According to the Case Operator’s Manual Loader Backhoe 580 Super M, The machine with loader bucket and with universal backhoe bucket has weight ranging from 14, 285 to 17,545 lbs depending upon configuration. The length of the machine is 22’ 10” to 22’ 8” with loader bucket down and backhoe bucket curled inward fully.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Regulations states that:
393.106 What are the general requirements for securing articles of cargo?
(a) Applicability. The rules of this section are applicable to……vehicles. The rules of this in this section apply to the cargo types covered by the commodity-specific rules of 393.116 through 393.136.
393.110 What else do I have to do to determine the minimum number of tiedowns?
(a)When tiedowns are used as part of a cargo securement system, the minimum number of tiedowns required to secure an article or group of articles against movement depends on the length of the article(s) being secured, and the requirements of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section. These requirements are in addition to the rules under 393.106.
(c) If an individual article is blocked, braced, or immobilized to prevent movement in the forward direction by a headerboard, bulkhead, and other articles which are adequately secured or by an appropriate blocking or immobilization method it must be secured by at least one tiedown for every 3.04 meters (10 feet) of article length, or fraction thereof.”
393.130 What are the rules for securing heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery?
(a) Applicability. The rules in this section apply to the transportation of heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery which operate on wheels or tracks, such as front end loaders, bulldozers, tractors and powered shovels and which individually weigh 4,536 kg (10,000 lb.) or more. Vehicles, equipment and machinery which is lighter than 4,536 kg (10,000 lb) may also be secured in accordance with provisions of 393.100 through 393.114
(b) Preparation of equipment being transported.
(1) Accessory equipment, such as hydraulic shovels, must be completely lowered and secured to the vehicle.
(2) Articulated vehicles shall be restrained in a manner that prevents articulation while in transit.
(c) Securement of heavy vehicles, equipment or machinery with crawler tracks or wheels.
(1) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section, heavy equipment or machinery with crawler tracks or wheels must be restrained against movement in the lateral, forward, rearward, and vertical direction using a minimum of four tiedowns.
(2) Each of the tiedowns must be affixed as close as practicable to the front and rear of the vehicle, or mounting points on the vehicle that have been specifically designed for that purpose.
With these regulations in mind, drivers are to secure the backhoe to the trailer by:
1) Placing the Loader Bucket (Front Bucket) against the trailer bulkhead,
2) Four chains and four ratchets that use the Backhoe’s mounting points on the vehicle that have been specifically designed for that purpose.
3) A chain and ratchet that goes across the trailer bed and is placed on top of the Backhoe Bucket (Rear Bucket). This will be done avoiding any contact with the machined and polished surface of the hydraulic actuator.
As of this time, I do believe that this method of securement complies with federal regulations and surpasses all applicable safety concerns. Any comments?