Securing an excavator to a stepdeck

IIRC, the FMCSA revised the definition of indirect to include "different anchor point on same side of trailer". Given that revision, I can't see a problem with indirect tiedowns. After all, it allows you twice the WLL so it can be all bad right? My only problem with indirect was when going to the opposite side. Sometimes the piece could move sideways on you. Can't happen if you secure both ends of the chain to the same side.

 

So my info is slightly outdated. Small things that can only move vertically need not be secured.

 

Do you have an updated copy of the tiedown definition? Last one I saw said tiedowns hooked on the same side of the trailer are good for 50%. I'm not saying your wrong or calling you a liar, I would just like to be able to site it if I need to. Ever since the direct/indirect thing started I thought it should be 100%, I don't agree with the whole thing anyway but they didn't ask me.

 

What states are you running in? Some won't issue a overweight permit unless you have a heavy tag.

 

See excerpt below taken from the following link. Note they have deleted the "opposite side of trailer" requirement. It only needs to be a different anchor point.

So in this case, you could pass the chain through a tie down lug, get almost a 360 degree wrap around said lug and then anchor each end of the chain to different anchor points on the same side of the trailer. In this scenario, you get full WLL and IMO, it's secured as good or better than direct with half the chains.

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/cargo-securement/cargo-securement-rules

Minimum Working Load Limit for Cargo Securement Devices and Systems

The aggregate working load limit of any securement system used to secure an article or group of articles against movement must be at least one-half the weight of the article or group of articles. The aggregate working load limit is the sum of: One-half the working load limit of each tiedown that goes from an anchor point on the vehicle to an attachment point on an article of cargo; and The working load limit for each tiedown that goes from an anchor point on the vehicle, through, over or around the cargo and then attaches to another anchor point on the vehicle.

 

I figured it was something like that. Makes sense

 

Excavators usually are set up with one of 2 sets of controls,.. CAT or John Deer. The only difference is the stick and the swing are switched. JD style is like most back hoes. I can flip between the 2 easily.

Most newer machines will have a valve or the newest ones have an electronic switch that allow the machine to be operated in either configuration.

An yeah,.. El Paso is a wonderful place to sit and wait for someone else thats supposed to be there. Done a few that had to be off loaded to another truck there,.. and either the person or the truck isnt there yet. I break out my ramps,.. put the machine on the ground. They fuss because the driver coming has no way to load the machine. Not my problem,.. I'm not sitting 3 - 5 hours with out being paid. Not when I have another load waiting on me.

Hurst

 

@Hurst i I'm curious you said you used to run equipment which controls do you use in an excavator, Cat or Deere ?