How Do You Transport a Long Reach Excavator Safely and Legally

Transporting heavy construction equipment like long-reach excavators requires careful planning and preparation. These powerful machines can weigh over 100,000 pounds and reach up to 100 feet or more. Safely and efficiently moving such large loads on public roads and highways presents unique challenges.

In this article, we’ll explore the key considerations. We’ll look at the dimensions of these machines, the choice of adequate vehicles, the types of trailers used, loading and unloading procedures, and different modes. We’ll also highlight essential safety factors when hauling oversized loads on roads and highways.

Following proper techniques and regulations is critical. This ensures the safety of the crew, other motorists, and the excavator. It also minimizes permitting issues and prevents costly damage due to accidents. When done correctly, hauling these machines can be accomplished smoothly and efficiently.

Oversized Load Permits and Route Planning

Transporting a long-reach excavator often requires navigating complex permitting processes due to its oversized dimensions. Each state or region may have specific regulations regarding maximum allowable weights, widths, and heights, necessitating special permits for transit. For instance, if the excavator's boom extends beyond standard trailer dimensions, additional permits and escort vehicles might be required to ensure safe passage. Planning routes meticulously is crucial, considering factors like bridge clearances, road weight limits, and construction zones. Engaging with experienced heavy equipment hauling professionals can streamline this process, ensuring compliance and minimizing delays.

Safe Loading and Unloading Procedures

The loading and unloading phases are critical when transporting a long-reach excavator. Given the machine's extended boom and significant weight, appropriate equipment like lowboy trailers with detachable goosenecks can facilitate safer loading. Positioning the excavator to distribute weight across the trailer evenly is essential, preventing imbalances during transit. Securing the excavator involves using heavy-duty chains and binders, focusing on multiple tie-down points to restrict movement. Additionally, operators should inspect all securing equipment for wear and ensure compliance with safety standards to mitigate risks during transportation.

The Importance of Safe and Efficient Delivery

Safely and efficiently moving to a job site is critical for several reasons. First, these machines represent a significant capital investment for a contractor. Damage can lead to expensive repairs and downtime.

Second, hauling oversized loads on public roads creates hazards if not done correctly. A long-reach excavator may occupy two lanes of traffic. Its long front end can also swing out, making wide turns dangerous. Following proper techniques minimizes safety issues.

Finally, efficient delivery reduces costs. Excessive permitting issues, delays due to accidents, or even choosing inadequate equipment can waste significant time and money. Proper planning streamlines the process.

In short, safely and efficiently hauling reduces the risk of damage, improves job site productivity, and lowers costs. Careful attention to move considerations is essential.

Challenges

Several factors make hauling more complex than standard equipment:

• Weight – It can weigh 100,000 lbs or more. Heavy haul trailers and tractors are required to handle such loads. Special permits are also needed.
• Dimensions—With boom extensions, these machines can reach over 100 feet long. Delivery must accommodate this length. Wide turns also require special considerations.
• Overhang – The long front end will overhang the trailer. Proper distribution prevents tipping.
• Weak Points – The boom and arm's attachment joints and pivot points must be adequately supported to prevent damage.
• High Center of Gravity – The cab sits high atop the undercarriage, creating a high center of gravity. Tipping risks must be minimized.
• Permitting – Oversize/overweight permits are required in each jurisdiction. Advanced planning helps secure permits.

In conclusion, specialized equipment and techniques are needed to move safely and efficiently. Careful planning minimizes permitting issues, damage risks, and accidents.

Considerations When Delivering

Successfully moving requires examining several key considerations well in advance:

Dimensions and Weight

• Know the specifications, including length, width, and height. This determines the permits required and equipment needed.
• With extensions, the length can exceed 100 feet. Confirm legal dimensions for each jurisdiction.
• Weight typically ranges from 90,000 to 130,000 lbs. Verify bridge, road, and permit limits.

Adequate Vehicle

• The tractor must have sufficient horsepower and axle configurations to haul the load.
• The number of trailers needed depends on distribution limits and permitting.
• All trailers must have adequate capacity and proper axle configurations and be rated for the load.
• Deck space must accommodate tracks, undercarriage, counterweights, and boom/arm.
• Vehicle lighting must meet regulations. Escort vehicles may be required.

Trailer Types

• Lowboy are commonly used, but specialized trailers like Schnabel cars or girders work for longer loads.
• Deck space, ramp capacity, and drawer beams allow loading/unloading.
• Proper trailer spreading helps distribute appropriately.
• Trailers equipped with specialized counterweight boxes prevent tipping.

Safety Hauling Oversized Loads

• Pilot cars and escort vehicles help secure the load and warn other drivers.
• Flags, signs, and lights make the load visible and follow regulations.
• Law enforcement escorts are needed for superloads in many jurisdictions.
• Rigging tools like spreader bars help stabilize and prevent shifting.

Before moving, critical factors like weight, dimensions, vehicle capacity, and safety considerations must be addressed.

Loading and Unloading

Loading and unloading present critical moments when accidents and damage are most likely. Proper techniques and equipment prevent problems.

Ramps and Design

• Ramps must be designed to carry the weight. Too steep of an incline can cause track slippage.
• Ramps should be equipped with proper soil compaction and gravel to prevent sinking.
• Lowboy often has adjustable ramps and collapsible goosenecks to aid loading/unloading.

Positioning and Weight Distribution

• Proper boom positioning lowers the center of gravity and distributes weight evenly across axles.
• Counterweights may need to be removed and loaded separately to comply with regulations.
• The loading position keeps the swing radius contained and prevents side-to-side movement in transit.

Tie-Down Process

• Chains, straps, shackles, and rub rails properly secure the excavator and prevent shifting.
• Pivots and attachment points require additional blocking and bracing.
• Spreader bars or an overhead crane help stabilize the boom during tie-down.
• All tie-downs must be inspected and adjusted after initially hitting the road.

With adequate ramps, proper positioning, and secure tie-downs, loading and unloading can be done safely and efficiently.

Modes of Delivery

Several modes can be utilized when an excavator needs to be hauled at significant distances. See below for a brief overview of each:

Flatbed Trailers

• The most common method is short and long distances.
• Size and capacity must match the weight and dimensions.
• Permitting is required for oversize/overweight loads on roads.
• Pilot cars and proper flags/lighting must be used.

Container Moving

• Smaller excavators can be delivered in standard containers.
• More extensive models require flat rack containers secured to a container ship.
• Loading into containers may require the disassembly of attachments.

Roll On/Roll

• Excavators can roll or drive on and off RO/RO cargo ships.
• Firm loading ramps allow tracks to grip. Choking prevents rolling.
• Permits may still be needed based on weight.

Heavy Haul Trucking

• Specialized trucks with multiple axle configurations are used for super loads.
• Often, it requires expensive special permitting and route planning.
• Police escorts and restrictions on time of day hauls required.

Selecting the proper mode depends on many factors, including cost, delivery deadline, and size.

Conclusion

Delivering a long-reach excavator presents unique challenges due to the machine's massive size, weight, and dimensions. Careful planning and preparation are required to move these oversized loads safely and efficiently.

The choice of adequate trailers and tractors matched to the specifications is critical. Proper permitting, experienced crews, and safe loading/unloading procedures prevent accidents, damage, and delays. Various modes can be utilized for long-distance moving.

With thoughtful attention to consideration, it can be delivered to the job site intact and ready for productive work. Companies specializing in hauling heavy construction equipment are invaluable resources for handling these complex hauls.

Moving requires tremendous expertise to handle the massive size and weight safely and within regulations.

Let A1-AT haul your equipment with our specialty equipment and experienced crews. We have successfully hauled thousands of excavators and other heavy machinery. Contact us today for a free quote.