Let’s be honest: Who does not know the daring DIY constructions for lashing smaller loads on loading platforms? For example, when machines, but also small devices and attachments are to be lashed and transported, it is not uncommon for dangerous things to happen. After all, when transporting machines or components, high forces can pull on the load, which need to be counteracted with appropriate retention forces. However: The “adventurous” DIY solutions we often meet here, involve high liability risks, which, in the event of damage, can result in immense costs.

Let’s take a look at it in practice. It is almost the norm that a machine or component is simply lashed down on a loading area. This means, lashing devices - such as lashing straps - are placed across the load and then pretensioned with ratchets. In principle, the load is only secured by friction, whereby pressing the load against the loading area increases the frictional force between the load and the loading area. The catch: If the friction is too low or the lashing equipment is not sufficiently pre-tensioned, the load cannot be considered secure. It is irrelevant whether it is an excavator bucket or a machine.

 

Direct lashing instead of tie-down lashing.

With direct lashing, this safety can be achieved much more safely and reliably with the described tie-down lashing. In direct lashing, the load is to be secured to the loading area by lashing means with the aid of the lashing points fitted to them. The goods are firmly “tied up”.

At this point, let us recall Machine Directive 2006/42/EC, which has been binding since 2009. It states with regard to design: “It must be possible to handle and transport the machine or each of its components safely”. Thus the directive makes the safe transport of machinery (also) the responsibility of the manufacturer. However, since many designers tend to regard the lashing points as a marginal issue, very unsafe DIY constructions are often found in practice. These are for example, simple burnout holes or welded-on pieces of sheet metal with drilled holes. This often makes the lashing points a weak point, since the possible inadequacies of such constructions are manifold.

The eyelets often have sharp edges which can damage the lashing devices. Or the diameter of the drilled holes is too small to completely insert the existing hook; this leads to the hook tip being loaded - a dangerous no go. Furthermore, the distance between eyelet and edge of the DIY lashing point is too great, making it impossible to fit a lashing hook.  Lashing and transport become something of a lottery.

 

The L-ABA 2000 daN: ideal for small loads.

We urgently recommend professional lashing solutions to avoid problems and risks that may arise. Exactly at this point the L-ABA series from RUD comes into play. “ABA” stands for “weld-on point capable of bearing loads from all sides”, “L” stands for load securing. Thus, the L-ABA is a rigid lashing point which is firmly attached to the load, for example a machine. The L-ABA 2000 has connection dimensions that are ideally designed for lashing straps and chains.

As is customary for lashing, they also have a double security against breakage in all directions and has a LC remark (lashing capacity) daN. According to this, the L-ABA 2000 daN is ideal for loads up to 4 tons. Classic examples are small devices and attachments such as excavator buckets, rams, drilling equipment, rollers and earth-moving equipment. The lashing point is tempered and resistant to wear. It has a phosphated surface, a circular fillet weld and patented wear markings. It is the counterpart to the 2000 daN lashing points mounted on thousands of loading platforms of standard commercial vehicles (EN 12640).

In short: For manufacturers of small loads, the L-ABA 2000 daN is a compact, safe and economical solution. It has important features and benefits that allow for cost-effective and reliable compliance with security-relevant guidelines.

 

Advantages of the L-ABA 2000 daN at a glance:

•             Capable of bearing loads from all sides.

•             With LC marking in daN.

•             Ideal connection dimensions for lashing staps and lashing chains.

•             Circular fillet weld: No under-rusting, small weld seam.

•             Forged from one piece: no loose parts, no rattling noise or shaking, even when subjected to  

               Strong vibrations or shock loads.

•             Particularly wear-resistant due to tempered base structure.

•             Patented wear markings for detecting unacceptable cross-setional wear.