Flooring

TM 38-260

g. Headers. Both headers shall be of the same length, of one piece (no lamination), and of

the same cross sectional dimensions as the runners. They shall be secured to the runners at right

angles by two carriage bolts at each point of intersection with the runner.

(1) For safety in handling and storage, headers shall not project beyond the outside edge

of the outermost runners.

(2) Requirements for bolt spacing, bolt size, and header spacing are indicated in MIL-

HDBK-701. Countersinking of bolt heads on the floor-bearing side of the runners shall be to

such a depth that bolt heads will not contact the floor.

h. Flooring. Skid platforms shall be floored with boards of identical thickness, and not less

than 6 inches in width. See figure 8-8 regarding diagonal flooring to prevent distortion.

(1) Variations in thickness of flooring lumber shall be avoided because they can result in

rupture of base castings due to stress points and unequal distribution of weight. The surface

between headers on skids, except for leg end frame type machines requiring diagonal bracing,

shall be not less than 60 percent floored, parallel to the header.

NOTE

SPACE BETWEEN FLOOR BOARDS SHOULD NOT EXCEED THE

WIDTH OF FLOORING BEING USED. A MINIMUM OF 2 INCHES

(51MM) MUST BE PROVIDED BETWEEN THE HEADER AND THE

FIRST FLOOR MEMBER TO FACILITATE HANDLING BY SLING,

CABLE, OR CHAIN.

(2) Flooring shall be positioned so that each machine hold down bolt or device will be

centered on a floor member.

(3) Flooring lumber- for machines weighing up to 1,000 pounds (454kg) shall not be less

than 1 inch (25mm) nominal thickness and, for items weighing over 1,000 pounds (454kg) the

minimum nominal thickness shall be 2 or 3 inches (51 to 76mm) as required for adequate

support.

8-25