Equipment Securement is Serious Business

Here’s what you need to know about tiedowns:

Equipment that weighs 10,000 pounds or more must have at least FOUR tiedowns.

The sum of the Working Load Limits (WLL) from all tiedowns used to secure equipment against movement in any direction must be at least 50% of the weight of the equipment.

Securing equipment using direct tiedowns (going from a trailer anchorpint to an attachment point on the equipment) is half the Working Load Limit (WLL) of the chains. For example, G70 3/8” transport chain has a WLL of 6,600 pounds. Using it as a direct tiedown changes the WLL to 3,330 pounds.

Securing equipment using indirect tiedowns (from trailer anchorpoint, through, over, or around the equipment and then attaching to another trailer anchorpoint) is the same as the rated WLL of the chain.

Examples:

Secure a 50,000 pound Kobelco trackhoe using G70 3/8” transport chain using the direct method. 8 chains with a WLL of 3,300 pounds each would total 26,400 pounds, which is more than ½ the weight of the trackhoe.

Secure the same 50,000 pound Kobelco trackhoe using G70 3/8” transport chain using the indirect method. 4 chains with a WLL of 6,600 pounds each would total 26,400 pounds, which is more than ½ the weight of the trackhoe.

These examples assume that you are using grade 70 binders, hooks, and repair links.

Preparing Equipment To Be Transported:

• Lower and secure to the vehicle all accessory equipment such as hydraulic shovels, brooms, etc.
• Restrain articulated equipment to prevent movement while in transit.
• Set the parking brake on equipment to be transported.
• Examine chains and tie down devices for fatigue, damage, cracks or missing parts. Verify the tightness of all hanger bolts, deck bolts, and U-bolts before moving a load.

Trailer Tips:

• Keep tire pressures near the upper limit of the recommended range. This will allow the tire to carry more weight and run cooler than an under-inflated tire.
• Tires can seep a couple of pounds of air pressure a week. Check for proper inflation regularly. 90% of all tire failure is due to lack of inflation.
• Check and re-torque lug nuts, especially after a wheel is removed and replaced. If a wheel has been run with loose lug nuts, it will wallow out the holes where the studs come through and the only fix for this is a new wheel.
• Check the trailer hitch and locking mechanism to ensure that it is attached correctly and completely. Check electrical and braking system connections.
• When you’re loading or unloading, try to minimize the side angle so the equipment doesn’t do the crappie flop – tip over sideways like a fish.
• Remember, the softer the ground, the farther into it your trailer is liable to sink.

Sources:

Federal Motor Carrier Regulations Chaper 393

Subpart I “Protection Against Shifting and Falling Cargo”