[AT] Chain grades

[Mike Sloane]

My understanding of the intent of the rule is that the chains must be 
able to secure the load to the truck/trailer so that in the event of an 
upset, the load will not separate from the vehicle (and cause harm to 
uninvolved things/people). In general, I have seen a lot more attention 
paid by various DOTs to commercial haulers than to hobby and farmer 
equipment. My employer's trucks only got stopped twice in 50 years of 
hauling, and those were both for overweight on old small bridges, never 
for unsecured loads (and all he ever used on any size load was the winch 
plus one chain in back!) I guess it is fair to point out that none of 
his haulers was ever involved in an accident, so I don't know if he 
would have been cited as the result of an investigation.

Mike

Jim and Lyn Evans wrote:
> DOT says that it must be grade 70.  That being said, they also say that the
> total working load of the tiedowns in any direction must be at least half
> the total weight of the cargo.   So, 2 chains, 1 pulling forward and 1
> backward would be enough in your case.  4 chains, though still illegal,
> would be plenty to hold your tractor and more than most people would use.  I
> wouldn't pull into a weigh station and ask their advise, but otherwise you
> would be fine and no one will bother you.
> 
> Jim
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com
> [mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf Of Bob W
> Sent: Friday, February 04, 2005 6:17 AM
> To: Antique tractor email discussion group
> Subject: RE: [AT] Chain grades
> 
> Thanks for all the responses. I will at this point assume the chain is grade
> 30.  Is it legal to use grade 30 to tie down a tractor for hauling, this
> would not be commercial use but just private? Would 4 chains (grade 30) be
> sufficient for and 8N & box blade (3200-3500 Lbs)?
> 
> Bob W [FL]
> 1950 8N
> 
> 
> <Subject: RE: [AT] Chain grades
> <
> <
> <Bob:
> <
> <My understanding is that a chain has to be visibly marked Grade 70 in order
> <for it to qualify for a grade 70 Working Load Limit when using it for load
> <tie downs. The following web site has some good info on chain
> <specifications:
> <
> <http://www.cmindustrial.com/products/chainproducts.asp?category=15
> <
> <I believe chains are required to be marked grade 70 when used as tie downs
> <for any commercial hauling. Here in WA, for private hauling, if the chains
> <are not marked grade 70, the WA DOT will downgrade the chains WILL to the
> <lowest rating for that size chain to determine if you have adequate
> <restraint on the load.
> <
> <Grade 80 and 90 chain is specified for use in vertical lift applications.
> <
> <Dean A. Van Peursem
> <Snohomish, WA 98290
> <
> <I'm a walking storeroom of facts..... I've just lost the key to the
> <storeroom door < < <www.deerelegacy.com <
> <http://members.cox.net/classicweb/email.htm
> 
> <
> <
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-- 
Mike Sloane
Allamuchy NJ
mikesloane at verizon.net
Images: <www.fotki.com/mikesloane>

The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are 
in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of 
life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life - the sick, 
the needy and the handicapped. -Hubert Horatio Humphrey, US Vice 
President (1911-1978)


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