How to Ship a Hydraulic Hammer Attachment: Freight Options and Requirements
Hydraulic hammer attachments — also called hydraulic breakers or rock hammers — range from compact skid-steer-mounted units weighing under 700 lbs to massive excavator-mounted hammers exceeding 24,000 lbs. Shipping requirements vary dramatically across this range: small hammers move as standard LTL freight, while large industrial breakers require flatbed or lowboy transport with specialized securement. This guide covers the full spectrum.
Hydraulic Hammer Weight and Size Ranges
Hydraulic hammers are categorized by the carrier class they're designed for. Understanding your hammer's weight and dimensions is essential for selecting the right freight mode:
| Class | Carrier | Working Weight | Typical Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact | Skid steer / mini excavator | 500–1,500 lbs | 36–60" L x 12–18" W |
| Mid-Range | 4–7 ton excavator | 1,500–5,000 lbs | 51–72" L x 18–24" W |
| Heavy-Duty | 10–30 ton excavator | 5,000–12,000 lbs | 72–100" L x 24–36" W |
| Industrial | 30–100 ton excavator | 12,000–25,000 lbs | 100–144" L x 36–48" W |
Freight Mode Selection by Size
The right freight mode depends on the hammer's weight and whether it's crated or bare:
- LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) Freight: Appropriate for compact and mid-range hammers (under 5,000 lbs) that are properly crated or palletized. The destination must have a forklift or loading dock for unloading. LTL carriers typically require the hammer to be on a pallet or in a crate — bare hammers are not accepted by most LTL carriers.
- Flatbed Freight: Required for heavy-duty hammers (5,000–12,000 lbs) that are too heavy or awkwardly shaped for LTL. Flatbed allows the hammer to be loaded with a forklift or crane and secured with chains. No crating required.
- Lowboy / Heavy Haul: Required for industrial hammers over 12,000 lbs. These massive attachments require specialized trailers and securement equipment. Some industrial hammers are shipped still mounted on the excavator arm.
Crating and Packaging Requirements
Proper packaging protects the hammer and satisfies carrier requirements:
- Compact hammers: Should be crated in a wooden or steel crate with the chisel/tool removed and packaged separately. Hydraulic ports should be capped to prevent contamination.
- Mid-range hammers: Can be shipped on a heavy-duty pallet with chain or strap securement, or in a crate. Hydraulic hoses should be coiled and secured; ports capped.
- Heavy-duty and industrial hammers: Typically shipped bare on flatbed or lowboy trailers. The hammer body is chained to the trailer deck; the chisel/tool is secured separately.
Special Handling Considerations
Hydraulic hammers have specific handling requirements that differ from standard freight:
- Hydraulic fluid: Most hammers contain residual hydraulic fluid. Carriers may require documentation that the hammer has been drained or that fluid levels are within acceptable limits for transport
- Nitrogen charge: Many hydraulic hammers use a nitrogen-charged accumulator. This is not a hazmat concern for transport, but the accumulator should be at normal operating pressure (not over-pressurized) before shipping
- Chisel/tool: The chisel or moil point should be removed and packaged separately for transport. A loose chisel can cause damage to the hammer body or trailer during transit
- Mounting bracket: If the hammer is shipped with its mounting bracket, the bracket adds significant weight and may change the freight classification
Cost Factors for Hydraulic Hammer Shipping
Shipping costs for hydraulic hammers vary widely based on size, freight mode, and distance:
- Compact hammers via LTL: $150–$500 for regional moves; $300–$900 for cross-country
- Mid-range hammers via flatbed: $500–$1,500 for regional moves; $1,000–$3,000 for cross-country
- Heavy-duty and industrial hammers via lowboy: $1,500–$5,000+ depending on distance and load complexity
IronHaul Logistics ships hydraulic hammer attachments of all sizes nationwide. We handle LTL coordination for smaller units and provide flatbed and lowboy service for larger industrial hammers. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or fill out our online quote form for a fast, accurate rate.
Common questions
Can a hydraulic hammer be shipped as LTL freight?
Yes, for compact and mid-range hammers under 5,000 lbs that are properly crated or palletized. The destination must have a forklift or loading dock. Bare hammers (uncrated) are not accepted by most LTL carriers. IronHaul can advise on crating requirements for your specific hammer.
Does the hydraulic fluid need to be drained before shipping?
Most carriers do not require complete draining, but residual fluid levels should be within normal operating range. Hydraulic ports must be capped to prevent leakage during transport. Check with IronHaul for specific carrier requirements for your hammer size and freight mode.
Should the chisel be removed before shipping a hydraulic hammer?
Yes. The chisel or moil point should be removed and packaged separately. A loose chisel can damage the hammer body or trailer during transit, and most carriers require it to be secured separately.
How do I ship a hydraulic hammer that's still mounted on an excavator arm?
If the hammer is still mounted on the excavator, it typically ships with the excavator as a single unit. The combined weight and dimensions of the excavator plus hammer determine the trailer type and permit requirements. IronHaul handles these combined loads regularly.
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