Chains.- Chains make up most of our tiedown assemblies. The size of chains normally used in the NCF is 3/8 and 1/2 inch. They are made of the class A type of alloy steel. Know the safe working load of any chain before you put it to use.

Chains used for restraints should have grab hooks on both ends. Attach the hook into the chain as close as possible to the tie-downs on the trailer and on the equipment (fig. 7-34). This prevents the chain from getting slack once the binder is attached and closed.

Binders. -Binders are chain-tightening devices that are made of steel with swivels, chain hooks, and a lever. You hook one of the binder hooks on the chain near the trailer deck and the other hook higher up the chain near the load. The chain is tightened by pulling the lever down, as shown in figure 7-35. A 3-inch-diameter 3-foot-length pipe, commonly known by the term cheater bar, is normally used on the lever to provide more leverage when closing the binder.

WARNING

When you are closing and opening the lever, do not put your head or arm in line with the lever. If you lose your grip, the lever will open and hit you.

EQUIPMENT.- Assume the equipment has been loaded as described earlier in this chapter.

Place your tie-down assemblies to the correct tie-down on the equipment. Be sure you do not put a chain around any hydraulic, fuel, or brake lines, because they will be crushed when the binders are closed. Ensure you secured all movement symmetrically, as shown in figure 7-33, so that the equipment cannot move forward, aft, vertically, or horizontally.

CAUTION

When transporting equipment equipped with turbochargers, seal off the exhaust stacks to prevent alterations of the turbocharger turbine due to wind velocity. Failure to do so can result in damage to the turbine bearings due to the lack of lubrication.

OVERSIZE AND OVERWEIGHT LOADS.- Oversize and overweight loads require special permits.

Figure 7-35.-Using load binders.

Driving is usually limited to certain times of the day and requires special equipment, such as "wide load" signs, flashing lights, flags, police escort or pilot vehicles bearing warning signs, and/or flashing lights.

NOTE: Weight, height, and width limitations are set forth by each state. Always know the weight, height, and width of the load you are pulling and the regulations for the state(s) you are to operate in.