Proper way to bind tractor onto trailer?

[rk246]

sorry to open the box... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif, I am learning every day... I have always just used whatever rusted up chain I could find laying around, for whatever I need to do... My new chains are gold coated type, but I thought that was just to help keep them from rusting as quick....

 

[HarleyBob]

I believe the coating is indeed to prevent corrosion. Corrosion
would lessen the diameter of the chain and thus weaken it.
If anyone has a link to the CHP rules, I would love to get it.
HBob

 

[HarleyBob]

I found some of the CHP data. It is hard to find and not at one link.
I copied the info on chain binding below. Basically it states that the chain and binders you use must have stamped ratings on the device. Grade 43 and 70 chain is stamped on each link as such. Same for hooks. It sounds like only chain made by a manufacturer that provices the CHP with samples of their chain and markings
are authorized for use in California. Most chain sellers will
indicate if they are CHP approved
. Here is the relevant info from the CHP siteI did not find the portions on how to attach to trailer or
item to be bound)

(g) Binder attachments shall have a design strength or load rating not less than that required of the binders to which they are attached.

(h) Chain hooks (Fig. 2) shall be of the clevis-type except as follows:

(1) Closed-eye chain hooks of the appropriate size and grade may be used when the hook grade is identified by the manufacturer's permanent and distinctive mark.

(2) Chain binder assemblies with chain hooks joined by flash- or butt-welded connecting links shall bear the manufacturer's permanent and distinctive link grade mark.

(3) Manufacturers shall provide the department with a list of the marks of identification used on closed-eye chain hooks and chain assemblies.

 

[Dargo]

Okay, for all chain related questions, look here Steel Chain Specifications (More info on chain than you'll likely want to know)

This is a link to the National Association of Chain Manufacturers specifications. The information listed above apply only to those members of the NACM. The specs and manufacturing requirements listed therein may not apply to chain made by other producers. There are many world wide chain manufacturers and, some countries are generally known for having consistantly better quality chain than others. However, for example, not all chain made in China is junk. The issue with Chinese made chain is that some of their manufacturers make very high quality chain and others make rather poor quality chain. So, if your links say "China" on them, it may or may not be of good quality. Since I'm not smart enough to know the quality difference by looking at the chain, I felt that I had to rely on quantitative data that was available on specific U.S. made chain. Your needs cerainly may differ, and you may well be able to tell chain quality better than I can. I am only listing what I could verify and how I chose the chain I felt was appropriate for my needs.

I do not sell chain nor endorse any manufacturer over another. I have simply looked into chain and chain specifications at length because of a near disaster I had. Be smart, be informed. Your best decisions will be made when you are best informed as to what you need. Only you know what you need. Be safe.

 

[HarleyBob]

And here is a link to the acco chain catalogue which has good charts on all the grades they sell, which is most of them. It even has some nice drawings of binding applications. It notes, as does the above link, that Grade 70 is the least that should be
used for binding. I did not even know there was Grade 80 and 100.

http://www.accochain.com/Chain-Catalog.pdf

I am glad I started this "link" (pun only noticed during edit) and thank all that contributed. If it helps us go down the road with a little more safety and confidence then it was one of the more worthwhile threads I have read here. I started knowing nothing
about binding a load and know I have an understanding of
what is required. Anyone know where to buy good chain at a decent price? I have Grade 70 and 43 chains from Harbor Freight and Costco of unknown quality.

Hbob

 

[Highbeam]

Always look for the Working Load Limit. WLL, that is the key.

I use 3/8" chain grade 43 made by some kid in China I presume. The WLL was very adequate and I have yet to have a failure, the way I bind is very forgiving of the failure of a single chain. The binders I use have an even higher WLL and were also made by the same kid or his younger brother. 5/16" chain was also available and adequate but the ratchet binders that I had acquired were made for 3/8" chain so I had to go 3/8".

Be sure to price out the premade lengths of chain with hooks on each end. I have always been impressed with how much cheaper the premade chains are than if you bought the hooks and chain by the foot and made your own.

I have yet to see a chinese chain fail when a USA chain would have done the job. I buy lots of china stuff. Even my tractor is from Korea. If I didn't trust foreign products then I would be in big trouble.

 

[Dargo]

I understand that you are comfortable going with things that others are not. However, it is clearly noted in every printing I've seen that grade 43 chain is not recommended for load securement. If you're comfortable with Chinese chain, great. I'd just be careful recommending to use chain for securing a tractor that is clearly not designed to do so and may even violate DOT regulations. Not everyone reading this realizes that you are using chain that specifically states is not designed to be used for the purpose you're using it.

Feel free to read up on OSHA for the reasons that Chinese made chain is not allowed in most work environments where there is any overhead lifting by chains. As I previously stated, not all Chinese chain is inferior in quality. The issue is that there is no quality control measures to let you know what you're getting. I'm more comfortable making recommendations based on verifiable facts and by staying within manufacturers guidelines. But, hey, that's just me.

I only point this out because it is not very responsible to advise people to use equipment in a manner in which the manufacturer and regulatory agencies specifically state is not advisable. Grade 43 chain is not recommended for load securement per the National Association of Chain Manufacturers and OSHA.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Be really careful with chain. I'm not sure that grade 43 is even legal to use for use on securing loads for transport. There is work load and there are other types of load, namely shock. I'd suggest you go to AW Direct and buy from them, or from someone else who specializes in securing loads. JMHO.

 

[Highbeam]

"The Chinese chains, sold by Harbor Freight etc, are still rated
at Grade 70 and Grade 43 and are legal."

This was posted earlier... is it not true?

I will admit that I may not know everything about specific chain laws. Maybe G43 chain is not appropriate, maybe it is. I don't live in CA so the CHP rating is of no value to me. I am mildly amused how it is assumed that Chinese products are not worth the metal they're made of compared to US products.

Show me a law that requires grade 70, US chain. I have only seen WLL requirements.

 

[Dargo]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Show me a law that requires grade 70, US chain. I have only seen WLL requirements. )</font>

C'mon, you can look this up as easily as anyone else. Here is one from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; which is national. Grade 70 chain required Look at item 5.9. You'll find this same requirement in almost all printed material regarding securing loads. I'm not trying to lecture you, use anything you want. Really. I did not know better until I nearly had a major screw up. It probably bothers me more that I could have killed someone else on the road due to my ignorance. That would have been a tough pill for me to swallow. I'd have to bet that you're a pretty darn decent guy as well and you would be pretty hard on yourself if such an unspeakable disaster were to befall you.

That's all. I'm not trying to be "smarter" than you. Sorry if I have come off that way. I just came so close to such a major screw up when I thought I knew what I was doing. If I tick off 100 people but end up saving 1 life or preventing one major accident, it is worth it. Hopefully no offense taken.