Trans 307.035 HistoryHistory: Cr. Register, October, 1991, No. 430, eff. 11-1-91. Trans 307.04(1)(1) Vehicles transporting logs generally. Except as provided in sub. (3), each stack of logs shall be secured to a vehicle by tiedowns in the manner required by this chapter. Trans 307.04(2)(a)(a) Vehicles carrying logs crosswise, or at right angles to the side of the vehicle, shall be equipped with both a front end structure and a rear end structure of sufficient strength to support the load. Trans 307.04(2)(b)(b) Front and rear end structures shall be securely bolted or welded to the frame of the vehicle, except that front or rear end structures consisting of metal posts may be secured in pockets in the same manner as required for stakes by s. Trans 307.09 (2) (b). Trans 307.04(2)(c)(c) Posts which are part of a front or rear end structure shall be made of metal. Trans 307.04(2)(d)(d) Logs shall be stacked so as to be firmly wedged against the front and rear end structures, and any required center device, so that the logs cannot roll or shift forwards or backwards. Trans 307.04(2)(e)(e) Logs carried crosswise shall also be secured to the vehicle frame by longitudinal tiedowns. Trans 307.04(3)(3) Vehicles equipped with stakes. Vehicles equipped with stakes are required to use tiedowns to secure loads of logs to the vehicle, unless all of the following apply: Trans 307.04 NoteNote: See s. 348.10(3), Stats., for the statutory exemption. Nevertheless, the department recommends for additional safety that tiedowns, as approved in this chapter, also be used to secure logs even on vehicles equipped with stakes. However, Michigan law requires the use of tiedowns even if a vehicle is also equipped with stakes. See Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. s. 257.720 (5) (c) (iii). Trans 307.04 HistoryHistory: Cr. Register, October, 1991, No. 430, eff. 11-1-91. Trans 307.05(1)(1) All chain used as a tiedown device shall be free of cracks, breaks and separations. Trans 307.05(2)(2) Chain shall be constructed of welded steel links, at least 5/16 inch diameter and rated grade 7 or higher, with a minimum working load limit of 4,700 pounds. Grade 4 chain may be used if the diameter of each link of the chain is at least 3/8 inch diameter, with a minimum working load limit of 5,400 pounds. The department may, in its discretion, approve other grades of chain. Trans 307.05 NoteNote: Grade 7 chain is commonly known as “transport grade.” Grade 4 chain is commonly known as “high test grade.”
Trans 307.05(3)(3) Chain shall be marked with a grade code embossed at least once every 20 links. Grade codes are shown in Table 1.
TABLE 1: CHAIN GRADE MARKINGS USED BY
U.S. CHAIN MANUFACTURERS
Trans 307.05 NoteNote: Chain manufactured by Acco, Boltmaster-Taylor, Hodell, and Teledyne McKay is marked with a grade stamp on each link. The other chain manufacturers above mark their chain with a grade stamp, as indicated, every 10 to 20 links or 2 to 3 linear feet. This table is compiled from information published by the National Association of Chain Manufacturers. The department will update and revise this table periodically. New or additional marking information may be submitted by chain manufacturers to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of State Patrol, Motor Carrier and Inspection Services Section, P.O. Box 7912, Madison, Wisconsin 53707.
Trans 307.05(4)(4) No person may use grade 3, proof coil, or ungraded chain as a tiedown for logs. Trans 307.05(5)(5) No person may use chain if any link is elongated due to stress. Trans 307.05(6)(6) No person may use chain that has been repaired, unless the working load limit of the repaired chain is at least as great as the working load limit of the original chain. Trans 307.05 HistoryHistory: Cr. Register, October, 1991, No. 430, eff. 11-1-91.