Here is a chart outlining the number of chains required for various loads.
How Many Binders Do I Need?
How Many Binders Do I Need?
I need help chaining down the tractor
- Thread starter RPK
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schiker said:
Don't worry, no flames.
Publication No.: MC-P/PSV-04-001 That's the fed dot document on cargo securement.
I'm attaching my copy. It may be outdated, so google it up yourself if you have any questions. Page 9 of 44 is where the pertinent information is located. Feel free to perambulate over to it (in a cyber sense that is).
jb
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Farmwithjunk
Super Member
For the record, these regs apply to COMMERCIAL vehicles used in interstate commerce only. Regs with-in each state can be more (or less) specific. (including commercial or NON commercial). However, It's in everyones best interest to comply with the intent of the law, commercial or NONcommercial. As with so many other gov regs, there is plenty of room for interpretation. It all boild down to what sort of mood the DOT cop is in and how nice of a judge you end up before. Best advice, IMHO, secure your load far OVER-KILL ,then find a DOT cop and quiz him on how regs are interpreted on a local/state basis. In Kentucky, the Division of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement is always more than willing to explain our states rules and regs. While they're largely responsible for interstate commerce involving big trucks, they're somewhat responsible for policing ANYTHING on interstates that could reasonably effect commerce on their highways. That often includes passenger cars, private "not-for-hire" haulers, ect.
Also, A Ky State Trooper once explained to me that even noncommercial haulers who become involved in a traffic accident may be held to "acceptable standards" by a jury in the case of a civil trial. The DOT regs can (and often ARE) those "acceptable standards". Best to comply, even if they don't apply directly to your situation.
Also, A Ky State Trooper once explained to me that even noncommercial haulers who become involved in a traffic accident may be held to "acceptable standards" by a jury in the case of a civil trial. The DOT regs can (and often ARE) those "acceptable standards". Best to comply, even if they don't apply directly to your situation.
Farmwithjunk said:
Great points, Farm!
Aparently, like you, I have gone to the trouble of reading what a professional would do and then I do my best to emulate that way.
The other standard that I try to live up to, is to at least look like you know what you are doing. Using chain and ratcheting binders are a step up in both quality and safety from either straps or chains and lever binders. Everything being neat and orderly shows you care. If you care, the police don't have to.
jb
workinallthetime
Veteran Member
ok after reading all these post on how to chain my stuff down and dot req. i went out and spent 45 bucks on a 5/16 ratchit binder, i hate it ! my old pull style binders are so much faster and so much more easy to use. i drilled a hole in the handle of my old binders to mount a lock in to hold them together even though i have never had one fail.
so tell me o mighty ones what am i doing wrong with these ratchit binders? the chain is turning around the binder and the binder gets to a point where it doesnt do tighten or open up when i need it to ?
i think a 4 ton come a long is easier to use, lol
so tell me o mighty ones what am i doing wrong with these ratchit binders? the chain is turning around the binder and the binder gets to a point where it doesnt do tighten or open up when i need it to ?
i think a 4 ton come a long is easier to use, lol
Farmwithjunk
Super Member
workinallthetime said:
Safe bet, if you're anything like the rest of us, first time you ever really tightened down a load with lever binders, they seemed just a little awkward. In short order, you got used to them. Same applies to rachet binders. You get used to handling them and setting your chains to better accomodate them. I'm not opposed to EITHER type IF THEY ARE USED CORRECTLY. I PREFER rachets. Police seem to be "less skeptical" of rachets (as opposed to lever binders). I like to keep them happy too. In the end, "easy" is nice, but it isn't the objective.
Well, here's what I do. Maybe right, maybe wrong. You decide.
I first extend the binder alot. Mostly all the way. Run the chain thru and around. Hook the binder by the end of the chain and pull the other side tight and hook the binder there. (Making a loop of slack) Then I hand spin the binder to take out the slack, holding the chain so it doesn't spin. After a couple turns, there is enough tension that it no longer needs to be held and can be ratcheted down tight.
I can say that the load can be pulled down tight and in one draw down. Unlike the flip over binders where (at least I) need to snap them down and reposition several times to get the slack out. On the rear, the tires are deflected down and more tension is put in that I could ever get with the pull over binders.
On the whole, the ratchets are slower - probably a minute slower. But, I'm not in that much of a hurry where a single minute will make any difference at all.
If you keep at the binders and don't like them, just mail them to me. (toss in a short box diesel fuel sender while you're at it , too! ) ;-)
jb
I first extend the binder alot. Mostly all the way. Run the chain thru and around. Hook the binder by the end of the chain and pull the other side tight and hook the binder there. (Making a loop of slack) Then I hand spin the binder to take out the slack, holding the chain so it doesn't spin. After a couple turns, there is enough tension that it no longer needs to be held and can be ratcheted down tight.
I can say that the load can be pulled down tight and in one draw down. Unlike the flip over binders where (at least I) need to snap them down and reposition several times to get the slack out. On the rear, the tires are deflected down and more tension is put in that I could ever get with the pull over binders.
On the whole, the ratchets are slower - probably a minute slower. But, I'm not in that much of a hurry where a single minute will make any difference at all.
If you keep at the binders and don't like them, just mail them to me. (toss in a short box diesel fuel sender while you're at it , too! ) ;-)
jb
workinallthetime
Veteran Member
i guess after using my break over binders for so long i know exactly where to put them so that i only pull em down once with a 2 foot cheeter. when the guy delived my b3030 he used the ratchit style and was very specific about how he set up his chain ( i should have watched but i was awe struck with the 3030 sittin in my yard)
i would like to figure out how to use them, as many have said cops like em better. with the new tractor being only about twice as heavy as the old one,lol i am taking the opertunity to try new things. if i have another good month i will get another one and some more chain.
still havin trouble with that sender? i forgot about that ill see what i can do to get you one if you want, i figured you had fixed it by now. send me a private with your VIN and ill get the part number and start looking for one.
i would like to figure out how to use them, as many have said cops like em better. with the new tractor being only about twice as heavy as the old one,lol i am taking the opertunity to try new things. if i have another good month i will get another one and some more chain.
still havin trouble with that sender? i forgot about that ill see what i can do to get you one if you want, i figured you had fixed it by now. send me a private with your VIN and ill get the part number and start looking for one.
