Ensuring the proper restraint of loads stands as a major concern for road safety during the transportation of heavy goods. In the absence of adequate load restraint systems, the safety of other motorists and pedestrians is compromised, inviting the risk of severe injuries.
Suitable physical restraints are mandatory to secure loads during transportation. The choice of specific restraints should depend on the nature of the transported goods as well as the quality and robustness of the load restraint equipment.
Beaver Brands manufacture the well-respected Beaver Load Restraint Systems, which have been developed with the professional driver in mind to safely and efficiently secure loads.
Our quality and functional range is made and tested to AS/NZS 4380 and AS/NZS 4344 and covers everything from ratchet tie downs, webbing straps, winches, and load binders, to transport chain kits and trolley jacks.
Ratchet Tie Downs, Straps & Truck Winches
The following should be considered when choosing quality load restraint products such as ratchet tie downs and straps:
1. Robust Webbing:-
Many cheaper load tie downs and ratchet straps use lower quality fabrics that can cause the strap to be stiff and brittle and therefore wear, fray and break more easily. High-quality tie downs such as Beaver tie downs and straps feature industrial-grade polyester webbing impregnated with polyurethane for low strain, superior strength, as well as excellent resistance to abrasion and dirt - providing increased reliability and a longer lifespan.
2. Durable Hooks and Keepers:-
High-quality tie downs such as Beaver ratchet tie downs feature industrial-grade polyester webbing impregnated with polyurethane for low strain, superior strength, as well as excellent resistance to abrasion and dirt - providing increased reliability and a longer lifespan.
3. Sturdy, Heavy Duty Ratchet Handles:-
Just as important to the user is the ability for the ratchet handle to tension correctly and lock in place after many uses. Some cheaper truck ratchet handles on the market are made from lightweight steel which can be flimsy and result in restrictions in ratcheting, causing instability and jamming of the gears. Higher quality ratchet tie down handles such as Beaver’s are made from heavy duty steel with a double pawl and locking action which prevents them slipping off the load. Some of the Beaver models also include a heavy-duty grip on the handle for added comfort and easier handling.
4. Reinforced Eyes:-
Beaver ratchet tie down straps come with reinforced sewn eyes to improve the durability and wear of a truck ratchet strap. Smaller detail such as this are usually left off cheaper versions.
5. Local Testing Of Products:-
Unlike some ratchet tie downs currently in the Australian market, all Beaver tie downs are tested locally to strict QA guidelines to ensure their integrity and safety. They are also tested and certified to Australian Cargo Restraint System Standard AS/NZS4380.
6. Cost Effectiveness:-
While the initial investment in quality ratchet tie downs, such as Beaver RTD’s might be higher than their cheaper counterparts, the cost-effectiveness of choosing durability becomes evident over time. The extended lifespan of high-quality truck tie downs means fewer replacements, reducing the overall cost of ownership in the long run. Additionally, the risk of damage to goods during transit is significantly diminished, saving money that might otherwise be spent on repairs or replacements for damaged items.
The Beaver Load Restraint Equipment range also includes high quality Clip-On Truck Winches which are easy to fit to truck load rails and have a lashing capacity of 2500kgs.
Transport Load Chain & Load Chain Kits
The importance of load lashing chains cannot be overstated, especially in industries where transportation involves large and heavy loads over long distances. Whether it's heavy machinery, construction materials, or consumer goods, proper load lashing prevents shifting, sliding, or falling of cargo, reducing the risk of accidents, damages, and injuries.
Transport load chains are required to be of high strength and durability to withstand the stresses and forces encountered during transportation. Grade 70 chains are specifically designed and manufactured to meet these requirements, making them a popular choice for load lashing applications.
Additionally, the design and construction of fittings are crucial. Load chain fittings such as hooks, binders, tensioners, and anchor points must be securely attached to the chain and offer reliable connection points for securing cargo. Welded or forged fittings are preferable, as they provide greater strength and integrity compared to those that are merely stamped or pressed.
Beaver Grade 70 Transport Load Chain and fittings are made of high tensile strength alloy steel which has undergone stringent testing and quality control. All Beaver Grade 70 Chain and Fittings are also clearly marked Grade 70 with lashing capacity and size of chain making it easier for selection and the yellow Di-chromate (gold) plating makes it easily recognisable, even from a distance. All Grade 70 transport chain complies to Australian Standards AS/NZS4344.
And for convenience and easy storage, Beaver Chain Kits are supplied in convenient resealable poly buckets.
Grade 70 Loadbinders
Transport loadbinders, also known as chain binders or load tensioners, are devices specifically designed to tighten chains around cargo to prevent shifting or loosening during transportation. Typically constructed from rugged materials such as steel, loadbinders come in various designs, including ratchet and lever types, each offering distinct advantages depending on the application.
Beaver Grade 70 Loadbinders are made from high quality, heat treated forged steel offering superior strength and durability to withstand heavy loads and harsh environmental conditions
Beaver Loadbinders also feature a safety release lever making it safer than other lever style models on the market today. This design allows the user to release the loadbinder tension without any of the recoil typical of a standard lever type loadbinder. The centre of the loadbinder rotates independently of the handle, allowing tension to be released smoothly and safely.
All Beaver Loadbinders come with either double swivel and forged grab or claw hooks, or double winged or claw hooks to achieve full lashing capacity and comply with Australian Standards AS/NZS4344.
Cargo Safety Nets
When it comes to choosing a tough, easy to use cargo net look no further than Beaver Cargo Safety Nets.
The high strength Beaver Cargo Nets consist of UV stabilised, tightly woven mesh to ensure the load stays contained and feature multiple webbing loops and eyelets for greater versatility and integrated D rings to assist holding down the load.
Additional reinforced webbing on the cargo nets also enhances strength and allows for easy connection to load restraint compliant tie downs.
Beaver Cargo Nets are ideal for trailers, utes, boats, 4WD’s and trucks and come with a convenient, heavy duty storage bag.
When it comes to securing a load, there is no room to compromise on safety. Choosing a reputable brand such as Beaver, that prioritises safety in their design and manufacturing processes, provides users with the confidence that their cargo will stay securely in place throughout the journey, regardless of the road conditions.
Selecting The Right Load Restraint Equipment
Selecting the appropriate load restraint equipment involves considering various factors such as load characteristics, vehicle type, and regulatory requirements. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make informed decisions:
1. Understand Load Characteristics:
Determine the weight, dimensions, shape, and fragility of the load. Identify any special handling requirements or hazardous materials.
2. Evaluate Vehicle Type:
Consider the type and size of the vehicle being used for transportation (e.g., truck, flatbed, van). Assess the vehicle's features, such as anchor points, tie-down locations, and available space for securing the load.
3. Review Regulatory Requirements:
Familiarise yourself with state and national regulations governing load securement and ensure compliance with specific requirements regarding load weight, size, and type.
4. Choose Suitable Restraint Equipment:
Select appropriate equipment based on the load characteristics and vehicle type. Common options include:
Straps and Tie-Downs: Ratchet straps, cam buckle straps, and webbing straps are versatile options for securing various types of loads.
Chains and Binders: These are suitable for heavy-duty applications and can provide robust restraint for large or irregularly shaped loads.
Dunnage Bags: Ideal for securing cargo within containers or trailers by filling void spaces and preventing shifting during transit.
Nets and Tarps: Useful for covering and securing loose or bulk cargo, protecting it from the elements and preventing spillage.
Edge Protectors and Corner Guards: Help prevent damage to both the load and the restraint equipment, especially for delicate or irregularly shaped loads.
Ensure Proper Installation and Application: Ensure to follow manufacturer instructions for the installation and use of load restraint equipment and position restraints evenly and securely across the load to distribute forces and prevent shifting during transit. Lastly, use appropriate tensioning methods (e.g., ratcheting, tensioning devices) to secure the load effectively without causing damage.
Regular Inspection and Maintenance: Regularly inspect load restraint equipment for signs of wear, damage, or degradation and replace worn or damaged equipment promptly to maintain load security and compliance with regulations.
By considering these factors and following these steps, you can select the right load restraint equipment to transport your cargo while complying safely and securely with regulatory requirements.