Loading and Securing the Model 130G Grader on Open-Top Flatcars

TM 55-3805-261-14

7-4. Loading and Securing the Model 130G Grader

(7)

Lower the blade onto the sleeper

on Open-Top Flatcars

shoring to protect the top of the flatcar. Make sure the

Preparation for Loading.

The following

blade is turned well within the width of the flatcar.

steps should be taken to prepare the grader for

(8)

Have the rail inspector check the

movement by rail:

positioning of the grader. The center of balance and

(1)

Fuel tanks should be no more than

position of other loaded equipment must be considered.

three-fourths full.

Securing. The procedures for securing the

(2)

Equipment should be checked to

grader on the flatcar (fig 7-1) are in accordance with the

ensure that there are no leaks.

American Association of Railroads. The sequence of

securing the grader is as follows: (1) Place wire rope or

(3)

Tires should have 35 psi of air.

chains or tiedowns but leave them loose.

(4)

All loose equipment should be

(2)

Make sure the blade is positioned

secured.

firmly on the bearing pieces.

(5)

The blade should be raised to its

(3)

Place chocks in front of front and

maximum height.

middle tires, and nail the chocks in place.

(6)

Scarifier blades should be reversed,

(4)

Tighten front wire rope or chains.

and the scarifier should be raised to its maximum

height.

(5)

Place chocks in back of front and rear

tires, and nail the chocks in place.

Loading. The model 130G grader is driven

onto the open-top flatcar from a ramp. If the grader is

(6)

Tighten rear wire rope or chains.

towed onto the flatcar, provisions must be made for the

(7)

Double check to make sure bearing

towing vehicle to depart the flatcar or to be loaded.

pieces are secure under the blade. Nail shoring in

Loading sequence is in the following order:

place.

(1)

Use a qualified, experienced driver to

(8)

Check to make sure wire rope or

check the brakes. Secure the scarifier in the up

chain tiedowns are tight.

position.

(9)

Make sure all windows are secured,

(2)

Ensure that the articulating pivot pin

and wire the door handle shut from the outside.

and the front wheel lean locking bolt are engaged.

(10) Have the rail inspector check before

(3)

Use an experienced guide. The guide

considering the job complete.

should be on the next car over from the car to be

The model 130G grader can be transported

loaded; never on the same car. Also, the guide should

also on flatcars equipped with center tiedown rails.

never back up.

Figure 7-2 shows the grader on a chain tiedown flatcar.

(4)

Use ground guides on each side of

Table 7-3 is the bill of materials and general instructions

the grader, in clear view of the primary guide on the car.

for the tiedown of the grader on a chain tiedown flatcar.

(5)

Use only the guide on the car to

signal the driver.

(6)

After the grader is stopped in the

loading position on the flatcar, place the transmission

shift lever in the neutral position and set and wire the

handbrake.

Table 7-3. Bill of Materials and General instructions for Tiedown of the Model 130G Grader on a Chain tiedown Flatcar

Approximate

Item

Description

Quantity

Brake-wheel clearance. Minimum clearance required is 6 inches above, in back of, and on both sides of and 4

inches underneath wheel.

1/2-inch diameter steel chain, extra strength, proof-tested to minimum of 27,500 lbs.

4 (each unit)

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

(1)

Shippers should specify cars equipped with tiedown devices in the quantity shown in Item "B" when ordering

specialized railway equipment. When carriers furnishes cars that do not have built-in chains and tensioning devices,

chains and turnbuckles of appropriate size and strength will be used in lieu thereof for securement of vehicles. Load

binders are not to be used in lieu of turnbuckles to tension tiedown chains.

(2)

Vehicles must face in the same direction and he uniformly spaced along the length of the car to allow sufficient

space of each end of the car and between the vehicles for securement. Apply tiedowns parallel to each other at the

same end of the vehicle and from the vehicle and from the vehicle tiedown point to the car tiedown facility The angle of

the tiedown must be as close to 45as possible. When length of vehicles loaded on a 75-foot car preclude facing in the

same direction, one vehicle may he reversed to ensure application of tiedown at a floor angle of 45

(3)

Handbrakes must be set.

(4)

Gearshift levers on vehicles equipped with automatic or standard transmissions must have the gearshift lever wire-

tied in the neutral position.

(5)

Open hooks must be secured with wire over the opening to prevent the hook from becoming disengaged from the

chain link to which it is secured.

(6)

Turnbuckles used to tighten chains must be wired or locked to prevent them from turning during transit unless the

turnbuckles are equipped with self-locking devices.

7-3