How to Ship a Pipe Layer (Sideboom Pipelayer): Dimensions, Permits & Trailer Guide
Pipe layers—also called sideboom pipelayers or sidebooms—are specialized crawler machines used in pipeline construction to lift and lower pipe into trenches. Their side-mounted boom creates unique transport challenges: lowering the boom reduces height but increases overall length, often creating overlength conditions. This guide covers everything you need to know about shipping a sideboom pipelayer safely and legally.
Pipe Layer Dimensions and Weight Ranges
Sideboom pipelayers are built on crawler tractor chassis with a side-mounted boom, hydraulic winches, and extendable counterweights. Weight and dimensions vary significantly by model and capacity:
| Class | Lifting Capacity | Weight Range | Width (transport) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small (utility) | Up to 40,000 lbs | 30,000–50,000 lbs | 8–10 ft | Boom lowered for transport |
| Medium (pipeline) | 40,000–80,000 lbs | 50,000–80,000 lbs | 10–12 ft | May require pilot cars |
| Large (major pipeline) | 80,000–150,000 lbs | 80,000–120,000 lbs | 12–16 ft | Requires route survey |
| Heavy-duty | Over 150,000 lbs | Over 100,000 lbs | 14–18 ft | Superload classification |
The boom is the critical dimension. When lowered for transport, it typically reduces height to within legal limits but may extend the overall transport length by 10–20 feet, creating overlength conditions that require additional permits and routing considerations.
Trailer Selection for Sideboom Pipelayers
Sideboom pipelayers are tracked machines that require specialized trailers:
- RGN (Removable Gooseneck): The industry standard for sideboom transport. The detachable front allows the machine to be driven directly onto the deck, which is essential for these heavy tracked machines. RGN trailers provide the lowest possible deck height, critical for machines with the boom lowered.
- Multi-Axle Lowboy: Required for the largest sidebooms exceeding 100,000 lbs. Multi-axle configurations distribute weight across more axles to stay within per-axle weight limits on bridges and roads.
- Extended-Length Trailers: For machines where the lowered boom creates overlength conditions, extended-length trailers or jeep/booster combinations may be required to keep the overall transport within manageable dimensions.
The Boom Challenge: Height vs. Length Trade-Off
The sideboom's boom creates a fundamental transport trade-off. When the boom is raised, the machine may exceed height limits (13.5 ft). When the boom is lowered, the machine may exceed length limits. Carriers and permit specialists must evaluate which configuration creates fewer permit complications for a given route:
- Boom raised: May require overheight permits and careful routing to avoid low bridges and overpasses
- Boom lowered: May require overlength permits and pilot cars to safely negotiate turns and intersections
- Boom removed: For the largest machines, the boom may be transported as a separate load, eliminating both height and length issues at the cost of additional transport expense
Permit Requirements
Sideboom pipelayers almost always require multiple permits:
- Overweight permit: Required for machines over 80,000 lbs GVW (most medium and large sidebooms)
- Oversize permit: Required for machines over 8.5 ft wide (most sidebooms with boom lowered)
- Overlength permit: Required when the lowered boom extends the overall transport length beyond 75 ft
- Pilot cars: Required for loads over 14 ft wide in most states; may be required for overlength loads as well
Loading and Securement
Loading a sideboom requires an experienced operator and a level surface. Key steps:
- Lower the boom to transport position and lock all hydraulic components
- Remove the RGN gooseneck and position ramps on level ground
- Drive the machine onto the trailer, positioning for optimal weight distribution
- Secure with heavy-duty chains at all designated tie-down points (minimum 4 per DOT requirements)
- Flag the boom if it extends beyond the trailer width or length
- Drain fluids to minimum safe levels
IronHaul Logistics specializes in sideboom pipelayer transport for pipeline contractors, equipment dealers, and auction buyers. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or use our online quote form to get started.
Common questions
What trailer is used to ship a sideboom pipelayer?
Most sideboom pipelayers are shipped on a Removable Gooseneck (RGN) trailer, which allows drive-on loading and provides the lowest possible deck height. The largest machines (over 100,000 lbs) require a multi-axle lowboy.
Does a sideboom pipelayer require an oversize permit?
Almost always yes. Most sidebooms exceed 8.5 ft in width when the boom is lowered for transport, triggering oversize permit requirements. Many also exceed 80,000 lbs, requiring overweight permits. Overlength permits may also be needed if the boom extends the overall transport length.
Can the boom be removed for transport to reduce dimensions?
Yes, for the largest machines, the boom can be removed and transported as a separate load. This eliminates both height and length issues but adds transport cost. IronHaul can coordinate multi-piece moves for large sidebooms.
What industries use sideboom pipelayers?
Sideboom pipelayers are used primarily in oil and gas pipeline construction, water and sewer main installation, and large-scale utility infrastructure projects. They are common in the Permian Basin, Gulf Coast, and Midwest pipeline corridors.
How much does it cost to ship a sideboom pipelayer?
Sideboom transport costs vary significantly based on machine size, distance, and permit complexity. Rates typically range from $3.00 to $8.00 per loaded mile for large machines with pilot car requirements. Contact IronHaul at (208) 495-2260 for an exact quote.
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