Securement Class

I recently had a load of Caterpillar Maritime Engines, and at first, I was confused about the best way to secure it. After taking with Rob (dragon), I was able to figure it out. So a big thank you for that. I was just looking through my pictures and noticed that I had a few of the load, before securement. So I figured we could make a "how to, quiz."

So here is the "quiz"

Both big engines weigh 12,000 lbs (rounded up) and the small one weighs 3,000, also rounded. There are 3 crates, weighing 150lbs total in front.

How would you secure it? I opened my axles while securing it. Why did I do this?

I will post my secured pictures, after a day or so.

Interesting load. I don't recall ever hauling engines like that. From the pictures supplied there's really no way to tell how to secure them. I'd like to be up close and in person to see any anchor points. But I'll offer a blind guess or two...

Either the motor mounts have a channel through which to run chains, or...

Perhaps there are bolt holes on the base plate to attach anchor shackles to. Then I could run chains through the shackles. Or...

Are the engines attached securely enough to the supporting timbers to simply strap down the timbers? I'm never keen on that method though, as it puts too much faith in the wood. But sometimes that's the only option we are given.

You've piqued my interest with this one

How would you secure it? I opened my axles while securing it. Why did I do this?

I'm not a flatbedder but I'll take a guess at this one...

Does spreading the axles after you've secured everything loosen the straps/chains or cause the load to shift a little, making it less secure?

The 2 big ones had the frames built around them. The small one bolted to its frame.

The 2 big ones had the frames built around them. The small one bolted to its frame.

Very cool. So the frame is built over/around the base of the big engines? The wood actually looks pretty serious from here, like laminated.

Sorry, I probably should have let newbies take a stab at answering first. I just get fascinated by securement puzzles

How would you secure it? I opened my axles while securing it. Why did I do this?

I'm not a flatbedder but I'll take a guess at this one...

Does spreading the axles after you've secured everything loosen the straps/chains or cause the load to shift a little, making it less secure?

No, it doesn't. You can open or close the axles loaded or empty. Being loaded sometimes can make it more difficult, just like sliding tandems , with a 44k load in the box.

My reasons for opening my axles were twofold.

1. Securement placement. 2. Load stability.

Why not a whole bunch of duct tape.

Why not a whole bunch of duct tape.

That would be an awesome sight!

Looks like the center of gravity was pretty high.

Looks like the center of gravity was pretty high.

It was. That's also why they built the frames like they did, to give them a wider and longer base. I could still feel them back there on exit ramps, and tight turns, though.