Equipment Tie-down Question

[Furu]

I did not find a direct answer to my question in a search so will try a post.
Of course there are two sides to it, the safety issue and the legal issue which most likely varies by state to a degree.


For non-commercial hauling, private/farm use.

Are transport grade 70 or better chains required to tie down legally. Can one use grade 43 chains with higher strength capability legally?

Using 4 chains to tie-down the unit what is the minimum chain and binder rating? 25% of total weight since each is carrying 25% of the load (assuming no chain breaks) or a 100% safety factor so each chain is rated at 50% of unit weight? Yes, I know a chain's working rating is different than their limit rating so I am talking working rating only here.

I have been using 5400 lb grade 43 chain with 5400 lb binders and wonder if I am undersized for my load. I see a lot of commercial folks with grade 70 4700 lb rated chain using 5400 lb binders with loads larger than mine but that does not make it correct.

For those that know the answer let the discussion begin.

 

[crash325]

Legal & Practical do not always match.
You didn't say how heavy the load you are talking about, be nice to know.

Best look the Department of Transportation in your state and go by it if you are going to travel on the highway.

:2cents:

 

[Furu]

The weight of the load is not germane to the question as to what the rules and regs are. Once you have the reference you can calculate for any weight load.

Got a PM from an individual that answered all questions and gave a reference
Aggregate working load limit for tiedowns - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
since my state employees seem unable to find the information when you call their offices.

 

[Ken45101]

The federal requirement are primarily on the rear chains. You can use any grade chain you want, even ungraded chain, as long as it has a high enough working load limit.

However, lower graded chains have a lower WLL so you would have to use heavier chain if you use grade 43 or ungraded chain than if you used G70. But as long as the chains you use have an adequate WLL, you can use any grade you want.

The above reference is good if you can wade through it. Basically, the two rear chains should have a combined WLL equal to the weight of what you are carrying.

Ken

 

[tcartwri]

The federal requirement are primarily on the rear chains. You can use any grade chain you want, even ungraded chain, as long as it has a high enough working load limit.

This is absolutely not correct.

All of your tie downs, wether they be straps or chain, must be marked with a grade. Unmarked chains, straps, and binders will not fly during an inspection.

 

[Ken45101]

This is absolutely not correct.

All of your tie downs, wether they be straps or chain, must be marked with a grade. Unmarked chains, straps, and binders will not fly during an inspection.

Yes, it is absolutely correct.

Have you read the current FMCSA regulations?

Use of Unmarked Tiedowns
The new rules do not prohibit the use of unmarked tiedown devices. Although many of the participants in the public meetings and numerous commenters to the rulemaking proposal argued the rules should include such a prohibition, FMCSA believes it is inappropriate to prohibit unmarked tiedowns at this time. However, in view of the potential safety hazards of motor carriers misidentifying unmarked tiedowns, there is a provision that unmarked welded steel chain be considered to have a working load limit equal to that of grade 30 proof coil, and other types of unmarked tiedowns be considered to have a working load limit equal to the lowest rating for that type in the table of working load limits.

Right from the FMCSA web page
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Cargo Securement Rules - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Now perhaps YOUR state doesn't follow the federal regs, but the fed regs are what they are.

Ken

 

[tcartwri]

Yes, it is absolutely correct.

Have you read the current FMCSA regulations?



Right from the FMCSA web page
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Cargo Securement Rules - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Now perhaps YOUR state doesn't follow the federal regs, but the fed regs are what they are.

Ken

I can tell you from first hand experience with enforcement officers, that it will not fly. They are the ones you will interact with on the side of the road and the ones that will ruin your day.

Been driving commercially for 25 years.

 

[Ken45101]

I can tell you from first hand experience with enforcement officers, that it will not fly. They are the ones you will interact with on the side of the road and the ones that will ruin your day.

Been driving commercially for 25 years.

Tim,

I've heard that some of the enforcement officers make up their own rules and/or states may vary.

But, in theory at least, those of us hauling our own tractors should not have to worry about enforcement officers in most states since we are not hauling commercially (yes, that varies, in some states non commercial may still be subject to the regulations.)

But from a "what is safe and reasonable" standpoint, I'm happy to follow the federal regs as they are just guidelines for us.

Ken

 

[tcartwri]

I agree, the risk to a non commercial hauler is almost nil.

 

[Dr Dave]

I would use G70, 4 corner tie downs. If backhoe is installed, it must be tied down. Have also heard of tickets issued for front end loader,bucket, not being tied down. There are gray areas in fed regs, depends on officer, and lawyers.:confused2: