Tips and Tricks of flatbedding

So long as it's marked with a WLL from the manufacturer, it should be legal. Although I suppose it could also require CSA and/or ANSI(?) marking(s)? I haven't delved into those regulations for a while.


However, my comments are probably moot as they list a lot of US and Canada info, so I am assuming it is legal and available.
Load Choker USA
Email: ussales@loadchoker.com

 

Thanks. Back when I was looking into them for pipe hauling they weren't stamped with a WLL. They must have changed that.

 

Thanks for the info, everyone. I haul mixed loads that might include anything from gauge sheets, plate, structural shapes, and weldments on the same load. The load chokers won't work in every situation, but they would sure come in handy a lot if they're legal. One of my neighbors is a diesel bear and we hang out a bit. I'll do a little more research on them and then see what he says.

 

I sent an email to customer service at the Load Choker website asking if their product met US federal standards as a cargo securement device. I received a reply saying that they are still finalizing their US sizes, which I guess means it's not ready yet. I assume it's because they are still working their way through the mountain of red tape it takes to get anything done when it comes to government approval.

 

Here's what not to buy. We make our own strap winder but had not got around to fabbing one up so we grabbed this pile of junk. I look forward to throwing it in the scrap metal drum.

 

Got a guy at our shop that makes them for us, his has a vice grip to lock onto the rub rail, also less complicated. He made mine with a chunk of stake just drop it in and spin

 

That's what I use ! Wound up 27 straps with it this morning. Maybe yours is better I'd like to try it, but the key to the one in picture is hold the strap between thumb and index finger against your hip while cranking with other hand to keep it feeding straight. Once you get a bit of practice you can wind em quick with that sucker !

 

Maybe my hips aren't big enough????

 

Yup, I use the same one.

 

Bungee rope has a few uses. Such as keeping a tall tarped load from flapping as much (better than rope).
Ratchet winch bars work well once you get use to them and if you keep them oiled. Insulation on snap binders would offer little protection if they slip and hit you (they even might cause you to get hit). Best to learn how to safely work one and always respect it. I put a coat hook inside the cab and secured it well. Then I bought safety glasses from Lowes that came with a draw string pouch to put them in. Out of the way and always there when I need them. Hope this helps.