There has been much conversation this year about the use of agricultural trailers on the road. The attention on low-loader trailers, especially tractor drawn trailers, has also increased. In essence, most of the rules are the same for all trailers. The lighting, braking, and weight requirements are all the same.

Every new agricultural trailer manufactured on or after 1 January 2016, which is designed to be drawn at a speed over 60km/h, must be fitted with an anti-lock braking system (ABS).

The Irish Farmers Journal recently spoke to Garda Brendan Condon from the Traffic Corp about correctly tying down loads, especially tracked excavators on low loader trailers. Brendan informed the Irish Farmers Journal that all tying and securing of loads is accordance with the European Directive EN12195-1. Brendan went on to explain that the lashing requirements are calculated depending on the weight and type of load.

The most common mistake for loading and tying of tracked machines is that the chains are placed over the tracks. The problem is that the machine is not secured properly from movements in all directions when this method is used. Brendan stated that cross-tying at the front and back using four separate chains is best practice and is necessary to be road legal. The cross-tying prevents moments in all directions of the machine when travelling on the road.

The surface underneath the tracks is advised to be rubber and this will be a requirement from May 2017. The reason for this is that the friction coefficient for rubber is about 50% greater than that of timber in most cases. The logic is that this will reduce the effort needed by the chains to keep the load secure on the low loader trailer.

Grade 40 chain is only recommended for mooring boats. The shock loading on the chain is not sufficient for securing transport loads

Another issue arising is the specification of chains being used to secure the load. Brendan has noticed that the grade of chain sold in some cases is not up to the standard. Grade 40 chain is only recommended for mooring of boats. The shock loading on the chain is not sufficient for securing transport loads. Grade 80 chain is the specification required for transport by law. A 10mm Grade 80 chain will have a lashing capacity of 6.3t and 8mm chain will have a 4t capacity. Four chains of Grade 80 10m chain would be required to secure a 20t machine on the trailer. This is again part of the European Directive EN 12195-3. Extra attachments such as buckets also need to be tied down, which can be done by strapping over the top with a quality strap. There is also a requirement to have a rubber mat underneath these attachments to prevent friction, according to Brendan. The quality of the strap is also crucial; Brendan commented that the quality of the strap is dependent on the tightness of the weave. A loose weave in the strap that can be moved from side to side easily is an indication of a cheap and poor-quality strap.

These poor-quality straps are often more expensive than genuine higher-grade straps, according to Brendan. It is always recommended to deal with a reputable supplier that will have the correct EN-rated straps. The issue is in an accident if the strap used for securing the load is deemed illegal, an issue with insurance and liability could occur. The solution is not to be in that predicament in the first place.

The employer has to supply all of the correct equipment for every employee and lashing chains and straps are part of the equipment needed to safely transport heavy plant loads.

The next issue regards weights. The legal limit is up to 10t when using a flexible axle on flotation tyres greater than 500mm in width. Most low loader trailers are using double wheels, which are not considered to be 500mm tyre and the weight is reduced by 1t per axle. This might be a problem for some of the larger machines.

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