Dougster

We have all seen these tables before... and I think that most of us who transport regularly use Grade 70 chain and equal (or better) load-rated binders. I also think that most of us tend to err on the conservative side with choice of chain size, etc., recognizing that The Man is prone to coming up with his own unique interpretation of DOT rules & regulations. It can also be argued that proper load analysis of actual tiedown geometries and strength(s) of tiedown points does not necessarily support the contention that these tables are always sufficiently conservative.

Recently, the definition or intended meaning of "minimum number of chains required..." (as more fully stated below) has come up again for me in regard to the ULDM. To make a long story short, the ULDM weighs more and gets tied down differently than my Mahindra. It is gonna need new chains and ratchet-type binders (instead of lever binders/boomers)... and, for a variety of reasons, I no longer have the luxury of going far beyond the strict legal requirement as a cop is most likely to interpret it.





Ignoring (just for the moment) the related questions of trailer overload and boom/bucket tiedown, how specifically (i.e., sizes of chains, number of chains, number of binders, preferred geometry, etc.) would you personally tiedown an 8,000 lb mini-excavator with four corner attachment eyelets? If you see more than one option a cop should accept, please state the alternative(s).

No, this is not a test or a trick question (well, maybe a little!). More of a sanity check for a poor old man's aging brain!

Dougster™

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Dougster

... that of the four chain attachment eyelets, two are on the ends of the bulldozer blade (located ~2 feet outboard of the tracks) and the other two eyelets (i.e., at the opposite end vs. the blade) are located closer together inside/under the undercarriage (located ~2 feet inboard of the tracks).

The ULDM must be transported on the trailer bulldozer blade forward and boom rearward.

Dougster™

Dougster

Dougster™

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Underdog

Great information anytime.
So it say; with my chains, I need two on my 580 Case bachhoe. I have always used one across the rear pulling forward. Oh well. There really is no place on the front of a backhoe to get a good tie down. I will look again. Maybe two on rear and call it good?
Sorry you are still drawing them officials like flies to honey.

As for your question. Most throw chains over tracks; Front and rear ( thats two chains rite there. I have seen others (i do not agree) hook there chain on the inside of a cleat two on each side = 4 chains.
The really big stuff usually has tie down along center of tracks area two per side.
They can get 8 chains that way, just on the sides.

Underdog

You did not show a binder spec.
I have always used regular binders and a cheater bar.
Never used the ratchet type. Do not like them. to many moving parts to tear up or just quit working do to enviroment. Even on comercial trucks you rarely see ratchet type used.

Underdog

Cargo-securement final rule debated
Also look at your trailer atachment points
I added 4 of these D Rings & Deck Hardware - HD D-Ring w/Weld On Cap
To my trailer (biggest i could find and afford) as the stock ones where small and not ideally positioned for my equipment.

Kennyd

If this question was posted on the "other site", it would turn into a can of worms and nasty very quickly! But since it's here I will reply:

The Mini-Ex I borrow has 3 attaching points, one on each side of the dozer blade, and one large hoop in the rear. I use 3 chains and 3 ratchet binders on it. One on each side of the blade, and one through the rear hoop from on side of the trailer to the other. I then rest the bucket flat on the deck and put a ratchet strap across it.

My 5/16" G70 chains and 5400lb ratchet binder's are from Horrible Freight...All 10K rated D-rings are welded to the framework on the trailer.

When I tow my tractor, I use 4 chains and binders, with nothing on the bucket.

Keep in mind I don't do this everyday, or commercially so I am less prone to be checked by "the man".

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John Deere 4110HST
FEL, MMM, FEL Forks (homemade),I-Match, Ballast Box, #380 plow (modified to fit) Markham LD-48 Grapple, and lots of other STUFF.

Dougster

Oh, ain't that the God's honest truth!!! I can visualize at least 15 pages worth of out-of-control turmoil within the first week alone!

Now you know why I am here instead of there!

Dougster™

Dougster

Thanks Dog and Kenny! I think some of the trickier aspects of this whole business relate to definitions. Not to sound like old Bill Clinton splitting hairs on definitions here, but I think a lot depends on what constitutes an individual "chain" (e.g., is a looped or doubled chain with two separate trailer attachment points one chain or two?); what constitutes the "forward direction" (i.e., does it mean "forward only" or forward and backwards)... and such ponderous questions as use of different chain sizes (front vs. rear, where it might make sense), protecting against lateral loads & tipping motion, accounting for chain preloads, accounting for different chain tiedown angles (and thus forces on/from loads) and the dubious strength of certain trailer attachment points.

Perhaps I should pose each of my questions individually rather than just throwing it open for discussion... but the old mechanical engineer in me could not resist. The bottom line is that simplification in these rules and tables is the enemy of preciseness... and the lack of clear rules that govern this stuff and make sense within the physical world is driving me crazy.

Dougster™

irwin

Four 3/8 G70 chains, drive on further up, hook up two chains, back up til tight, then two in the rear with two 3/8 ratchet binders. Was told it was fine by a local cop. That was for the 770. Have to upgrade the trailer for the L35 to be legal.

(I don't have the trailer registered, I used the shop's repair plate (yes, all the way to MD and back). If I did what you do Doug I'd get the trailer a real plate.That repair plate has been used for so many useful vehicle transports, even used it to transport my horse. If I gave up auto repair work, I'd miss that plate more than anything.)

Disclaimer: I wouldn't never knowingly use anything that could be the lest bit illegal.
{Double negative are sometimes very useful}.(sshh)

.... Tim