The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has issued a final notice that contains a clarification concerning divisible-load requirements for the movement of mobile cranes within the state. The clarification focuses on axle count, which further benefits the industry. The ODOT document now notes that, for permit purposes, axle count applies to the base vehicle. The Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA) was successful in extensive efforts to help Ohio remedy confusing and inconsistent enforcement of unreasonable
“Boom dolly axles are not included in the axle counts below for the sole purpose of determining what items may be part of the movement,” according to the notice. “The boom dolly axles would be counted when determining weights and must be listed on the special hauling permit.”
This notice must be carried in the vehicle at all times during the permitted movement and presented with the permit to be valid. You may download the final version in the “What’s New” section of SC&RA's website.
In June, an SC&RA working group agreed to prepare suggested guidelines to address ongoing concerns. This group included SC&RA Vice President Doug Ball and members based in Ohio, including Brian Gibson, Capital City Group; Andy Forepaugh, Cleveland Crane & Shovel Sales; John Mummert, All Erection & Crane Rental; and Jim Sever, PSC Crane & Rigging, These were also members of the delegation that previously met with Ohio officials May 19.
This group formulated a proposal that would allow mobile cranes with four or fewer axles to move as a unit. All movement under the permit process would have to meet the bridge formula for axle weights. This would then require removal of certain components in the larger, heavier crane units to insure safe movement and compliance with bridge restrictions. The notice to be issued next week replicates the working group's proposal.
"The willingness of ODOT to meet with and openly discuss this issue is a mark of professionalism and is indicative of the credibility SC&RA holds in industry," said Ball. "This action is a truly positive action that affects all mobile crane movement in and through Ohio."
Said Jeff G. Honefanger, manager of ODOT's Special Hauling Permits section: "Thank you and your members for all that has been contributed to make this a success.” Under the notice, items that may be carriers as part of a self-propelled crane, include:
* Four or fewer axles: boom, jib (or fly), block & ball, counterweights (mounted in operating position or loaded on deck), rigging (items that are reasonable for operation of the machine at a job site such as slings, shackles, cribbing, etc.), spare tire
* Five axles: boom, jib (or fly), block or ball, bolted counterweight, auxiliary hoist with cable, outriggers (if not equipped with removable outrigger box or if boom removal prevents the outriggers from being removed), spare tire
* Six or seven axles: boom, jib (or fly) if no lifting lugs, block or ball, auxiliary hoist with cable, outriggers (if not equipped with removable outrigger box or if boom removal prevents the outriggers from being removed), spare tire
* Eight or more axles: auxiliary hoist with cable, outriggers (if not equipped with removable outrigger boxes), spare tire
The notice will appear on the Ohio Department of Transportation. It may also be download from the "What's New" section of the SC&RA website.
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