How to Ship a Portable Crushing Plant: Dimensions, Trailers, and Permits
Portable crushing and screening plants are among the most complex pieces of equipment to transport on public highways. Their large dimensions, significant weight, and multiple fold-down components require careful preparation, specialized trailers, and multi-state oversize permits. This guide covers the key steps to move a portable crusher safely and legally.
Portable Crushing Plant Dimensions and Weight Ranges
Portable crushers and screening plants vary widely in size depending on type (jaw crusher, cone crusher, impact crusher, screening plant) and manufacturer. Typical transport dimensions:
| Plant Type | Transport Weight | Transport Length | Transport Width | Transport Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small jaw crusher (e.g., Metso LT96) | 55,000–80,000 lbs | 40–48 ft | 9–10 ft | 11–13 ft |
| Mid-size cone crusher (e.g., Metso LT200) | 100,000–150,000 lbs | 48–58 ft | 10–12 ft | 12–14 ft |
| Large mobile cone crusher | 150,000–250,000+ lbs | 55–70 ft | 11–14 ft | 13–16 ft |
| Portable screening plant | 40,000–100,000 lbs | 40–55 ft | 9–12 ft | 11–14 ft |
Critical note: These are transport configuration dimensions after all conveyors, hoppers, and platforms have been folded or removed per manufacturer instructions. Always obtain the specific transport dimensions from the manufacturer's transport manual for your exact model.
Equipment Preparation Before Transport
Portable crushers must be converted from their working configuration to their transport configuration before a carrier can load them. This process varies by manufacturer but typically includes:
- Folding or removing the discharge conveyor(s) and side conveyors
- Lowering and securing the feed hopper or removing it entirely
- Removing or folding access platforms, handrails, and walkways
- Clearing all residual aggregate, rock, and debris from the crusher chamber, conveyors, and screens
- Securing all loose tools, spare parts, and accessories
- Checking and topping off all fluid levels (hydraulic oil, engine oil, coolant)
- Retracting and locking all hydraulic cylinders in transport position
Failure to properly prepare the machine can result in components shifting during transport, damage to the equipment, and potential safety hazards on the highway. Always follow the manufacturer's transport preparation checklist.
Trailer Selection for Portable Crusher Transport
The right trailer depends on the plant's weight and dimensions in transport configuration:
- RGN (Removable Gooseneck) Trailer: The preferred choice for tracked portable crushers. The removable gooseneck allows the machine to drive on under its own power (if self-propelled) or be loaded with a forklift or crane. RGN trailers typically handle up to 80,000 lbs on standard configurations.
- Lowboy / Double-Drop Trailer: Used for plants that are too tall for a standard RGN or that require the lowest possible deck height to stay within height limits. Double-drop trailers have a very low center section (as low as 18 inches off the ground).
- Multi-Axle Heavy Haul Trailer: Required for plants over 80,000 lbs. Multi-axle configurations (3-axle, 4-axle, or more) distribute weight across more axles to comply with bridge formula requirements. Some large cone crushers require 5- or 6-axle trailer configurations.
Permit Requirements for Portable Crusher Transport
Virtually all portable crushing plants require oversize and/or overweight permits. Key thresholds:
- Width over 8.5 ft: Oversize permit required in all states. Most portable crushers exceed this threshold.
- Height over 13.5–14 ft (loaded): Oversize permit required. Many crushers in transport configuration exceed this threshold.
- Weight over 80,000 lbs GVW: Overweight permit required. Mid-size and large crushers routinely exceed this threshold.
- Superload (over 254,300 lbs or over 20 ft wide): Requires a 10-business-day state review period, route survey, and often police escort. Large cone crushers may qualify as superloads.
Escort vehicle requirements vary by state but generally: loads over 12–14 ft wide require a rear escort, and loads over 14–16 ft wide require front and rear escorts. Some states require law enforcement escorts for loads over 16 ft wide.
Route Planning for Crusher Transport
Route surveys are essential for portable crusher transport. Key considerations:
- Bridge load ratings along the planned route (critical for heavy crushers)
- Overhead clearance at bridges, overpasses, and utility lines
- Road width and shoulder availability for wide loads
- Turning radius at intersections for long combinations
- State-specific travel time restrictions (many states restrict oversize loads to daylight hours only)
IronHaul Logistics coordinates route surveys and multi-state permit procurement for portable crusher transport. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or use our online quote form to discuss your specific plant and route.
Common questions
Do I need to prepare my portable crusher before the carrier arrives?
Yes. The crusher must be converted from its working configuration to its transport configuration before loading. This includes folding or removing conveyors, hoppers, and platforms, and clearing all residual aggregate from the machine. Follow your manufacturer's transport preparation checklist. Failure to prepare the machine properly can result in loading delays and additional charges.
What type of trailer is used to transport a portable jaw crusher?
Most portable jaw crushers are transported on an RGN (removable gooseneck) trailer, which allows the tracked machine to drive on under its own power. Heavier models may require a multi-axle lowboy or heavy-haul trailer to distribute weight and comply with bridge formula requirements.
Does transporting a portable crusher require an oversize permit?
Yes, virtually always. Most portable crushers exceed legal width (8.5 ft) and many exceed legal height (13.5–14 ft) in transport configuration. Heavier models also exceed the 80,000 lb GVW threshold, requiring an overweight permit. IronHaul handles all permit procurement as part of the booking.
What is a superload and does my crusher qualify?
A superload is a load that exceeds 254,300 lbs gross weight or 20 feet in width (thresholds vary by state). Large mobile cone crushers may qualify as superloads. Superload permits require a 10-business-day state review period, a route survey, and often police escort. Contact IronHaul to determine if your specific plant qualifies.
How much does it cost to transport a portable crushing plant?
Costs vary significantly based on plant size, weight, trailer type, route, and permit complexity. A small jaw crusher on an RGN might run $2,000–$5,000 for a 300-mile haul. A large cone crusher requiring multi-axle transport and superload permits can run $10,000–$30,000+ for the same distance. Contact IronHaul for a firm quote based on your specific plant.
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