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Proper Tie Down

8.7K views 18 replies 11 participants last post by  Iceman318  
#1 ·
Hey guys, still new to owning and transporting equipment, etc.

My question is, for a 5 ton mini excavator, what size binders to i want to use? If i chain down from 4 separate corners, do i want to use 5 ton binders on all 4 corners, or can i split the load between all 4 corners? i.e like 2 ton binders on each corner? Also, do any of you guys you straps?

Thanks guys.
Hank
 
#2 ·
I used 5 3/4" binders

One on each corner, then one holding the chain across the boom.

be sure you always secure the boom down on a excavator, thats a instant $100.00 ticket
 
#9 ·
Local DOT man told me i need the 4 corners, one over the blade and one over the bucket on my 8,300 lb Kobelco 35sr. ....that's 6 binders! My Kobelco SR135 only needs 5, and it weighs 30,800 lbs.
He is wrong. I posted the regs that he has too go by.
Under 10k can be fastened according to these regs

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.aspx?reg=393.128

Or these regs which apply too over 10k

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.aspx?reg=393.130

The first is 2 point and the second 4 point. You can do either under 10k weight.
 
#10 ·
I usually go with 4....2 on the tracks, one on the blade and one on the boom. That's over 24,000 lbs. of restraint on an 8,300 lb machine.

AJW thank you for posting those regs. ......i have a question though, those are for securing a vehicle for transport, not equipment. I used to have a Michigan DOT handbook which had actual images of equipment and how to restrain. I saw the 10,000 lb. thing mentioned, but it wasn't very clear about machines with a boom and blade. So i figured too much is better.
 
#11 ·
393.130 - Heavy Vehicles, Equipment and Machinery
These requirements are applicable to the transportation of heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery which operate on wheels or tracks, such as front end loaders, bulldozers, tractors and power shovels and which individually weigh 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) or more. Vehicles, equipment and machinery which is lighter than 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) may be secured in accordance with these rules, the rules for automobiles, light trucks and vans, or the general freight requirements.
 
#12 ·
what do you guys recommend for just miscellaneous straps. i.e. wood, pipe, etc. What width strap would you like to have for just all around? 2" 3" or 4"?
 
#14 ·
I find it interesting that they can generalize the load requirements in the way they do. If the rear binders need to resist .8g of forward motion and .5 g in the lateral direction then you also need to consider the angles by which your chains are running between the equipment and the vehicle. The more 'sideways' the chains are running the greater the load on the chain (asymptotic).

For example, if the chain runs equally in the x, y, and z directions then the load experienced by each chain/binder is 1.73X greater than 1/2 the weight of the machine. So for a 10000 lb machine the load equates to approx 6900 lbs. Minimum Gr 70 chain would be 7/16". This of course assumes no friction.
 
#15 ·
Is there a sleeve or protective sheathe for straps? I run a flatbed and use straps to hold down my implements. I find that even smoother edges tend to wear on the straps. I thought I had seen some type of sheathe for 3" straps but maybe I'm mistaken. That would satisfy the requirement to protect the strap. And at $23 for replacement straps, it would be worth it to get longer life. I have a garage full of worn straps that I only use on very light loads or around the ranch or as tow straps. The collection grows as I retire straps with nicks and small tears.
 
#16 ·
Is there a sleeve or protective sheathe for straps? I run a flatbed and use straps to hold down my implements. I find that even smoother edges tend to wear on the straps. I thought I had seen some type of sheathe for 3" straps but maybe I'm mistaken. That would satisfy the requirement to protect the strap. And at $23 for replacement straps, it would be worth it to get longer life. I have a garage full of worn straps that I only use on very light loads or around the ranch or as tow straps. The collection grows as I retire straps with nicks and small tears.
Yellow, I found this through a quick search. Just scroll down a bit and you'll see them, but this place has what you are describing. http://www.uscargocontrol.com/Flatbed-Trailer-Products/Corner-Protectors

Hope this helps.
 
#17 ·
Is there a sleeve or protective sheathe for straps? I run a flatbed and use straps to hold down my implements. I find that even smoother edges tend to wear on the straps. I thought I had seen some type of sheathe for 3" straps but maybe I'm mistaken. That would satisfy the requirement to protect the strap. And at $23 for replacement straps, it would be worth it to get longer life. I have a garage full of worn straps that I only use on very light loads or around the ranch or as tow straps. The collection grows as I retire straps with nicks and small tears.
Go too your local fire department and when they cycle out ther hoses get you one. Cut them up and the work perfect too protect the straps.
 
#18 ·
I like the fire hose idea. However, having to fish them through every time isn't desirable. When I had a strap that wore out, I would cut strips to make softeners and keep the leftover strap in the truck for future use. You an make a whole lot of softeners with a 30' strap.
 
#19 ·
Is there a sleeve or protective sheathe for straps? I run a flatbed and use straps to hold down my implements. I find that even smoother edges tend to wear on the straps. I thought I had seen some type of sheathe for 3" straps but maybe I'm mistaken. That would satisfy the requirement to protect the strap. And at $23 for replacement straps, it would be worth it to get longer life. I have a garage full of worn straps that I only use on very light loads or around the ranch or as tow straps. The collection grows as I retire straps with nicks and small tears.
If you checked at the fire dept in your area they might have some pieces of old fire hose you could use for some pretty cheap edge protection for your straps.