Excavators, dozers and other tracked machines reach mines, plantations and infrastructure projects by LCT, barge, Ro-Ro or MPP. On LCTs and Ro-Ros they drive up the ramp under their own power; on barges and MPPs they are often lifted by crane using the manufacturer’s lifting points.
Steel tracks touch the deck only at the grousers and track frame, so loads are concentrated and friction is low, especially on a wet deck. Timber dunnage under the tracks spreads the load, protects the deck and raises friction. A rotating upper structure must be locked so it cannot swing as the ship rolls.
Securing follows CSS Code principles: longitudinal, transverse and vertical forces from ship motion are resisted by a combination of friction, lashings and stoppers. For high-value machines or open-sea routes, the sea-fastening design is usually reviewed by a marine warranty surveyor.
Cargo characteristics
| Parameter | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Operating weight | Mini ~1.5–6 t; mid-size ~20–36 t; large ~45–90 t; bigger mining machines are usually shipped dismantled |
| Running gear | Steel crawler tracks; some wheeled excavators |
| Track pressure | Average ~3–7 t/m² on soil; on steel plate the contact concentrates at the grousers |
| Transport position | Boom and arm folded, bucket on dunnage; transport height for 20–30 t class about ~3–3.5 m |
| Lashing and lifting points | Marked by the manufacturer on undercarriage and upper structure; see the operator’s manual |
| Fluids and batteries | Fuel, hydraulic oil and batteries; check for leaks before loading |
Stowage & securing principles
Drive on or lift on
On LCTs and Ro-Ros the machine drives along the centreline with an experienced operator. When lifted, only manufacturer lifting points and a suitable spreader are used.
Dunnage under tracks
Hardwood beams under the tracks spread the load into deck structure and raise friction. Dunnage is placed over strong frames or bulkheads.
Swing lock and bucket down
The upper structure is locked, the boom lowered, the bucket rested on dunnage, the parking brake set and the engine stopped before lashing.
Paired lashings
Chains with tensioners are fitted in pairs fore and aft, crossing to deck points at effective angles. No lashing on hydraulic cylinders, hoses or handrails.
Stoppers on barges
On barges, welded stoppers fore and aft of the tracks resist longitudinal and transverse forces. Welding is done on the deck or grillage, not on the machine.
Position on board
The heaviest machines go near amidships and the centreline. On an LCT the order follows discharge locations: the first off sits closest to the ramp.
Pre-loading checks
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Operating weight and transport dimensions from machine documents
Why it matters: Sets deck and ramp loads and height against space limits or line of sight.
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Deck strength and ramp SWL
Why it matters: Concentrated track loads can exceed deck zone or ramp limits.
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Lashing and lifting points in good condition
Why it matters: Cracked or corroded points can fail under rolling forces.
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Swing lock, parking brake and bucket position
Why it matters: A swinging upper structure shifts the CoG and can break lashings.
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Dunnage, chains, tensioners and stoppers on hand
Why it matters: Short material means securing will not match the plan.
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Oil and fuel leaks
Why it matters: Fluids on deck make it slippery and add fire risk.
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Loading order matches discharge locations
Why it matters: Machines leaving first must get off without moving others.
Common risks
- Machines sliding because steel tracks sit directly on a wet deck without dunnage.
- Upper structure slewing because the swing lock was not engaged.
- Lashings fitted to hydraulic cylinders or handrails and then failing.
- Sudden heel when a machine climbs the ramp off the centreline.
- Dented deck plating from track loads on weak zones.
- Stoppers welded to the machine body, damaging its structure.
Frequently asked questions
Does an excavator need lashing for a short crossing?
Yes. Ship motion in inter-island waters can change quickly, and friction of steel tracks on a wet deck is very low. Lashings and dunnage must be in place before leaving the berth or beach.
How many lashings for a 20 t excavator?
The number is calculated from expected route forces, lashing capacity (MSL), lashing angles and friction using the CSS Code method or the ship’s Cargo Securing Manual. A common minimum pattern is two pairs fore and aft, but the final figure must be calculated.
Does STOWAGE.ID replace surveyor approval or the ship’s calculation?
No. Deck load, CoG and stability checks in STOWAGE.ID are shore-side planning. The stability booklet, any class-approved loading computer and the marine warranty surveyor’s approval remain the official reference.
General guidance for education. Follow the vessel’s Cargo Securing Manual, the shipper’s instructions and the surveyor’s directions.
Shore-side planning & decision support. The class-approved onboard loading computer remains the official reference.