How to Ship a Pipelayer (Sideboom): Transport Guide
Pipelayers — also called sidebooms — are specialized crawler-mounted machines designed to lift and lay large-diameter pipe in trenches. Their combination of significant weight (30,000 to over 100,000 lbs), wide stance, and boom configuration makes them one of the more complex pieces of equipment to transport. Nearly every pipelayer move qualifies as an oversize load, requiring RGN trailers, state permits, and often pilot car escorts.
Pipelayer Dimensions and Weight Ranges
Pipelayers vary significantly in size depending on the model and manufacturer. Understanding your machine's specifications before requesting a transport quote is essential for accurate pricing and permit planning:
| Size Class | Typical Weight | Approximate Width | Approximate Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (e.g., Cat 561) | 30,000–45,000 lbs | 9–10 ft | 9–10 ft |
| Mid-size (e.g., Cat 572) | 55,000–65,000 lbs | 10–11 ft | 10–11 ft |
| Large (e.g., Cat 589) | 90,000–110,000 lbs | 11–13 ft | 11–12 ft |
The Caterpillar 572, one of the most commonly transported pipelayer models, has an operating weight of approximately 61,300 lbs and measures roughly 16 feet in length, 11 feet in width, and 11 feet in height. Even with the boom lowered for transport, most pipelayers exceed the standard 8'6" legal width limit, triggering oversize permit requirements in every state traversed.
Trailer Requirements for Pipelayer Transport
Standard flatbed trailers are not suitable for pipelayer transport. The correct trailer depends on the machine's weight and whether it can be driven onto the trailer:
- Removable Gooseneck (RGN) — Standard Choice: The RGN's detachable front end drops to ground level, creating a ramp that allows the pipelayer to drive directly onto the deck using its own tracks. This eliminates the need for crane-assisted loading in most cases. For machines over 80,000 lbs, a multi-axle RGN (4–6 axles) is required to distribute weight within federal bridge formula limits.
- Extended-Length RGN: When the boom is lowered for height compliance, the overall length of the load often increases significantly. Extended-length RGN trailers (up to 53 feet of deck) accommodate these longer configurations.
- Lowboy (for lighter models): Smaller pipelayers under 50,000 lbs may ship on a standard lowboy, though the drive-on capability of an RGN is generally preferred for tracked equipment.
Boom Configuration for Transport
The boom position during transport is a critical decision that affects both height and length compliance:
- Boom raised/vertical: Reduces overall length but increases height — often exceeds the 13'6" interstate limit, requiring a height permit.
- Boom lowered/horizontal: Reduces height but increases overall length — may require an overlength permit if the load exceeds 53 feet.
- Boom removed: Some operators remove the boom entirely for long-distance transport, shipping it separately on a flatbed. This adds cost but simplifies permitting for the main machine.
Your carrier's route planning team will advise on the optimal boom configuration based on the specific route and state permit requirements.
Permit Requirements
Because pipelayers almost universally exceed legal width limits, oversize permits are required in every state along the transport route. Key permit thresholds:
- Width over 8'6": Oversize permit required in all states
- Height over 13'6": Height permit required; route must be cleared for bridge clearances
- Weight over 80,000 lbs GVW: Overweight permit required; axle spacing must comply with federal bridge formula
- Weight over 150,000 lbs: Superload permit required in most states; engineering review may be needed
Pilot cars (escort vehicles) are required when load width exceeds 12 feet in most states, and when height exceeds 14 feet in many states. Some states require both a front and rear escort for very wide or very tall loads.
Loading and Securing a Pipelayer
Proper loading and securement is critical for safe transport:
- Drive the machine onto the RGN deck using its own tracks — never use a crane unless the machine is inoperable
- Center the machine on the deck to distribute weight evenly across axles
- Secure using manufacturer-designated tie-down points — typically four minimum, per DOT regulations
- Lock the swing function and secure the boom in the transport position
- Drain excess hydraulic fluid if required by the carrier for weight compliance
- Photograph the machine from all four sides before transport for condition documentation
IronHaul Logistics has experience transporting pipelayers and sidebooms for pipeline contractors, equipment dealers, and auction buyers nationwide. Our team handles permit acquisition, route planning, and carrier coordination for every move. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or request a quote online to get started.
Common questions
What trailer do I need to ship a pipelayer?
Pipelayers almost always require a Removable Gooseneck (RGN) trailer, which allows the machine to drive onto the deck using its own tracks. For machines over 80,000 lbs, a multi-axle RGN (4–6 axles) is needed to comply with federal bridge weight formulas.
How much does a pipelayer weigh for transport purposes?
Pipelayer weights range from approximately 30,000 lbs for small models to over 100,000 lbs for large units like the Caterpillar 589. The Cat 572, one of the most common models, weighs approximately 61,300 lbs operating weight.
Do I need permits to ship a pipelayer?
Yes — virtually every pipelayer move requires oversize permits because these machines exceed the standard 8'6" legal width limit. Permits are required in each state along the route. Pilot car escorts are typically required when width exceeds 12 feet.
Should the boom be up or down during transport?
It depends on the route. Lowering the boom reduces height but increases length; raising it reduces length but increases height. Your carrier's route planning team will advise on the optimal configuration based on bridge clearances and permit requirements along the specific route.
Can a pipelayer be shipped across multiple states?
Yes. Multi-state pipelayer moves are common for pipeline construction projects. Your carrier obtains permits in each state along the route. Transit times vary based on the number of states, permit processing times, and any travel-hour restrictions for oversize loads.
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