How to Ship a Mobile Crusher: Complete Transport Guide for Crushing Plants
Mobile crushers and crushing plants are among the heaviest and most complex pieces of equipment to transport, ranging from 30-tonne compact jaw crushers to 150-tonne primary crushing plants. These machines often exceed federal oversize and overweight thresholds in multiple dimensions simultaneously, requiring multi-axle lowboys, superload permits, and experienced rigging crews. IronHaul Logistics specializes in mobile crusher transport nationwide.
Types of Mobile Crushers and Their Transport Profiles
Mobile crushing equipment comes in several configurations, each with distinct transport challenges:
- Compact Jaw Crushers (30–50 tonnes): Track-mounted units used for recycling and small quarry operations. Typical dimensions in transport configuration: 16–18 m long, 2.8–3.2 m wide, 3.2–3.6 m tall. Weight: 66,000–110,000 lbs. These typically require a 3–4 axle RGN lowboy and overweight permits.
- Mid-Size Cone/Impact Crushers (50–80 tonnes): Track-mounted secondary and tertiary crushers. Typical dimensions: 17–20 m long, 3.0–3.5 m wide, 3.4–4.0 m tall. Weight: 110,000–176,000 lbs. These require multi-axle lowboys and often superload permits.
- Large Primary Jaw Crushers (100–150 tonnes): Heavy-duty primary crushing plants such as the Sandvik UJ640E or Metso Lokotrack LT160. Weight: 220,000–330,000 lbs. These machines must typically be disassembled into multiple sections for road transport.
Federal Permit Thresholds and Crusher Transport
Federal oversize/overweight thresholds that trigger permit requirements:
- Gross vehicle weight over 80,000 lbs — virtually all mobile crushers exceed this
- Width over 8.5 feet (102 inches) — most crushers are 10–12 ft wide in transport configuration
- Height over 13.5 feet — many crushers are 11–13 ft tall, but the trailer deck adds height
- Length over 53 feet — large crushers on lowboys often exceed 70–80 ft total
Loads exceeding 150,000 lbs or 16 ft in width qualify as superloads in most states, requiring engineering route surveys, bridge structural analyses, and utility coordination for overhead line clearance. Processing time for superload permits can range from 1–4 weeks depending on the states involved.
Trailer Selection for Mobile Crusher Transport
| Crusher Weight | Recommended Trailer | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 80,000 lbs | 3-axle RGN Lowboy | Rare for mobile crushers; compact recycling units only |
| 80,000–150,000 lbs | 4–5 axle RGN Lowboy | Standard for most mid-size crushers; overweight permits required |
| 150,000–300,000 lbs | Multi-axle Lowboy (6–8 axle) | Superload permits required; route survey mandatory |
| Over 300,000 lbs | Modular Hydraulic Platform (Goldhofer/Scheuerle) | Disassembly into multiple loads often required |
Loading and Securing a Mobile Crusher
Loading a mobile crusher requires careful preparation:
- Track tension: Verify track tension is correct for loading. Loose tracks can slip during loading onto the lowboy.
- Conveyor and chute positions: All conveyors, discharge chutes, and side extensions must be folded and secured in transport position. Verify all hydraulic locks are engaged.
- Hopper wings: Fold and pin all hopper wings. These are common sources of width violations if not properly secured.
- Tie-down points: Use manufacturer-designated tie-down points. Heavy crushers require 6–10 chains with appropriate working load limits per DOT regulations.
- Weight distribution: Work with the carrier to verify axle weights comply with bridge formula requirements. Improper weight distribution is a common cause of permit violations.
Disassembly for Large Crushers
Primary crushing plants over 100 tonnes often cannot be transported as a single unit due to weight and width restrictions. Common disassembly points include: removing the main conveyor, separating the feeder from the crusher body, and removing the power unit. Each section becomes a separate permitted load. IronHaul coordinates multi-load crusher moves with synchronized dispatch to minimize downtime at the destination site.
IronHaul Logistics has experience moving mobile crushers for quarry operators, mining companies, and equipment dealers nationwide. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or submit a quote request online to get started.
Common questions
What trailer do I need to ship a mobile crusher?
Most mobile crushers require a multi-axle RGN lowboy. Compact crushers (30–50 tonnes) typically need a 3–4 axle lowboy. Mid-size crushers (50–80 tonnes) need a 4–5 axle lowboy. Large primary crushers over 100 tonnes may require modular hydraulic platform trailers and disassembly into multiple loads.
Do mobile crushers require superload permits?
Many do. Crushers weighing over 150,000 lbs or wider than 16 ft qualify as superloads in most states, requiring engineering route surveys and bridge analyses. Processing time for superload permits is typically 1–4 weeks. IronHaul handles all permit coordination.
Does a mobile crusher need to be disassembled for transport?
Compact and mid-size crushers (under 100 tonnes) can usually be transported intact. Large primary crushers over 100 tonnes often need to be partially disassembled — removing conveyors, feeders, and power units — to comply with weight and width limits. IronHaul coordinates multi-load moves for disassembled crushers.
How do I prepare a mobile crusher for transport?
Fold and secure all conveyors, discharge chutes, and hopper wings. Verify all hydraulic locks are engaged. Check track tension. Identify manufacturer-designated tie-down points. Drain fuel to safe transport levels. IronHaul's drivers will perform a pre-load inspection.
How much does it cost to ship a mobile crusher?
Cost depends heavily on the crusher's weight, dimensions, and the distance of the move. Superload permits, route surveys, and multi-axle trailers add significant cost for large crushers. Contact IronHaul at (208) 495-2260 or [email protected] for a precise quote based on your specific crusher model.
Ready to move a machine?
Tell us what you're shipping and where. We quote direct — no bidding wars, no load-board runaround.