How To Transport A Backhoe: Steps, Cost & Tips (2022)

A backhoe may be equipped with a steer and a set of sturdy wheels, but it isn’t designed to move across long distances. Thus, transporting it to various construction site locations could be challenging.

However, it’s not impossible to haul it from one job site to another. If you want to learn how to transport a backhoe hassle-free, read on.

5 Steps To Load & Transfer A Backhoe

Use An Open-Air Trailer

The best way to transport a backhoe is through an open-air trailer, which is typically 75 to 80 feet in length and hauls a two-level trailer without a roof and sides. Hence, any vehicle transported through this trailer type is exposed to various elements at all times.

Although open-air trailers don’t have sides, you must ensure that the length of your backhoes fits into the length of the flatbed trailer. The open-air transportation method is also cheaper than enclosed cargo trailers.

Determine the Backhoe’s Dimensions

Another way to ensure your heavy equipment is safe during the transportation is by determining its dimensions before loading it onto the trailer.

The backhoe’s length, width, and weight are vital factors to be considered when choosing the best vehicle to transport it.

There are also regulations for transportation under the DOT revolving around these essential factors that you should follow. Thus, we suggest verifying such regulations before transporting them to avoid unnecessary delays, fines, or accidents.

Load the Backhoe

We strongly recommend performing a risk assessment and thoroughly inspecting the trailer before loading the backhoe.

Ensure the parking brake is applied and all trailer parts are functional. Always load the machine at a safe distance to avoid hitting nearby objects.

Attach the backhoe to the flatbed trailer[1] firmly using ratchet straps, ensuring it does not move easily. You can dismantle its bucket by removing the bucket pin as you lower it onto the trailer.

Make Sure It’s Safe & Secure

Ensure the trailer transport and the machinery are secured at all costs before driving. To secure the trailer, you must inspect all critical parts to make the transportation process smooth. Check all signal lights, front and rear wheels, and chains.

The machine should also be attached firmly to the backhoe hauling truck. Check all attachments like a large bucket and decide whether you can safely transport them without dismantling them.

Ensure the transport vehicle has adequate power and capabilities to haul the backhoe to your preferred destination. Before loading, you must also ensure that the truck is parked on firm ground for even positioning.

Hire Professionals

If it’s too challenging for you to haul your equipment, you can hire a team of professional haulers with extensive experience. Most companies offer competitive quotations for transporting a backhoe using the most efficient route.

The best backhoe transport company will get the job done in a safe and timely manner because it has an extensive inventory of transport vehicles that could cater to any model.

Why It’s Important To Hire Professionals

Right Tools

The best transportation company has the right tools to transport a backhoe. They have a wide selection of trucks perfect for open-air method shipping. If you intend to move your equipment locally, they have flatbed trailers to offer.

However, if you wish to deliver your construction equipment outside the country, you could easily opt for a closed-containment shipment method.

Experienced Staff

A transport company also provides an experienced driver who moves your equipment with utmost care.

Working with a professional moving team with proper experience in transporting heavy equipment/machinery is safer, stress-free, and more reliable.

Strategically Efficient

Strategically, transporting a backhoe loader [2] through a licensed heavy-load hauling company is more efficient. Imagine the time, effort, and money you might have to waste if you decide to load your equipment all by yourself.

Loading it without the help of a professional team or experienced driver may also endanger your safety.

Insurance

Another perk of working with towing companies is having access to their insurance without going through the trouble of processing permits.

You won’t have to worry about unforeseen accidents that may damage your machinery while being transported. If anything happens to your machinery, the transport company will cover it – at all costs.

Securing the safety and condition of your equipment during the transportation is their main job.

Are There Disadvantages To The Open-Air Shipping Method?

Yes, there are disadvantages to the open-air shipping method. Although it is a cheaper travel/shipping method, open trailers are prone to get covered in road debris and being exposed to various outside elements.

Backhoes should be attached to the trucks using tie-downs, chains, and straps, so in case any of them come loose, the banging of metal chains could potentially damage your backhoes during transport.

How Much Does It Cost To Transport A Backhoe?

The average cost to transport a backhoe ranges from $3 to $5 per mile, on top of at least a $150 to $170 pick-up charge. However, most companies consider various factors affecting the cost of transporting a backhoe.

Some of the factors are:

• backhoe’s dimensions
• trailer type
• distance points/drop-off location
• loading assistance and disassembly
• point of origin

Summary

Transporting a backhoe loader is easier and cheaper through an open-air shipping method. You can use an RGN trailer, or any open-air trailer, to safely move it from one site to another.

Determining the backhoe’s dimensions, safely loading it to the trailer, and securing the vehicles are critical factors in the hauling process.

You can also get professional help if you want hassle-free transportation. It’s efficient, safe, and strategically beneficial because you could save more time and money.

Your heavy equipment can travel amidst natural elements and bad weather conditions without you worrying because the legal shipping company provides insurance.