How to Transport Heavy Equipment: Trailers, Weights, Permits and Securing Loads

Transport accidents with heavy equipment cause injuries, damaged machines and fines. Good planning starts with three numbers: weight, height and width.

1. Know the real weight and dimensions

Use the machine's shipping weight and transport dimensions from the manufacturer (not just operating weight), plus attachments, buckets and any extra counterweight. Measure the loaded height on the trailer: low bridges are a classic cause of accidents.

2. Choose the right trailer

• Plant / tag trailers for mini excavators and skid steers.
• Beavertail and tilt-deck trailers for small to medium machines.
• Lowboy (low-loader) trailers with detachable goosenecks for large excavators and dozers.
• Multi-axle modular trailers for very heavy loads.

Check the trailer's rated capacity, axle loads and the tow vehicle's capacity.

3. Check legal limits and permits

Limits on gross weight, axle loads, width, height and length vary by country and state. Loads above limits require oversize/overweight permits, sometimes escort vehicles and specific travel times. Many 20-tonne excavators can travel without permits; 30-tonne-plus machines often cannot.

4. Loading

• Load on firm, level ground.
• Use a spotter.
• Track excavators up ramps with the boom low and the bucket forward to keep balance.
• Position the load so axle weights are within limits.

5. Securing the load

• Use rated chains and binders at the manufacturer's tie-down points; never on hydraulic lines.
• Use at least four-point tie-down for the machine plus separate securing of attachments.
• Lower and secure the boom and attachments; engage locks.
• Check tension after the first few kilometres.

6. Before driving

Lights, flags and oversize signs; route checked for bridges, height restrictions and weight limits; documents in the cab.