Restrain your load
Page 15
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A NEW SYSTEM of load restraints from Speed Developments of Garforth near Leeds, West Yorkshire provides adjustable bases for the straps. This allows the terylene webbing to run up the sides of the load without leaving the excessive gaps that can lead to load-shifting.
Pairs of troughs set into the body floor opposite each other, can be positioned according to the width of the load. Each trough allows 609mm (24in) of adjustment.
At one side, the 7.9m (26ft) terylene strap is attached to the secured pin and is passed over the top of the load. At the opposite side, the shorter 2.1m (7ft) strap is fed from the winch device, which is located beneath the outer edge of the box channelled trough.
The two ends are joined with a special, adjustable buckle which takes up the excess slack. Tension is then applied by a handle which is inserted into the winch from underneath the body. Each set is designed to take a five ton loading. When not in use, the straps can be folded away into the troughs.
The main advantages are that the loads can be tensioned without requiring access into the body, and that apart from the winch handle all components are secured to the vehicle. Cost of each set of troughs, tensioners and straps is £65 excluding vat, the discounts are possibly available on bulk orders.
Speed Developments claims the equipment will last up to five years.