Securing loads with just straps?

Having not seen the exact load I cant comment but it is possible I bet.
May not be efficient but can be done.
First thing you do is block the axles so there is no tire flexing.

You do know that in aircraft rubber tired machines get strapped all the time.

 

did you notice where he was from?

 

About 98% of my loads are secured using 4" straps only, I rarely throw iron. That's due to most of my loads are down hole directional drilling equipment, we can not use chains on it. I do carry (6) 20' G70 chains & ratchet binders. There are certain loads that you don't have a choice but to use chains.

 

What type of freight are you referring to?

 

Talking about me?

 

Can I cheat, T hooks and straps.

 

I am talking about a rubber tired farm tractor...like a John Deere 8000R series.

I run a trucking company not an air freight operation. Our drivers carry normal nylon cargo straps, not specialty straps that would go around tires.

I am not sure how a driver would block the axle to prevent tire flex. That would require lifting the axle and somehow putting about 18" of blocking underneath.

Sure anything is possible. It would keep the tractor from moving going down the road if you strapped over the cab or hood, but I don't think the dealer would be overly impressed if you delivered a heavily damaged tractor.

 

I understand what you meant and am familiar with farm equipment from a trucking perspective.

My comment that it is possible to use straps safely was a comment in general , not limited to you and your company.In my experience drivers who specialize in oversize usually have the ability think and work things out.If they are worth their salt anyway.

How is this beyond the ability of a driver who moves oversize loads? Any driver for that matter.I notice that you are not a trucker so I suggest you ask a couple of your drivers I'm sure they could easily do this.

Look I'm not arguing that straps are better than chains but that it is possible to do things safely yet differently. You also seem to underestimate the ability of your drivers to think.You say you will fire their butts , yet you admit to not being a trucker and not knowing how a driver would block an axle.Before you think I know nothing about your operation or what you do I must tell you I have read a lot of your posts/threads.I find them interesting but somewhat condescending at times even if that is not your intention. One of my favorites is where you explain that one of your family members is joining the company.You put him in a truck for a month so he can learn the ropes.You then later say he now explains to newbies how things work.Do you see how it can be viewed that family member 1 month in a truck qualifies him to know how things work and able to instruct drivers.

Look by all accounts your business looks like a good outfit for both customers and those who work there. I enjoy and appreciated your posts/threads here but I am not a yes man to the popular kid.
Take a step out of the ivory tower and listen for a moment , possibly you will learn something you don't know.Possibly from a lowly driver.

 

I almost did not respond to the last post because I kind of saw things going in this direction. I am not sure why you felt the need to take personal shots at me. I have to admit I am pretty insulted by the "ivory tower" and "lowly driver" comments. I can assure you I have the utmost respect for truck drivers, and have all the confidence in my drivers ability. I often call a driver to consult on a new project, or to help me coach a new driver through a job. I grew up working summers and weekends cleaning trailers, helping drivers secure and tarp, and doing whatever other tasks were needed. Just because I don't drive a truck does not mean I don't know anything about securement.

In regards to my brother, he has been driving a truck locally/regionally as his age has allowed since 18. He is very good at tarping and securing, and I would put his skills in this category up against all but my most experienced drivers. The 1 month trip was intended to give him a glimpse of what life on the road was like. He would be instructing drivers on how to perform their job whether he had the time on the road or not. This extra training just augments his ability to empathize with a driver.

Lastly, blocking the axles of the tractor to prevent movement would require the tractor to be resting on the blocks. The only way you could achieve this is to place your blocks then somehow lower the axle so it is resting on the blocks. The only way I see this happening is to let air out of the tires, remove the tires, or possibly pulling down with a securement device...but I don't think this would do it, especially with a strap. Obviously a driver is not going to remove the tires in the field. Letting air out of the tires is frowned upon due to potential tire damage. And I really don't know many drivers that would carry the number of blocks it would take to get this done in all 4 positions.

I am off to find more yes men to hang around with.

 

Cpape , don't take it to seriously I'm just kidding around.
I do honestly appreciate you contribution and did not mean to seriously offend.
Obviously you are respected by those who actually know you so don't mind me.

PS I bet I could strap it.