Transport Chain

[oldballs]

per my recent hoisting/lifting certification class.

A new rule (dont know how new but "new") is that all graded chain be stamped with the grade every 2-3 links.

for Grade 70 thats G70 or G7 stamped on the side of the link.

What grade is a fairly new 5/16 chain that has "PM" and "M3" stamped on it every 3-4 links? Thanks....

 

[strum456]

What grade is a fairly new 5/16 chain that has "PM" and "M3" stamped on it every 3-4 links? Thanks....

I have chain that I took off of a hoist that is marked "H" on the links. What's do the letters mean?

 

[LD1]

Over 10K it must be chains.

I dont think this is true. Where I work (large corporation) we receive aluminum coils in on flatbed trucks. Usually 3 at a time and the weights are anywhere from 12k-16k lbs. They use straps.

Bigger is not always better. I compared the working load limits table for each grade

For 5/16" chain

Grade 43 - 3,900 pounds
Grade 70 - 4,700
Grade 80 - 4,500
Grade 100 - 5,700

For 3/8" chain

Grade 43 - 5,400 pounds
Grade 70 - 6,600
Grade 80 - 7,100
Grade 100 - 8,800

It would seem you are wasting money to step up to 5/16" Grade 80.

Not really. Grade 80 has a higher safety margin since it is certified for overhead lifting. The chain is actually stronger. So if you are lifting, it certainly isnt a waste of money considering the hefty fines and lawsuits associated if something went wrong.

But for strapping a light load to a trailer, yea, probabally a waste of money.

I always use GR70. Note the 5/16" GR70 is stronger (and lighter and easier to handle) than 3/8 GR43 and the price is about the same.

Better double check that statement.

 

[CCOUGHRAN1]

Friday morning I was headed to my place in Centerville, about 140 miles from my main residence. As I was driving through Houston, a DOT / Commercial Truck Enforcement cop pulled me over. After asking if I was for hire, and me instructing him that I was not a commercial load, he said I had no problems. I took the opportunity to ask him a few questions...

First, I have a GN ball in the truck, but no safety chain tie down points. He said I did not need them as I was exempt being a farm load. He did recommend attaching the break a way cable to something, as a DPS trooper might cite me for that.

Second, I had him look at how the load was secured. He looked at the ratings on the straps, 3300# each, then said I was fine for a non commercial/in-state load. Said if I was commercial, I would have needed to be secured on all four corners of each vehicle, and a strap on the loader, unless it had a lockout device.

He told me that the 8 weeks he was in the commercial enforcement class, the instructors really drilled into them not to mess with the farmers.:thumbsup:

Here's a pic of the load for reference.

The tractor had a strap over the rear 3pt arms, in front of the box blade. Also a strap running through the tube in the loader frame.

 

[RickB]

Friday morning I was headed to my place in Centerville, about 140 miles from my main residence. As I was driving through Houston, a DOT / Commercial Truck Enforcement cop pulled me over. After asking if I was for hire, and me instructing him that I was not a commercial load, he said I had no problems. I took the opportunity to ask him a few questions...

First, I have a GN ball in the truck, but no safety chain tie down points. He said I did not need them as I was exempt being a farm load. He did recommend attaching the break a way cable to something, as a DPS trooper might cite me for that.

Second, I had him look at how the load was secured. He looked at the ratings on the straps, 3300# each, then said I was fine for a non commercial/in-state load. Said if I was commercial, I would have needed to be secured on all four corners of each vehicle, and a strap on the loader, unless it had a lockout device.

He told me that the 8 weeks he was in the commercial enforcement class, the instructors really drilled into them not to mess with the farmers.:thumbsup:

Here's a pic of the load for reference.

The tractor had a strap over the rear 3pt arms, in front of the box blade. Also a strap running through the tube in the loader frame.

That load would be placed out of service 9 times out of 10 in New York State. Private, commercial, farm, city wouldn't mean squat.

 

[CCOUGHRAN1]

That load would be placed out of service 9 times out of 10 in New York State. Private, commercial, farm, city wouldn't mean squat.

Sure glad I am in Texas

To be honest, I don't fully understand why the regulations are different for farmers vs commercial loads, but I am glad that I keep farm tags on my larger trailers for that reason.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I hate to say it but in Indiana it would pass if not pulled over. If pulled over the over 3 point arms would not fly. They would not cite you but would make you secure it on all four corners.

Chris

 

[oldballs]

I have chain that I took off of a hoist that is marked "H" on the links. What's do the letters mean?

We still need some help trying to interpret chain grade codes....Anybody....thanks.

 

[davkir]

Lots of good information @

National Association of Chain Manufacturers: double loop chain, grade 80 chain, tow chain

 

[ramheadjim]

We still need some help trying to interpret chain grade codes....Anybody....thanks.

Known Chain and Hook Markings Grades Chain Markings Hook Markings
Proof Coil Grade-30 G3, G30, C3, M3, 3, Npc, C, 30, Canada, L, M, P, PC. C.
High Test, Grade-43 G4, G40, G43, 4, 43, 430, HT, C4, M4, MHT, H, High Test, Canada, Canada 4, L, M, P, W, PH. H, HT, High Test, G4, G40, G43.
Transport Grade-70 G7, G70, C7, 7, 70, 700, CM-USA, M7, L, P, TS, W. Transport 7, 70, T7, G7, G70, S7.
Alloy Grade-80 A, T, G80, 80, 800, C8, 8, A8A, CA8, HA 800, CM-USA, L, P, TS, W. A, AA, AL, Alloy, 4A, A8, C8, Kuplex, Herc, P8, T80.
Alloy Grade-100 nil nil