Chain size question.

[Ronster]

Hi all. I have searched DOT sites and haven't found a direct answer. Are 4 G70 transport class 5/16" chains securing 4 points of a 6000# excavator (plus one additional chain for the bucket) enough for legal AND safe transport? FYI the G70 5/16" chains have a Working Load Limit of 4700#.
What do you use?
Thanks.

 

[4570Man]

One grade 70 chain at each end of the body plus one more across the bucket would be adequate and legal. Putting 4 on the body and 1 across the bucket would be exceptionally well done. 5 chains has a working load of 23,500 pounds almost 4 times the machine weight and it only needed to be equal.

 

[Redlands Okie]

I believe 4570 is correct.

I also use 4 chains on the corners and tie down the attachments on my L3560. I have the trailors and tractor set up so that I can chain and tie down really easy and fast with 4 chains. Using two chains would be legal but a lot more hassle to chain down for me. I often load and unload multiple times in a day.

 

[4570Man]

I believe 4570 is correct.

I also use 4 chains on the corners and tie down the attachments on my L3560. I have the trailors and tractor set up so that I can chain and tie down really easy and fast with 4 chains. Using two chains would be legal but a lot more hassle to chain down for me. I often load and unload multiple times in a day.

I agree 4 chains is easier since it can all be done from the ground vs climbing on the trailer to snake them across.

 

[Ronster]

Koch Industries and Peerless chains, any difference? Seems all chains made in China.

 

[Redlands Okie]

No idea on brands

 

[crazyal]

I'm not sure if it matters but there's plenty of US made grade 70 chain on the internet. If it's close in price I usually will spend a little more for a US made product. I would expect that even grade 70 chain from Harbor Freight must have passed testing to be rated.

 

[Fallon]

I'm not sure if it matters but there's plenty of US made grade 70 chain on the internet. If it's close in price I usually will spend a little more for a US made product. I would expect that even grade 70 chain from Harbor Freight must have passed testing to be rated.

Ya. I prefer US, but have some HF & mystery chain I assume is cheap Chinese. Not worried about it as they should be tested & rated. Most HF type stuff I derate by 50% or so. I only somewhat do that with transport chain though. I generally stay well under the ratings with US chains though as well.

The chain with the yellow finish is grade 70. Combine that with the link thickness & you can get the rating off many charts.

I to go with 4 chains 5/16 or 3/8. Even if mine are junk & over rated by double I'm still WAY over chained for my 8k of tractor & impliment. Better to be safe than sorry.

 

[mred2]

You may find different states require more chains. I see most of the large equipment here using 4 chains, on on each corner, plus one for attachment.

 

[Fallon]

You may find different states require more chains. I see most of the large equipment here using 4 chains, on on each corner, plus one for attachment.

Things get a lot more complicated & strict with loads over 10,000lbs. You need a minimum of 4 chains where smaller machines can get by with 2 chains to 4 corners.

 

[Ronster]

I bought four 5/16" G70 chains US made with 4 ratchet binders (Chinese). Tie the excavator at all 4 corners and a 2" strap over the bucket. Why take chances.

 

[nikerret]

I use Laclede 3/8” G70 chain. It’s made in USA. Finding extra hooks made in USA is difficult, around here. On the internet, the made in USA books are around $20, each. I went with the Peerless Quikbinders. I hoped to find sone made in USA binders with a storable handle, but couldn’t find any. For loads under 10k, you need two tie downs. Over 10k requires four. Best practice is to always lower buckets to the deck and secure them, independently.

 

[not2old]

Can anyone explain to me the theory on why the bucket needs to be secured separately and do I have to do both the loader and hoe on my machine? I don't transport it much but should do it properly.

 

[4570Man]

Can anyone explain to me the theory on why the bucket needs to be secured separately and do I have to do both the loader and hoe on my machine? I don't transport it much but should do it properly.

I’ve seen large excavators swing off the side of the truck. It seems like a complete waste of time for small equipment and especially non swinging equipment.

 

[Fallon]

I’ve seen large excavators swing off the side of the truck. It seems like a complete waste of time for small equipment and especially non swinging equipment.

Also Google backhoe or excavator boom hitting a bridge. Chaining prevents it from raising somehow (not entirely sure how this could happen thiugh) & forces the transporter to make sure its all the way down. Its a check on the trucker loading stuff as much as a safety feature in transit.