Loading Block Assembly---adjustable?

[hozeng]

Is the "Loading Block Assembly" can be adjusted during the competition, for example, de-attaching and re-attaching the eyebolt from the loading block or screwing down/up the eyebolt?

[dholdgreve]

Per the rules, you can adjust it, which would include taking it apart and reassembling it, up until you start loading sand. Technically, once you start loading sand, no further adjustments are allowed... not even straightening ther chain in the case of a kink... This time really should be counted as part of your 6 minutes though, so consider this when designing.
... So, for those really good teams, they create a mental checklist. You can see them running through it in their minds... Bucket at correct level, check... No kinks in chain, check... eyebolt through loading block is properly situated, check...Loading block centered as designed, check... Boomilever centered vertically, check, mounting block properly engaged, check.. Goggles or safety glasses on (they check each other), check... OK, lets start loading...

One thing I noticed a recent competition, is that kids would spend up to a minute fiddling with the tag end of the chain. This is is waste of time. Put the chain in the bucket, and lets go. Wrapping the chain around the bail of the bucket or trying to double hook it is not necessary. As an E/C we must bring a chain long enough to account for all possible scenarios that conform to the rules. A long time ago, I ran this competition, and made the chain just long enough to account for both compression type booms and tension type. I assumed this covered all my bases without any additional chain (weight). 3/4 of the way through the competition, a team brought in a boom that angled upward at a 45 degree angle. Our chain was too short to reach from the load point to the bucket bail, and still have it low enough for the loader. Luckily we were able to find an extra 12" chain and an S hook, to diffuse the situation. Many times things that you feel may not be the way you would do it are done that way because of a previous incident such as this.