Because November is gray enough as it is, we thought it would be a good idea to talk about something positive for a change.

The strange-looking object that is being transported here is a clamp bunk. It is used to move timber in forests. Grippers place tree trunks in the “pincer”, which is then hydraulically closed so that the forestry vehicle, or forwarder, can drag the trunks through the woods. A search on the Internet indicated weights of 1.4 to 2.5 tonnes. In the present case, it is clear that base parts and/or vehicle parts are also being transported and so we assume three tonnes to be on the safe side. In a real application, it would, of course, be necessary to know the weight of the load.

Figure 1  [Matthias Böhmen]

The load is secured by means of direct lashings. Anyone who is familiar with us and our column knows that we have a preference for this load securing method.

Figure 2  [Matthias Böhmen]

Because these photos were “snapped” quickly as the vehicle drove past, we do not have as much detailed information as we would like and have no idea of the state of the loading surface. As a result, we cannot say anything about the LC of the load securing points on the trailer. We also cannot judge whether anti-slip material was used and whether the load was properly distributed over the loading surface in a way that prevented any damage to it What we can say, however, is that the load is probably not distributed quite as it should be on the trailer because it looks as if the clamp bunk was loaded a little too far to the front.

Figure 3  [Matthias Böhmen]

Securing of the load:

• The load securing equipment is new and in good condition.
• The cargo itself possesses attachment points that probably have an LC of 5,000 daN.
• The weak link in the load securing chain could be the load securing points on the trailer.
• It is clear that the load is in danger of tipping, as the person who secured it was well aware.
• Two direct lashings against the forwards direction of travel, two that practically only secure the clamp bunk to the side and another two direct lashings that secure it against the backwards direction of travel.
• As long as the load securing points on the trailer are suitable for the weight of the clamp bunk, we consider this load securing arrangement to be exemplary (with the minor proviso mentioned above that the load may be incorrectly distributed on the loading surface).
• What we particularly like about this example is the fact that all directions of movement have been secured using direct lashings. The dimensions and condition of the belts and the attachment points on the load itself are encouraging to see. Whoever was responsible clearly took the time to think about how to transport this load safely.

Your load securing columnists wish you a safe autumn.