Installing a Load Lock earth anchor
Proper installation is what gives an earth anchor its full holding power. The steps below apply to the Load Lock Complete (#68 and #88) and the embankment control anchor.
- Insert the drive rod. Slide the drive rod into the barrel of the anchor.
- Drive to depth. Using a hammer or hand tool, drive the anchor into the ground at the angle and depth required for the job. See the soil classification table on the anchoring principle page for guidance on depth. Avoid excessive pounding once you meet strong resistance; repeated heavy impact can fatigue the metal.
- Remove the drive rod. Once the anchor reaches the correct depth, pull the drive rod out.
- Backfill and pack. Fill the installation hole with soil and pack it firmly using the drive rod so the ground is compacted around the anchor.
- Set the anchor. Pull the cable tight with a lever, jack or winch. As tension is applied the anchor rotates underground and planes into a load-lock position, bearing against undisturbed soil. The anchor is now set.
- Attach the frame tie. Connect the ratchet head to the structure with a B&R frame tie, either bolted to the frame or wrapped around it, and tension the strap.
Setting methods
Fulcrum: lever the cable over a block or bar to pull the anchor into position. Winch: attach a hand winch to the cable and draw it tight. Jack: use a mechanical or hydraulic jack under a bar clamped to the cable. Bootstrapping: for extra holding power, use a second anchor as the reaction point to set the first.
Protection against windstorms
Portable buildings and mobile structures are vulnerable in severe weather. A correctly installed anchor and frame tie-down system keeps the structure from lifting or shifting sideways on its supports in high wind.
Winter and frost
Frost can raise and lower the ground around an anchor. Check ratchets seasonally, loosen and re-tension as needed, and keep a minimum of three full strap turns on the ratchet drum.
Questions about a specific site? Call us at 905-847-5294.