Transport chains (also called lashing chains, tie-down chains, or binding chains) are high-strength alloy steel chains used to secure heavy, irregular, or high-value cargo during road transportation. Paired with hardware like binders, hooks, and shackles, they form a critical load restraint system that prevents cargo shift, damage, and accidents.
The Primary Applications are:
- Securing construction/heavy equipment (excavators, bulldozers)
- Stabilizing steel coils, structural beams, and concrete pipes
- Transporting machinery, industrial modules, or oversized loads
- High-risk environments (sharp edges, extreme weights, heat/friction)
The Importance of deploying transport chains:
- Safety: Prevents load shift that could cause rollovers or jackknifes.
- Compliance: Meets legal standards (e.g., FMCSA in USA, EN 12195-3 in EU).
- Asset Protection: Minimizes damage to cargo/trucks.
- Cost Efficiency: Reusable and long-lasting if maintained properly.
Here's a comprehensive guide to transport/lashing chains for truck cargo securement, addressing some specific points well considered by industrial:
| Feature | Transport Chains | Webbing Slings |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Alloy steel (Grades G70, G80, G100) | Polyester/nylon webbing |
| Best For | Sharp-edged loads, extreme weights (>10T), high friction/abrasion, high heat | Delicate surfaces, lightweight cargo, |
| Strength | Ultra-high WLL (20,000+ lbs), minimal stretch | WLL (up to 15,000 lbs), slight elasticity |
| Damage Resistance | Resists cuts, abrasion, UV degradation | Vulnerable to cuts, chemicals, UV fade |
| Environment | Wet, oily, hot, or abrasive conditions | Dry, controlled environments |
| Common Uses | Steel coils, construction machinery, heavy structural steel | Furniture, glass, painted surfaces |
Key Difference: Chains excel for heavy, abrasive, or sharp loads where durability is critical; webbing protects fragile surfaces and is lighter/easier to handle.
A. Chain Selection
1. Grade Matters:
- G70 (Transport Chain): General use, good ductility.
- G80 (Lifting Chain): Higher strength, common for securement.
- G100: Highest strength-to-weight ratio (use with compatible hardware).
- Always match chain grade to hardware grade.
2. Size & WLL:
- Calculate total required tension (per regulations like EN 12195-3 or FMCSA).
- Example: 20,000 lb load needs ≥5,000 lbs tension per chain (4:1 safety factor).
- Use chains with WLL ≥ calculated tension (e.g., 5/16" G80 chain: WLL 4,700 lbs).
B. Hardware Selection
- Binders:
Ratchet Binders: Precise tension, safer handling (ideal for critical loads).
Lever Binders: Faster, but risk of snap-back (require training).
- Hooks/Attachments:
Grab Hooks: Connect to chain links.
Slip Hooks: Anchor to fixed points (e.g., truck frame).
C-Hooks/Clevis Links: For specialized attachments (e.g., steel coil eyes).
- Accessories: Edge protectors, tension monitors, shackles.
C. Load-Specific Configurations
- Construction Machinery (e.g., Excavator): G80 chains (3/8"+) with ratchet binders; Secure tracks/wheels + attachment points; prevent articulation movement.
- Steel Coils: G100 chains with C-hooks or chocks; Use "figure-8" threading through coil eye.
- Structural Beams: G70/G80 chains with timber dunnage to prevent sliding; Cross-chain at angles ≥45° for lateral stability.
- Concrete Pipes: Chock ends + chains over pipe at 30°-60° angles.
A. Inspection (Before/After Each Use)
- Chain Links: Reject if: Stretched ≥3% of length, cracks, nicks >10% of link diameter, weld splatter, severe corrosion.
- Hooks/Shackles: Reject if: Twisted, throat opening >15% increase, cracks, missing safety latches.
- Binders: Reject if: Bent handle/body, worn pawls/gears, loose bolts, rust in ratchet mechanism.
- General: Check for wear at contact points (e.g., where chain touches load); Verify legible WLL markings and grade stamps.
B. Replacement Guidelines
- Mandatory Replacement: Any visible cracks, elongation, or grade stamp illegible; Hooks/shackles bent >10° from original shape; Chain link wear >15% of original diameter.
- Preventative Maintenance: Lubricate ratchet binders monthly; Replace binders every 3–5 years (even if intact; internal wear is invisible); Retire chains after 5–7 years of heavy use (document inspections).
C. Documentation
- Maintain logs with dates, inspector name, findings, and actions taken.
- Follow standards: ASME B30.9 (Slings), OSHA 1910.184, EN 12195-3
Post time: Jun-26-2025