Excavators are always the most useful machine in all industries. Whether it is construction, demolition, or landscaping industry. The use of a mini excavator is on top because of its small size and weight. Besides size and weight, the machine comes in various styles and models.
The transport of mini excavators is easy compared to all other large machines. It is because the machine is small and easy to control. So it ensures safe and efficient transport. But before loading it on the truck, you have to consider some steps.
We will go through all these essential steps in this blog. So you will get an idea of how to transport your compact excavator in a truck safely.
How to Correctly Load Compact Excavator on a Trailer?
While the transport of the HIXEN Mini Excavator is easy, it may become easier by following some steps. Also, the transport of compact excavators requires the right tools and equipment.
Excavator Accidents and Hazards
Before going to the step-by-step guide for compact excavator transport, it is time first to know what might happen when nothing goes according to the plan.
Accidents and harm to your mini-machine are not a joke. So could you not consider it lightly or a joke? It is a serious issue that may affect the lives of many people. A small or minor mistake may lead to a dangerous accident. So it is always necessary for you to be careful while loading and transporting the machine.
Commonly accidents may happen on uneven or rough surfaces. At this point, there are many chances of excavator movement. So it is only dangerous for people walking around the road. In that case, you need to control the machine, which might be challenging.
Moreover, on slopes, there are many chances of excavators falling. It not only injures the operator but also nearby people. Also, it results in a damaged machine, which requires costly maintenance.
Plus, there are many cases when the operator pulls the level hard. As a result, it causes the bucket to move fast with more force. So it only results in an accident. It is why everyone must know the control of the machine before loading it onto the truck.
Setting Up Your Trailer for Excavator Shipping
As we have discussed, the loading of machines faces many challenges. It may cause harm, accidents, risks, and injuries. So understanding and practicing safety protocols is necessary. Obviously, no one wants that his machine to get damaged during transport. So make sure to check everything two times before transporting the machine. Check all lights, pins, hooks, links, and couplers.
Once you have done all checks, it is time to set up the trailer. For this, follow the given below steps:
- Putting of heavy machine on the trailer causes it to lower down. So it is necessary to raise the jack of the trailer. It can maximize the capacity of the trailer to avoid lowering down.
- Insert the safety pin in the coupler to prevent any damage.
- Insert the chain in the right way to avoid detachment. It is good to pass the chain from the coupler and crisscross it to avoid issues.
- Keep the chain tight enough; otherwise, it may easily break when more pressure is applied. Also, never keep the chain too loose so that it affects the trailer balance.
- Attach the coupler of the trailer to the machine. After that, check all lights, indicators, headlights, and more.
- In the end, make sure to check the electrical detachment system of the trailer. In any case, when the coupler separates the machine, the chain will keep it. So it is easy to control the machine.
Steps To Safely Place An Oversize Load Onto A Trailer:
Step 1: Choose the Right Trailer for Excavator or Mini-Excavator Shipping
Never hire any of the bad trucks to transport your compact excavator. It will only cause severe safety risks. So it is always suggested to choose the right trailer. A reliable trailer always has the best GVWR capacity to carry heavy weight.
This capacity includes the weight of the trailer and the weight of the machine. Make sure to keep the weight of both the compact excavator and trailer according to recommended GVWR. Adding more weight to the trailer than the recommended value may cause safety issues.
The following are some famous trailers or trucks that you should hire:
- Step deck trailer
- Tile deck trailer
- Removable gooseneck trailer
- Flatbed trailer
Step 2: Park on Level Ground
Once you choose the right trailer, it is time to park it on an even surface. It is necessary to avoid tilting and falling off the trailer or machine. Also, apply brakes to your trailer and vehicle to prevent them from rolling. Moreover, drop the ramps to handle the weight of the machine.
Step 3: Clean Your Trailer, Machine, and Ramp
Your machine may have a lot of debris, dirt, and waste. This is the common case in all skid steers, excavators, and loaders. So make sure to clean the machine and trailer. Remove all dust, dirt, grime, and other waste which may affect performance.
Also, make sure to remove debris and dirt from the ramp. It can protect your machine from sliding during loading.
Step 4: Start Your Engine and Move Up the Ramps
Before moving the compact excavator, you need to be familiar with all controls. Never grab the false handle or hit the foot pedal. Otherwise, it will move the machine in the wrong direction.
In the next step, place the trailer and excavator in front of each other. Tie both machines using the boom, arm, and blade. Then check all lines, ramps, and limbs. Make sure to keep the speed slow when going to the ramp. Then set the machine on the trailer bed but make sure to keep it in the center of the trailer.
Step 5: Lower the Blade and Secure It
Once you place the compact excavator on the trailer, lower the blade and secure it. Through the tie points, secure the machine with crisscross chains. Always tight the chains and avoid any falls or issues.
Step 6: Raise the Ramps and Swing the Boom to the Rear
In the end, check the area to make sure that you have cleared all lines and trees while swinging the boom. Then swing the boom near the machine before keeping it in the center. After that, lower the boom and tie it to the trailer bed.
Then hooks behind the machine to avoid rolling. Next, inspect all the parts and things to ensure safe loading.
Tips to Follow Before Transporting an Excavator
Risk Valuation:
Before hiring a truck or transporting your mini excavator, you need to check all the possible risks and hazards. These may include road and weather situations and routes. Also, this includes the clearance areas to ensure the safety of the machine.
Protective Equipment:
All individuals need to wear safety and protective equipment during transport. These include safety glasses, clothing, hard hats, and gloves.
Excavator Weight and Dimensions:
Make sure to determine the weight and dimension of the mini excavator. This step is necessary to find the right size of trailer or truck.
Truck and Trailer Inspection:
Before loading and transporting, make sure to check the truck and trailer. Check all brakes, lights, engine parts, and tires.
Transport Insurance:
Before transporting the machine, you must have transport insurance. It provides protection to the machine from damage during transport. Also, this insurance cover collision and theft.
Road Safety Regulations:
Make sure to follow all road safety rules and regulations. All these rules are from the state to ensure the safety of machines.
Weight Carrying Capacity of Trailer & Excavator:
Make sure to check the weight-carrying capacity of the truck and compact excavator. It ensures the safe transport of your machine.
Excavator Loading and Unloading Tips
Let’s discuss some tips to follow before loading the mini excavator:
- Consider all hurdles and obstacles
- Give duty to each member of the team according to his skills
- Ensure that the trailer is safe and parked on an even surface
- Make sure to check the trailer for any damage
- Use chains and straps to tie the excavator for the safe transport
Let’s discuss some tips to follow before unloading the mini excavator:
- Park the trailer on an even and safe surface
- Check the truck bed for any damage
- Make sure to use the right materials, such as a crane, to unload the excavator
- Ensure to check the excavator for any damage
Conclusion:
As we have discussed, the main steps which help you to load and transport your mini excavator safely. So before moving your machine to a new place, you have to follow such steps. If possible, hire the right company to help you. The experts of the company have the right tools and equipment for safe transport.
Suppose you want to buy a reliable and super-quality excavator. Then it is always a good idea to check the products of HIXEN. This company is famous for manufacturing and delivering quality excavators. All the machines of this company are less costly and require less maintenance.
