[repete]

I put this in "new drivers" cause I've never pulled an RGN before. I've been looking for awhile now and I'm being pretty picky on who I work for and what I'm going to do so with that in mind.
A large local construction company is looking for a CDL-A driver for one of their low boys. I put in an app and talked a bit on the phone and sounds like this may happen, problem is experience. I've got some time in dozer's,loaders, and back hoes so loading them won't be that big a deal. My weak spot will be hooking / unhooking and load securement. any helpful hints would be appreciated.

[GMAN]

It would probably be helpful to pick up a securement book at a truck stop. Or you could check the fmcsa website. You may familiarize yourself with weight distribution. That may not be much of an issue if you only drive locally. You need to be familiar with the weight limits of your equipment. Most RGN drivers use 3/8" or 1/2" chains. Weight limits are different and you need to make sure you use enough chain to be legal. You need to use a separate binder and chain for each corner of the equipment and pull front and rear chains in opposite directions. There is a way to use one chain for two points, but you will still need to use a minimum of 4 binders for each piece of equipment. You will also need to put a chain or strap across the blade, bucket or arm of any equipment. If you have a detachable neck, make sure to put away from the trailer straight. It can be a pain to try and realign an RGN if you are not in alignment. One other thing is to make sure you are on level ground, or at least ground that doesn't have holes around where the neck is attached. I am sure you will do well with the RGN.

[repete]

Thanks GMAN, never thought about this "It can be a pain to try and realign an RGN if you are not in alignment. One other thing is to make sure you are on level ground, or at least ground that doesn't have holes around where the neck is attached."
I'm not sure I'll be getting this job but I think I'd like it. I've been bumping the same two docks for nine years now and it's getting kinda old.

[Roadhog]

looks like fun to me...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2Ip1mIoHiA

[Roadhog]

heavy equipment porn (suitable for work)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh08nOlpYY8

[Roadhog]

Lots of nice videos on chains and securement on you tube as well Repete.

[repete]

Originally Posted by Roadhog

Lots of nice videos on chains and securement on you tube as well Repete.

That just show's computer illiterate I am, I never once thought to look on Youtube. Thanks!

[Mr. Ford95]

This is kinda what I do repete! Mine is a tilt deck rear load only though. 4 point minimum on all pieces of equipment. Anything with a rear boom is supposed to have a strap or chain on it also. Can't say for certain, but I've seen backhoes with the front bucket also have a chain on it, don't know if its a newer DOT deal. You can and may find you have to X chain some loads too. Most Xcavators I see, 8 different chain binders of them on those low boys. I've only pulled the mini X's myself which required X chaining 4 different ways and a boom chain. You have to think not only of front to back motion but also side to side movement, hence the cross chaining, X style. Off road trucks are crazy to see strapped down, I've seen 6 on those. It's just a bit more work if you have the tools to do it, I'm a believer to more is better with chaining down equipment.

I'm not promoting it, but, the trailer says do not side load or unload, I've seen it done with the X's..............certain situations its the only option. Most jobs you would load or unload, shouldn't be a problem with dropping the trailer and pulling straight forward. You may just have to stop on a road and block the lane to do it. Normally the site has to be big enough for you to pull in and then get the truck far enough forward that it's out of the way for you to unload. This is why most just unload on the roadway. Hopefully you have a day can if you get the job! You can cheat and peek thru the window over your right shoulder if you need to.

[GMAN]

I usually X chains on excavators and certain types of equipment. If you have not been used to low clearance trailers, you need to be very aware of your ground clearance, especially on railroad tracks. Some RGN's have the ability to adjust the height, to some extent. Having a height stick in the truck can be invaluable. When I haul over size I always measure the load before ordering permits. You could haul legal loads with an RGN, but many times you may be over width or over height. When ordering permits you can be over the actual measurements, but not less. I tend to add a couple of inches to my permits just in case I make a mistake with my measurements. When you are permitted, you want to read your permits over VERY carefully, even if you normally haul the same load and route. Sometimes, there is construction or other restrictions listed on your permit. Getting caught out of route can be very expensive.

[Roadhog]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xhgj3YcBPM