5 Things to Consider When Selecting Wheel Chocks

Various combinations of conditions determine how effectively your wheel chocks will perform. Just because you tested your mining vehicle on a certain surface, at a certain grade, under certain weather conditions does not mean your wheel chocks will properly secure that vehicle at a steeper grade, or even in a colder (or warmer) climate. Complete and thorough testing must be done at each location of your job site to ensure that your specific wheel chocks will meet your site's chocking requirements.

Many factors must be evaluated before purchasing this safety product. Here are a few key variables to consider when determining the wheel chock performance required for your needs:

1. Gross Vehicle Weight & Tire Diameter (See Checkers Wheel Chock Selection Guide)
2. Level or grade of the ground surface
3. Radial tires vs. Bias Ply Tires (Radial tires by design deflect more than a bias-ply tire. This flexibility provides a smooth ride but also allows the tire to wrap around the wheel chock, thus reducing the chock’s effectiveness)
4. Varying tire pressures that naturally occur with changes in the environment
5. Condition of ground surface (i.e. firm, soft, wet, dry, icy, and frozen)
6. Safety Bonus: Ongoing Equipment Maintenance:

Fortunately, our wheel chocks require little to no maintenance. However, it is important to visually inspect your chocks for cracking, chipping or other deteriorations on a regular basis. Any sign of deterioration requires immediate replacement.