Unless otherwise instructed in the following paragraphs, the same instructions as for self-propelled vehicles shall apply for these units/cargos.
- Direct lashing from deck to steel tracks are acceptable if the OEM has approved such arrangement.
- Units of an unusual nature and/or that are complicated to move/operate, must be equipped with written starting, driving, and operating instructions.
- Rubber mats shall be placed under the excavator’s arms, buckets, blades, and other moving parts before these are laid to rest on the ground/deck. Arms/jibs, etc. must never be left in hoisted positions while in stowage, unless a manual locking device is available and instructed by the OPERATORS representative.
- Units, such as wheel loaders, with sections moving individually (articulated) will need to have the locking pin inserted when placed in the final stow position. The same must be removed prior to discharging.
- Units equipped with adjustable suspensions such as air suspensions need to have these lowered before securing.
- Units with ignition keys: The ignition key must be removed from the ignition lock and placed in a location easily accessible.
- Units equipped with a Main Electric Switch, must have the switch in the “off” position when the unit is in stow on board the vessel.
- Tracked units should not come in contact with each other in the stow.
- Safe working distances should be maintained between all H&H units to ensure proper lashing and operation.
- Wheels should be chocked when units are stowed in ramps or otherwise deemed necessary.
- Parking brake must be applied.
- Loaded semi-trailers should not be supported by their landing legs during ocean transportation unless these are designed for this purpose. They should instead be supported by a trailer horse.
- When units with low ground clearance are entering/exiting ramps, rubber mats (or steel plates) should be placed in the ramp entrance to decrease the ramp angle and prevent damages to the undercarriage.
- When maneuvering excavators and similar units, it must be ascertained that the arm/jib do not touch the deck above.
- Units are to be kept in lowest gear when transiting vessel ramps.
- Stevedores are to provide a signalman to assist/guide the driver during final approach to stow position and when “breaking out” of stowage for discharge.