How to Ship a 20-Ton Hydraulic Excavator: Transport Guide
The 20-ton hydraulic excavator — represented by machines like the Caterpillar 320, Komatsu PC200, Volvo EC220, and Deere 210 — is the most commonly transported piece of heavy equipment in North America. At 44,000–48,500 lbs operating weight and 9.2–9.8 ft track width, these machines almost always require oversize permits and a lowboy or RGN trailer. This guide covers everything you need to know to ship one safely and legally.
Typical Dimensions and Weight: 20-Ton Excavator Class
While exact specs vary by manufacturer and configuration, the 20-ton excavator class shares a consistent dimensional profile that drives transport requirements:
| Specification | Typical Range | Transport Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Weight | 44,000–48,500 lbs | Well within 80,000 lb GVW limit on most trailers |
| Track Width (standard) | 9.2–9.8 ft (2.8–3.0 m) | Exceeds 8.5 ft legal width — oversize permit required |
| Transport Length | 29–32 ft (boom retracted) | Fits standard 29-ft lowboy well; longer wells for larger configs |
| Transport Height (cab) | 9.5–10.5 ft | Plus trailer deck height; total typically 13–14.5 ft |
| Shoe Width (narrow) | 23.6 in (600 mm) | Narrow shoes reduce width; verify before booking |
| Shoe Width (wide) | 31.5 in (800 mm) | Wide shoes increase overall width; may require wider permit |
Important: Always verify actual field measurements against the OEM spec sheet. Aftermarket attachments, GPS antennas, and non-standard track shoes can alter transport dimensions significantly.
Trailer Selection: Lowboy vs. RGN for a 20-Ton Excavator
Both lowboy and RGN (Removable Gooseneck) trailers are appropriate for 20-ton excavators. The choice depends on loading conditions at the pickup site:
- Lowboy (fixed gooseneck): Lower cost; requires a ramp or loading dock for loading. Best when the pickup site has a loading ramp or the machine can be loaded with an assist crane.
- RGN (Removable Gooseneck): The gooseneck detaches to create a ground-level ramp, allowing the excavator to drive on under its own power. Best for field pickups, auction yards, and sites without loading infrastructure. Adds $150–$300 to the transport cost but eliminates loading risk.
For a 20-ton excavator, a standard 2-axle (tandem) lowboy with a 29-ft well is typically sufficient. The machine's 44,000–48,500 lb weight is well within the tandem lowboy's 40,000–48,000 lb well capacity.
Oversize Permit Requirements
Because the 20-ton excavator's track width (9.2–9.8 ft) exceeds the federal legal width limit of 8.5 ft (102 inches), an oversize permit is required in every state the load traverses. Key permit thresholds to know:
- Over 8.5 ft wide: Oversize permit required in all 50 states
- Over 10 ft wide: "WIDE LOAD" banner required front and rear
- Over 12 ft wide: Front escort vehicle required in most states
- Over 14 ft wide: Front and rear escort vehicles required in most states
- Over 13.5 ft tall (total transport height): Route survey required; bridge clearances must be verified
A 20-ton excavator at 9.2–9.8 ft wide typically requires only a "WIDE LOAD" banner and no escort vehicles in most states — making it one of the more straightforward oversize loads to permit.
Loading and Securement Procedures
Proper loading and securement is critical for safe transport and DOT compliance. Follow these steps:
- Retract the boom and stick fully. The bucket should rest flat on the trailer deck or be positioned as low as possible.
- Rotate the house to face forward. This reduces the machine's effective length and keeps the center of gravity centered on the trailer.
- Lower the blade (if equipped). Blade should rest on the deck; do not leave it raised.
- Lock all hydraulic circuits. Use the machine's hydraulic lockout lever to prevent accidental movement during transit.
- Secure with rated chains and binders. FMCSA requires a minimum of 4 tie-down points for equipment over 10,000 lbs. Use Grade 70 or Grade 80 chain with working load limits appropriate for the machine weight.
- Chock the tracks. Place wheel chocks or track chocks fore and aft to prevent longitudinal movement.
- Drain fuel to 1/4 tank. Reduces weight and minimizes fire risk during transport.
Common Models in the 20-Ton Class
- Caterpillar 320 / 320D / 320GC / 320 Next Gen
- Komatsu PC200 / PC210 / PC228
- Volvo EC220 / EC220E
- John Deere 210G / 210P
- Hitachi ZX200 / ZX210
- Hyundai HX220 / R220
- Doosan DX225 / DX210
Ship Your 20-Ton Excavator with IronHaul Logistics
IronHaul Logistics specializes in excavator transport nationwide. We handle permit procurement, route planning, and carrier coordination for 20-ton class machines from auction yards, dealer lots, and job sites. Get a fast quote at ironhaullogistics.com, call (208) 495-2260, or email [email protected] with your machine's make, model, track width, and pickup/delivery locations.
Common questions
Does a 20-ton excavator require an oversize permit?
Yes. The standard track width of 9.2–9.8 ft exceeds the federal legal width limit of 8.5 ft, so an oversize permit is required in every state the load crosses. Most 20-ton excavators do not require escort vehicles unless the track width exceeds 12 ft.
What trailer do I need to ship a Cat 320 excavator?
A standard 2-axle lowboy or RGN trailer with a 29-ft well is appropriate for a Cat 320. The machine weighs approximately 47,000 lbs, which is within the capacity of a tandem lowboy. An RGN is preferred for field pickups where no loading ramp is available.
How do I measure my excavator for transport?
Measure track width (outside edge to outside edge of track shoes), overall length with boom fully retracted and bucket tucked, and height from ground to the highest point (usually the cab or exhaust stack). Always measure the actual machine — don't rely solely on spec sheets, as attachments can change dimensions.
Can a 20-ton excavator be shipped on a flatbed trailer?
No. A standard flatbed deck sits 48–54 inches off the ground, which would put the total transport height at 18–19 ft — far exceeding the 13.5 ft legal limit. A lowboy or RGN trailer with a deck height of 18–24 inches is required.
How much does it cost to ship a 20-ton excavator?
Costs vary by distance, route, and permit requirements. As a rough guide, expect $2.50–$5.00/mile for a lowboy transport, plus $150–$500 in permit costs for multi-state moves. Contact IronHaul at (208) 495-2260 for an exact quote.
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