Post flatbed load photos here V2.0

Isn't that for 10k plus equipment only? Those might be a touch under 10K.

 

I don’t know how many binders you have, ideally one per each side pulling forwards and backwards would be the best, and whenever possible I go around two spools but on my trailer that’s required to give you the full 6,200 lb rating. For those chains pulling directly downward, it would be nice if you could get a bit of an angle on them, but I’ve seen plenty of trucks rolling through a weigh station secured just like yours without an issue.

Heck I once had a skid steer load which required 16 binders, we are only issued 14 and I was not going out to purchase more just for a one time load so I singled up on the back sides of two machines myself. Sometimes you just have to use your own good judgement and stay within the intent of the law.

 

Well I know it’s definitely for over 10k pounds but I thought things that moved/had tires or tracks were pretty much all under the 4 tie down situation. Honestly don’t know…. I pretty much never move anything less than 10k, so I have never worried about it.

 

Same here.

 

I can't say I've done any better @Kshaw0960 . You got to work with what you got. Don't beat urself up over it.I pulled a couple of those bobcat loads and didn't have enough chains and binders.. Made do with what I had even if it wasn't great.. But felt similar to you, felt like it wasn't a good job up to my standards. That smaller equipment is a pain to find good securement points , especially when they are all parked together..

 

Interpretation is key here. The weight is under 10k lb for skid steers.. Even Deere's heaviest is at 10k lb. That said, the model you have 317G, has an operating weight of 8,423 lb.. Therefor, you have two sections to contend with under the FMCSA. Sections:
§ 393.128 What are the rules for securing automobiles, light trucks and vans? and
§ 393.130 What are the rules for securing heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery?

393.130 specifically mentions tracked vehicles needing 4 points of contact, however, it also mentions that vehicles under 10k lb. can be subject to securement rules of 393.128, which only requires :

(1) Automobiles, light trucks, and vans must be restrained at both the front and rear to prevent lateral, forward, rearward, and vertical movement using a minimum of two tiedowns.​

So this section vindicates your decision. This is also the way I've secured them.
Just in case you're curious also, about the bucket, relax, because as you saw, the front securement that you use, attaches to that "articulation", so you're covered on that account also.

Your snap binders should be rated for Minimum of 5400 lbs WLL and your chain, even at 5/16" would be 4700 lbs WLL, which means you would have between the two chains 9400 lbs WLL securing 8,423 lbs of cargo weight, so you're good on WLL.

Now, comes the 'what if' part. Depending on the individual that stops you, the interpretation could go the other way, if they are unaware of the actual wording of the statutes, which is why you need to know the regulations and why I often explain with these lengthy worded posts. If they only interpret the tracked part of the regs (130), you will have to know the exception for the weight in that section that allows under 10k to be secured by the previous section (128). Again, it's a matter of interpretation they may try writing a ticket based on the following section of 130.

(c) Securement of heavy vehicles, equipment or machinery with crawler tracks or wheels.
(1) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (b) (which refers to accessories, articulation, buckets etc..inserted by me)of this section, heavy equipment or machinery with crawler tracks or wheels must be restrained against movement in the lateral, forward, rearward, and vertical direction using a minimum of four tiedowns.
(2) Each of the tiedowns must be affixed as close as practicable to the front and rear of the vehicle, or mounting points on the vehicle that have been specifically designed for that purpose.​

This section, however, should only apply if section 130's conditions of being over 10k lbs. is met, otherwise, it is allowable to be secured according to § 393.128, or in accordance with the provisions of §§ 393.100 through 393.114.

If the shipper has no restrictions or instructions for loading, then your way should be proper and legal. If they have instruction, though, you should load it according to their instructions to avoid damage claims, but if the way they want you to load it, would violate what you would interpret to be the legal way to load, then you would be required to inform them if their way is illegal or not sufficient securement and work with them and the dispatch to make sure that you are getting it right and all parties concerned are aware of the issues.

If you wanted to be safe, and had the equipment, you could, however, use two binders per chain, and hit all 4 points. In your case, that would have meant you needed 16 binders and 8 chains.

I know, long.

 

Would there be any point in throwing a couple straps on each over the roll cage and engine housing just for some overkill?

 

Nothing at all, however, most of these are new equipment and dealers would like there to be as little "blemishes" as possible, which is why they usually have mounting points for chains to secure them. Whoever buys them, will be using those same holes to transport the vehicle whenever they move it. Strapping the roll cage on the other hand, will produce noticable marks from the strap abrasion, which won't usually be a part that is used for securement otherwise, so no need to ruin the paint and give someone an issue to cry about. Usually a shipper will not want straps used, for that purpose.

 

I haul skid steers alot and only use 2 chains and 2 binders on each one unless they are the 8 series from bobcat the new t86 is like 12000 lbs or something like that and that gets 2 chains and 4 binders if I have them. 3/8 chains only now to since I had a 5/16 one break on a tired skid steer, they like to bounce up and down and had one break going over a set of rough train tracks. I also only use snap binders on them but am thinking of switching over to ratcheting binders but need to add another box to the truck before I do that

 

Yeah these are 8500 lbs. I have 14 binders but to do each corner would require 16. Chains are USA 3/8 and binders are the USA made ones for 3/8-1/2 so have like 9k plus WLL. Pics probably don’t show it because if camera angle but all chains are out and down, close as I could get to 45 degrees. I tried to use 2 spools or stack pockets where I could. I think I can change the rear chain to do this. Don’t know why I didn’t.