
Smaller than its big brother, a compact excavator is perfect for jobs where not as much power is needed. It's also more easily maneuvered in close quarters, so it's a good fit for cramped construction jobs or other applications where space is limited. Though they can range as heavy as 8.5 metric tons and still be considered compact, their lighter weight makes it easier to properly transport them.
This may tempt you to tackle it yourself, if you're planning a long or mid-range distance move in the near future. Though compact excavators are much more manageable than full-sized excavators, much can still go wrong, when moving machinery that weighs several tons. Its moving parts also must be expertly fastened down - otherwise disaster could strike will driving down the highway.

The Efficient Choice
In addition, long-distance transit is not typically cost-effective on a do-it-yourself basis. Once you factor in the cost of fuel, lodging, and eating out - you're likely only saving yourself a few dollars per hour. Thus, your time would be better spent at your regular job, where your per-hour earnings are far more substantial.
Capable Service
From both a cost and safety standpoint, professional transport of your compact excavator is clearly the way to go. A1 Auto Transport has you covered for your mini excavator shipping, and we are adept at expertly loading, transporting, and unloading your precious cargo. With door-to-door delivery available, you'll be able to track the progress of your shipment in real-time. We stand behind our delivery times too, and we'll do everything in our power to have your equipment at its new destination on time.

A Hassle-Free Experience
Allow us to take the pressure, potential dangers, and drudgery often encountered when transporting mini excavators over a long-distance off of your shoulders. We also offer excavator shipping services nationwide and internationally, and we always create a custom rate based upon your exact needs. Full insurance is complimentary on every shipment as well - so your move is completely worry-free.
So, why not give us a call today? You'll discover how we can serve you, and receive a free quote for your shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Companies pay a lot of attention to what they're doing regarding correctly loading and securing the equipment in the transportation medium. This is because the process is risky, and they must perform it systematically to avoid disasters.
Once personnel loads the excavator, they lower the boom along with the arm, bucket, and blade to the floor. They ensure the engine is off and the parking brakes are engaged before they install chains at the fore-end and back tie-down positions identified by the equipment's operational and maintenance menu. Then they secure the chains and binders, and the excavator is good to go.
Compact excavators may fall well below the legal limits, but it's still heavy equipment, and you must be very careful while preparing them for transport. Follow the operation and maintenance manual. Missing a step may be critical to your cargo, especially if you send any other attachment.
Most of the precautions are common and well-known. Remove all the fuel from the equipment and ensure it's off. The trailer should stand firm when loaded, and your excavator should be free of debris such as mud and sand.
Also, remember to disconnect the auto-idle feature from your compact excavator if equipped and when loading, take it up the ramp with the heaviest side up. If it has any attachments connected, it's most likely the front side.
Transporting a compact excavator is primarily trouble-free, and as long as you have hired a trustworthy company, you can take a breather, relax, and leave it to them.
First and foremost, the company will match the transport medium and the towing vehicles to your excavator. This helps them ensure they have the proper size and capacity for your equipment and any attachment they are transporting.
Flatbed trailers are the most suitable option for transporting a compact excavator. Just as a flatbed is an option for most heavy machinery, it is also used to transport mini excavators. On the other hand, if yours is taller than average, your company will probably opt for a step-deck trailer that is held lower to the ground and can afford an extra two feet for clearance.
It is relatively easy to transport a compact excavator because of its size and shape. While standard excavators are significant, with a bucket-wheel excavator starting from 100,000 pounds, a compact excavator is very light compared to other pieces of heavy equipment.
Mini excavator models usually weighs around 13000 pounds, which means it's well below the maximum 46000-pound limit in the USA. This factor makes it an average load rather than an oversized one.
Its width is only 5 feet and 9 inches which means that it will cause no trouble during transportation as it is considerably less than the average width of roads, which is about 12 feet, and also far from the legal width limit of 8.5 feet.