SpanSet Reduces Friction Loss in Car Transport

More flexibility in securing cars and trucks on transporters. This is what SpanSet promises with a revised and expanded program of lashing straps, ratchets, strap controllers, and hooks. The specialist in load securing combines the components in a “modular system” from which the user can assemble the lashing system suitable for their requirements.

(Übach-Palenberg) SpanSet distinguishes between two systems for securing cars and trucks: Carfix and Truckfix. Both use a tunnel-shaped stitched strap controller. This tunnel construction reduces friction and allows the lashing strap to glide through the controller’s sleeve with less resistance when tightening. The Carfix controller and its counterpart for trucks are suitable for almost all common car and truck tire sizes and are manufactured according to customer-specific length specifications.

Carfix uses 35 millimeter wide lashing straps with a lashing capacity of 1,500 daN (decanewton). Truckfix uses 50 millimeter wide straps and achieves a lashing capacity of 2,500 daN. In both strap versions, the elongation capacity according to VDI guideline 2700 sheets 8.1 and 8.2 is below four percent.

Interaction of Lashing Strap and Controller

An important indicator of the relatively “frictionless” interaction between the lashing strap and controller is the high efficiency (ETA). In this specific case, it expresses the ratio of “pre-tensioning force before the controller” to “pre-tensioning force behind the controller.” It is about how much of the force generated by the tensioning element reaches the opposite side of the wheel. For CarFix CT35 and TruckFix CT50Plus, the value is over 0.5. This has been tested and certified by TÜV Süd. “This excellent result is achieved by TruckFix only because we have equipped its strap controller internally with a special sliding layer,” says Ingo Burbach, under whose leadership the relaunch took place. Carfix CT35Plus even achieves 0.7 with the sliding layer.

Check Pre-Tensioning via Visual Inspection

The system has improved in terms of pre-tensioning force. Carfix reaches 330 daN and Truckfix 500 daN. For Carfix, a Tension Force Indicator (TFI) has been developed, which is delivered upon request. It indicates when the required value is reached on the side opposite the tensioning element: then its cavities close visibly. The pre-tensioning force display gives the driver a sense of security at the beginning of their tour and allows for a quick check during pit stops to see if everything is still in the green zone.

Unique Hooks for Less Damage to the Floor Plate

For the three lashing strap fixing points in the floor plate of the transporter, SpanSet has expanded its hook range. “Conventional swivel hooks place a very high localized load on the perforated plate and often damage it,” explains Burbach the reason for the innovations. “Therefore, new hooks have been developed that distribute the forces over a larger area.” The result is a less stressed and thus longer-lasting perforated plate.

The “Base Clamp” uses a fixing plate that sits under the floor plate. The “Snake-Hook” has a twisted shape. This allows it to distribute the force better over the area of the perforated plate. The same applies to the “Fortyfive-Hook,” which hooks into the perforated plate at a 45-degree angle (see illustrations). All three SpanSet hooks are suitable for floor plates with elongated holes.

Freely Combinable

Hooks and other components of CarFix and TruckFix are combinable with each other, in line with the modular system principle. They meet the latest requirements of the relevant regulations. As tensioning elements, SpanSet offers ergonomic pressure ratchets with long levers and wide grips. They can be combined with all mentioned hook types. “Our goal is to provide the user with a wide range of options from which they can assemble the lashing system best suited to their needs,” says Burbach. Upon request, SpanSet also delivers straps and controllers in individual colors and prints according to customer specifications.

Photo: © Spanset