the future of load restraint

Conventional Ratchet Straps –
Associated Challenges

Conventional lever 50kg needed to exact 350kg in line (Rated STF – standard tensioning force)

This 50kg figure is twice the accepted figure in the manual handling guidelines

The driver has no way of measuring the applied load

For same applied force a handle line tension reduces with age

Tension release is difficult to action & this only gets worse with age

The strap can lock up if the strap fouls in the mechanism

Ironic that lifting gear is subject to mandatory testing and inspection whereas no guidelines for strapping down truck loads

Cost of replacing lost and worn parts equate to £300 / truck/trailer per year

Benefits
of Auto Tensioner System

For every lashing point on the typical truck/trailer our auto tensioner provides a one-minute saving

Guaranteed and consistent lashing force applied

Effortless application and release

Complies with DVSA guidelines

Defends operator’s licence (PG9’s)

Reduces goods in transit damage / claims

Employers and Public liability insurance – potential for reduction

Reduced operator fatigue / RSI

CHALLENGES

There are many publications highlighting the problems associated with load restraint, some of which can be accessed through this website (please see the legislation guidance).

One of the main underlying causes is the time and effort required by the driver to secure the load. The pressure to get mobile may influence the driver to make poor decisions about load control.

Our auto-tensioners are rapid (2/3 seconds) and require minimum effort to operate the valve lever. This makes the securing operation much less daunting for the driver and he’ll be on the road again much sooner knowing that his load is safe.

Solutions

In making the securing operation more efficient, the likelihood of prosecution is greatly reduced as is the chance of load slip and potential injury to the driver and other road users. The special rope used in our tensioners has a breaking strength of 9 tonnes and the units are rated at LC2000daN. They have been designed to meet the requirements of BS EN 12195-2 and the lashing points requirements of BS EN 12640.

After tensioning, each unit is locked out during transit and remains that way until the driver wishes to release them. As such they are tamper proof and cannot be released until the driver is ready.

They’ve been designed to last the lifetime of a typical trailer with no maintenance.

FAQ Questions...

Got a question ? Maybe these will help, if not drop us a line on our contact page.

A. The minimum number of units must be in accordance with BS EN 12640.

A. The maximum tension is pre-set in our works at the 350dN legal requirement. However the tension can be controlled with the valve lever.

A. A tensioner unit weighs 13kg. Please download the data sheets here for full information.

A. Our standard warranty is for 24 months.

A. Yes, we can supply the rope with any termination, provided it complies with the regulations.

A. They only need to be fitted along one side which should be the curb side of the vehicle.

A. Attach a bungee cord to t he ring in the rope end. This will keep it out of sight under the deck

A. The working end can be hooked to its neighbour or a deck fitting and pulled tight with the tensioners

A. This would be the standard setup.

A. A separate 24v battery pack is available to provide power for the HPU if required.

A. The use of a different coloured core of the strap will indicate strap wear.

call 01535 288612 for a free demonstration with our fully equipped vehicle

Contact Us