch Strap or place over a Tow Ball.
When Snatching Machinery out of a stuck situation, keep all personnel, apart from those operating the machines, at a safe distance away from the operation.
If in doubt, thread the strap through car tyres or use Heavy Duty Dampeners (Manufactured by Commercial Sewing), bags filled with sand and placed over the strap to avoid recoil.
Always ensure the safety guidelines are followed that are provided with every strap.
Please carefully consider the size of the snatch strap being used to what is stuck, including the suction effect from wheels and chassis and tynes during seeding operations if sitting in the mud, to the amount of pulling horsepower, traction, load and conditions according to the official legislative recommendations.