Employed in brown coal mining operations that take place on the surface, bucket-wheel excavators (BWE) are some of the largest construction equipment ever made. Their ability to dig without stopping and scoop material as the wheel turns makes them highly efficient - meaning you can't afford for yours to be out of service.
Are You In Need of Transport?
You may be planning to have your bucket-wheel excavator overhauled in the off-season. Or, your BWE may have broken down or be showing signs of an imminent mechanical failure.
Though repairs for large bucket-wheel excavators are typically performed where they stand, not all jobs can be done on-site. Perhaps your mining operation is moving to a new claim or site instead, or you've purchased a new bucket excavator that's located out of state.
We Have the Experience You Need
Whatever your reason for needing transport, with such heavy equipment in play - you need a team of professionals at your side. A1 Auto Transport has over 20 years in the business, and we know what loading heavy equipment entails without issue. Larger bucket-wheel excavators must be taken apart, so the smaller pieces can be transported. This intricate operation requires the right tools for the job, and A1 has all the latest equipment.
We Deliver Customized Solutions
Whether you need to haul your entire BWE or just one component (like the bucket line) - A1 stands ready to help. You can choose nearly any destination that you desire, as we service the entire country and most international ports. Full insurance coverage is also included, and we'll create personalized rates just for you.
Call to speak with our knowledgeable staff today - to learn more about our service and receive your free quote instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost to ship an excavator?
Fuel prices change from time to time and considerably affect the per-mile transport prices, especially if the route requires passing through a busy area, which naturally means the truck uses more fuel.
Fuel is a big factor that increases the cost because it's constantly fluctuating, meaning a price changes multiple times during the same year. You can't predict it without a quote from your hired company.
Of course, factors like if you use expedited shipping also affect the price, but that's an extra cost that's only added if you need your excavator in an emergency. If you can afford to wait, you can get a better time, and the company might give you a timeframe with less cost.
What is the best option to ship an excavator?
Since an excavator is a superload in most states, it complicates the process. Keep in mind that a company must have at least $2 million in insurance to be eligible to transport more oversized loads.
Hence, companies will use multiple flatbeds or lowboy trailers rigged together to transport the excavator safely. Since they're usually calculated per-mile basis, the weight division is essential.
The loading process is essential, and the loaders must secure it carefully using chains, so it doesn't budge.
How many days may it take to ship an excavator?
Most states have different specifications, but the minimum limits are usually around 8.5 feet for the width, 48 to 53 feet for length, and 13.5 feet for height.
Anything over 46000 pounds is an oversized load. But an excavator can easily weigh 80,000 pounds and even goes up to 100,000 pounds, which can easily put it in the superload category.
The preparation stage takes a while. But the journey itself will also be long because transporting it isn't easy. There will be many trailers, and since more than one will be attached, it'll be hard.
Of course, other variables can't be calculated. For one, the weather can make the driver stop which will lengthen the delivery time. There are also things like the distance, which are more obvious.
Why should I ship an excavator?
You'll need to hire a cleaning company to clear out the excavator from the inside, ensuring no marks are left on it. You also need to empty its fuel tank until it's at least 1/4th of its capacity and unplug all the wires and any batteries it might have so there's no danger of turning on during the journey.
But still, you should be extra careful when choosing a company because it isn't a matter you can entrust to anyone. Be prudent and list prospective companies and contact representatives before deciding on one.
Try to browse through message boards and check which one is trustworthy because they can give you an objective view of the process. You should also keep customer service into account because comfort is key.
What Load Category Does a Bucket Wheel Excavator Fall into?
A bucket wheel excavator is by no means an average load, exceeding even the large and broad load categories.
An over-dimensional load is usually 8.5 feet wide, 48 to 53 feet long, 13.5 feet high, and at least 46000 pounds heavy.
A compact excavator may weigh as little as 50 tons, while the more prominent models can easily weigh 13000 tons, which puts it well above the superload category.
Even if we take the limitations, which vary from state to state, the limit can be 180,000, 200,000, or 260,000 pounds depending on the area.
Fifty tons is 100,000 pounds, while 13000 tons is 26000000 pounds, so even if we take a model that falls in the middle, you can imagine how heavy it is.
How is a Bucket Wheel Excavator Transported?
Transporting a bucket-wheel excavator is tricky, especially since it's so heavy and wide. The best method is to use a heavy-duty, high-quality flatbed trailer.
It might seem an obvious choice, but flatbeds make any adjustment easy for the loaders because they provide a reliably flat surface that won't interfere no matter how the excavator is loaded. This factor makes loading easier.
The larger model can easily be as long as 80 meters or 260 feet. Hence, the shipping company needs at least two flatbed trailers rigged together to accommodate a medium-sized excavator since the standard length is 48 to 53 feet long for regular loads. Few companies ship excavators on RGN trailers.
Riggers and chains are used to secure the excavator across its body so it doesn’t budge during transport because it can’t be adjusted mid-journey because of its size.
Is it Hard to Find a Company to Transport a Bucket Wheel Excavator?
It's hard to find a shipping company that handles sensitive cargo compared to standard vehicles and heavy equipment because not everyone can gain permits.
For one, the minimum insurance for an oversized load is $750,000, but no company below $2 million insurance is eligible to apply for permits or licenses when a superload is involved.
You must choose an experienced company so the personnel have hands-on experience on what to do in case of an emergency and won't cause damage to your property.
Is the Procedure to Transport a Bucket Wheel Excavator Complex?
Transporting a superload like a buck wheel excavator is very complex and time-consuming.
For one, there are the apparent aspects like the loading and unloading, which take a while. But there are also permits before the journey even starts.
A company must obtain permits for every state, city, or town, and the trailer will cross individually since the Department of Transport website only provides links. This is because regulations are handled on a state, not federal, level.
You'll also need a highly professional company with experienced personnel because the actual journey is difficult apart from the loading and unloading. It's tough to navigate a road when the load is usually broader.
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