How To Transport A Mini/Compact Excavator (2022 Updated)

Some people might think that transporting a mini excavator is just a small feat. Since your equipment is small, you can easily transport it from one jobsite to another. Sounds simple, right?

However, there are several steps you need to follow to avoid any complications that might compromise your time, money, and effort.

Here are the best hacks on how to transport mini excavator equipment in long distances without a fuss.

5 Steps to Transport A Mini (Compact) Excavator

Choose the Right Vehicle

The first thing you must consider when transporting a mini excavator is to identify the best trailer that will haul it in the safest and most reliable way. The towing trailer needs to match your equipment in size and weight capacity.

Most mini excavators use a 10,000-pound trailer. Meanwhile, larger excavators may need at least 20,000 to 30,000-pound vehicles or even a larger trailer to hold the machine’s weight.

It’s also essential to note the attachments of your compact excavator when choosing the best towing vehicles to haul your equipment safely. Some hauling trailers may require disassembling your mini excavator’s attachment for easier transportation.

We also recommend checking various state and local municipalities’ vehicle weight rating regulations to avoid delays and further problems.

Load the Mini Excavator Properly

After selecting the best transport trailer, load your compact excavator properly. We always recommend checking the Operation and Maintenance Manual to ensure they follow the basic loading procedures and avoid critical actions.

Correctly loading your machine onto the hauling equipment or trailer means the trailer is parked on firm, level ground. The parking brakes should also be secured, and the wheels must always be blocked.

We highly suggest using metal loading ramps featuring a slip-resistant surface. When loading the machine onto the trailer correctly, you need to travel up the metal ramp with the heaviest end.

Secure the Equipment

After loading the excavating machine onto the vehicle, properly secure the equipment. First, lower the equipment’s boom, blade, bucket, or any attachment to the trailer’s floor and stop its engine by applying the vehicle’s parking brake.

Ensure that all doors and covers are locked before the transport. Cradles, chocks (on front and rear wheels), wedges, or any other blocks must be placed behind and in front of each track to prevent them from shifting or rolling during transportation.

Ensure no mud, dirt, or debris is attached to the machine. Securely attach tie-downs (in front and rear positions), following the recommended tie-down procedures indicated in your equipment’s Operation and Maintenance Manual.

Check the Attachments

The attachments of your compact excavator need to be secure, as well. Some equipment attachments need to be properly connected to your machinery before transport. However, some compact excavators cannot be transported without dismantling their attachments.

If you need to disconnect some equipment attachments like a bucket, you need to secure them using chains. Hydraulic hoses must be routed in a tie-down or connected in a position where it won’t interfere with the machine on the trailer.

Get Professional Help

We also suggest getting professional help in shipping and correctly loading compact excavators. Professional haulers provide a team of experts that ensure your equipment reaches your preferred destination safely and on time. They have various vehicles that cater to any mini excavator models – bonded, licensed, and insured.

What’s the Best Trailer For Transporting Mini Excavators?

The best trailer for transporting mini excavators varies depending on the mini excavator’s size, length, width, and other essential factors. You can use a gooseneck trailer, flatbed trailers [1], and step-deck to properly transport compact excavators.

Although mini excavating machines might fit on flatbed trailers, we recommend using a step-deck trailer because it’s easier to drive excavating machines onto it. Mini excavator’s rough-terrain forklifts, self-propelled trenchers, and telehandlers are made to travel on step-deck trailers.

Key Takeaways

To properly transport a mini excavator, you need to follow several steps. First, choose the right transportation vehicle. Then, secure the hauling machine and your compact excavator before transport. Properly loading and securing equipment onto the trailer is important to avoid delays and damage.

The towing truck’s parking brake should be applied before loading and unloading the heavy equipment to ensure a safer transport process from one jobsite to another. Inspect the machine’s lights, rear tires, or any loose items as safety precautions.

If you can, we also suggest getting professional help when transporting a compact excavator because it’s safer and more cost-efficient.

References:

1. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/cargo-securement/cargo-securement-rules