How To Transport A Mini/Compact Excavator (2024 Updated)
Some might think transporting a mini excavator is just a small feat. Since your equipment is small, you can quickly shift it from one job site to another. Sounds simple, right?
However, several steps must be followed to avoid complications that might compromise your time, money, and effort.
Here are the best hacks on how to relocate mini excavator equipment in long distances without a fuss.
5 Steps to Haul A Mini (Compact) Excavator
Choose the Right Vehicle
The first thing you must consider when relocating a mini excavator is to identify the best trailer that will haul it most safely and reliably. 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 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 more effortless shifting.
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 hauling 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 permanently be blocked.
We highly suggest using metal loading ramps featuring a slip-resistant surface. When loading the machine onto the trailer correctly, you must 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 hauling. 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 relocation.
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
Your compact excavator attachments need to be secure as well. Some equipment attachments need to be correctly connected to your machinery before transport. However, some compact excavators cannot be shifted without dismantling their attachments.
If you need to disconnect equipment attachments like a bucket, secure them using chains. Hydraulic hoses must be routed in a tie-down or connected in a position that 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 catering to mini excavator models—bonded, licensed, and insured.
What’s the Best Trailer for Relocation?
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 shift compact excavators properly.
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 haul a mini excavator, you need to follow several steps. First, choose the right relocating vehicle. Then, secure the hauling machine and your compact excavator before shifting. Properly loading and securing equipment onto the trailer is essential to avoid delays and damage.
To ensure a safer transport process from one job site to another, the towing truck’s parking brake should be applied before loading and unloading the heavy equipment. As safety precautions, inspect the machine’s lights, rear tires, and any loose items.
We suggest getting professional help when transporting a compact excavator if you can because it’s safer and more cost-efficient.
References:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to transport a mini compact excavator?
Most mini excavators are hauled on equipment trailers rated 7,000–14,000 pounds, matched to the machine’s operating weight. The safest method is loading on level ground, lowering the boom and blade, securing with four tie-down points, and checking the trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. Many owners use professional carriers to avoid overweight fines and state-by-state securement rules. For multi-state hauls, see heavy equipment hauling services.
How much does it cost to transport a mini compact excavator?
Most short-distance moves fall between $2.50–$4.00 per mile, while longer interstate hauls often stabilize around $1.75–$3.00 per mile. Pricing varies by machine weight, trailer capacity, load-out conditions, and route restrictions. Rural pickup points, oversize permits, or soft ground loading can increase cost. For estimates across different mileage ranges, review the heavy equipment shipping calculator.
Do I need a CDL to haul a mini excavator?
A CDL is required only if the combined truck, trailer, and excavator weight exceeds 26,000 pounds. Many compact units paired with a mid-size trailer remain below that threshold, but heavier models or loaded attachments can push the combined weight higher. Operators should confirm the Gross Combined Weight Rating and verify any state-specific hauling rules.
How do you properly tie down a mini excavator on a trailer?
FMCSA securement rules call for four independent tie-downs connected to designated anchor points. Chains with binders are most common, but heavy-duty ratchet straps meeting the Working Load Limit can be used for lighter compact units. The boom and arm must be lowered, the swing lock engaged, the bucket tucked, and the blade secured. Before travel, recheck tension after the first few miles.
How do you load a mini excavator safely onto a trailer?
Choose stable terrain, ensure ramps are rated for the excavator’s weight, and keep the tracks aligned with ramp edges. Approach slowly in low gear, keep the boom low for stability, and stop once the machine’s weight is centered over the trailer axles. Lower the blade and bucket to reduce movement. If you need enhanced safety or transport in busy jobsite zones, consider equipment hauling near me.
What trailer size is best for hauling a mini compact excavator?
Most compact excavators pair well with 16–20 foot equipment trailers rated at 10,000–14,000 pounds. The ideal trailer depends on track width, operating weight, and any attachments. Tandem-axle trailers offer better stability, while flatbeds provide more deck room for buckets or auxiliary tools. Always match trailer capacity to the excavator’s operating weight plus attachments.
Can professionals transport a mini excavator across multiple states?
Yes. Carriers regularly handle interstate excavator transport, coordinating routing, securement compliance, and weight checks. Multi-state hauls may involve agricultural corridors, winter road restrictions, or port-of-entry inspections. Hiring experienced heavy equipment carriers can reduce delays, especially on long-distance projects. For broader project logistics, visit heavy equipment domestic locations.
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