Bridge collapse on M20
Discussion
alfie2244 said:
SilverSpur said:
Using a 'measuring stick' isn't accurate enough when trying to see if a load height is either 16'5" or 16'6" is it? Its not a scientific method of measuring something to that level of accuracy.
This is PH, haven't we got any mad scientists, people with the ear of Chris Grayling and the contact details of dragons Den somewhere on here? 
cahami said:
Does anyone on here have first hand experience using these machines? Can it be of any use with the bucket that way round or was it just fitted like that to transport because the bucket was laying that way. Also can the bucket curl under as it were when mounted that way?
Yes, yes and yes.On the former, I'm qualified up to 30 tonnes operating weight.
On the latter, it is of limited use and minimised breakout force (the ram's pulling not pushing) but sometimes useful, for example in confined spaces, or if you want to dig a square lower corner to the far wall of a trench.
Digga said:
cahami said:
Does anyone on here have first hand experience using these machines? Can it be of any use with the bucket that way round or was it just fitted like that to transport because the bucket was laying that way. Also can the bucket curl under as it were when mounted that way?
Yes, yes and yes.On the former, I'm qualified up to 30 tonnes operating weight.
On the latter, it is of limited use and minimised breakout force (the ram's pulling not pushing) but sometimes useful, for example in confined spaces, or if you want to dig a square lower corner to the far wall of a trench.
Slightly off topic but seeing as there's a few truckers here, there's no consolidated database of bridge heights/weight limits is there? Annoys me that in 2016 I have to spend a minimum 20 minutes browsing google streetview before I go somewhere that I dont know with an abnormal load.
As for bridges there's one up the A12 Colchesterish that I always duck with when approaching with a high load, it's lower than all the others and I still don't know exactly what the gap is. It might not even be low, it's just noticeably lower than all the others and makes me hold my breath
As for bridges there's one up the A12 Colchesterish that I always duck with when approaching with a high load, it's lower than all the others and I still don't know exactly what the gap is. It might not even be low, it's just noticeably lower than all the others and makes me hold my breath
SilverSpur said:
Using a 'measuring stick' isn't accurate enough when trying to see if a load height is either 16'5" or 16'6" is it? Its not a scientific method of measuring something to that level of accuracy.
The highest point of a load will not have a clear perpendicular drop from the very highest point to ground - so there could be an error. If the measurement has to be taken at an offset then again it isn't 100% accurate.
Running a tape measure also isn't 100% accurate unless there is a clear and uninterrupted drop between the very most highest point of the load and the ground.
As an example, give a dozen people a tape measure and ask them to measure someone's height and you'll get a consistently wrong measurement. It'll only be wrong by plus or minus a centimetre but it will still be wrong. You wont get the exact same measurement from all.
If you measured 10mm away from the max would you drive it under a bridge on the motorway? I know I wouldn't.The highest point of a load will not have a clear perpendicular drop from the very highest point to ground - so there could be an error. If the measurement has to be taken at an offset then again it isn't 100% accurate.
Running a tape measure also isn't 100% accurate unless there is a clear and uninterrupted drop between the very most highest point of the load and the ground.
As an example, give a dozen people a tape measure and ask them to measure someone's height and you'll get a consistently wrong measurement. It'll only be wrong by plus or minus a centimetre but it will still be wrong. You wont get the exact same measurement from all.
s p a c e m a n said:
Slightly off topic but seeing as there's a few truckers here, there's no consolidated database of bridge heights/weight limits is there? Annoys me that in 2016 I have to spend a minimum 20 minutes browsing google streetview before I go somewhere that I dont know with an abnormal load.
Not sure if serious. There are tons of apps, programs and maps that list all the bridge heights in the UK down to B-road size and many for unclassified roads too. Can't believe you're doing abnormal load work and spend hours looking up every bridge on street view before you set off. Must be on a wind up surely.
s p a c e m a n said:
Slightly off topic but seeing as there's a few truckers here, there's no consolidated database of bridge heights/weight limits is there? Annoys me that in 2016 I have to spend a minimum 20 minutes browsing google streetview before I go somewhere that I dont know with an abnormal load.
Is ESDAL https://www.gov.uk/register-with-esdal no use or are you worrying unnecessarily when ducking 
Also https://www.amazon.co.uk/AA-Truckers-Atlas-Britain...
Or with all A&B road bridge heights.
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/abnormal...
PM me with specifics and I'll have a word with the Abloads team leader when I'm back in next week to see if their contacts in the Abloads industry know of anything.
TBH 20 mins googling a route with streetview is nothing in time and planning terms for an Abloads.
Back on topic, this is how the same firm arranged seems to have been an identical load on 7th May:
https://www.facebook.com/autorenovations/posts/906...
https://www.facebook.com/autorenovations/posts/906...
Still makes no sense why do it like that when you could put the dumper on the front, reverse the duck on after and then easily tuck in the arm and bucket down in front of the machine cab with the arm overhanging the rear slightly. That's how it's always been done. Doing it like in the pic means needlessly complicated strapping to secure the arm, too.SilverSpur said:
Using a 'measuring stick' isn't accurate enough when trying to see if a load height is either 16'5" or 16'6" is it? Its not a scientific method of measuring something to that level of accuracy.
This is how we do it. I believe car transporters also use a measuring stick. Works fine.
Private Pile said:
SilverSpur said:
Using a 'measuring stick' isn't accurate enough when trying to see if a load height is either 16'5" or 16'6" is it? Its not a scientific method of measuring something to that level of accuracy.
This is how we do it. I believe car transporters also use a measuring stick. Works fine.
We'll have to see what this firms excuse is if they were over height, or if the bridge is not up to spec....
SilverSpur said:
I bet you build in a small tolerance for inaccuracy though...?
We'll have to see what this firms excuse is if they were over height, or if the bridge is not up to spec....
I'm not accusing/ defending the plant driver, just saying how my company does it .We'll have to see what this firms excuse is if they were over height, or if the bridge is not up to spec....
And yes your right about tolerances, I round up to the nearest inch.
All that jazz said:
Still makes no sense why do it like that when you could put the dumper on the front, reverse the duck on after and then easily tuck in the arm and bucket down in front of the machine cab with the arm overhanging the rear slightly. That's how it's always been done. Doing it like in the pic means needlessly complicated strapping to secure the arm, too.
paulrockliffe said:
All that jazz said:
Still makes no sense why do it like that when you could put the dumper on the front, reverse the duck on after and then easily tuck in the arm and bucket down in front of the machine cab with the arm overhanging the rear slightly. That's how it's always been done. Doing it like in the pic means needlessly complicated strapping to secure the arm, too.Private Pile said:
227bhp said:
If you measured 10mm away from the max would you drive it under a bridge on the motorway? I know I wouldn't.
Not on the motorway, but I do this almost on a daily basis. Gassing Station | News, Politics & Economics | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff