Rough Terrain Crane Transport Guide: How to Ship an RT Crane

What Is a Rough Terrain Crane?

A rough terrain crane is a mobile crane mounted on a rugged, all-terrain carrier with large pneumatic tires. Unlike truck-mounted cranes, RT cranes are not road-legal and must be transported on trailers. They are commonly used on construction sites, industrial facilities, and remote locations where conventional cranes cannot access. Major manufacturers include Grove (Manitowoc), Terex, Link-Belt, Tadano, and Liebherr.

Typical Dimensions and Weights

Crane Class	Lifting Capacity	Operating Weight	Transport Width	Transport Height	Transport Length
Small (30–50 ton)	60,000–100,000 lbs	40,000–80,000 lbs	8–10 ft	11–13 ft	35–45 ft
Mid-Size (60–100 ton)	120,000–200,000 lbs	80,000–150,000 lbs	10–12 ft	12–14 ft	40–55 ft
Large (120–160 ton)	240,000–320,000 lbs	150,000–250,000 lbs	11–13 ft	13–15 ft	45–60 ft

Example: A Link-Belt 110 RT has a transport length of 47.64 ft, transport width of 11.52 ft, and transport height of 13.33 ft. Always verify specs for your specific model.

Boom and Counterweight Removal

Most RT crane transports require partial disassembly to meet legal dimension limits:

• Boom sections: The main boom and any jib extensions are removed and transported on separate flatbed or step-deck trailers. Boom sections can be 30–60 ft long and require careful blocking and securing.
• Counterweights: Heavy counterweight slabs are often removed to reduce axle weights. These are transported on a separate flatbed trailer.
• Hook block and rigging: Always removed and secured separately for transport.
• Outrigger pads: Large outrigger pads may be removed and transported separately if they add excessive width.

Trailer Selection

The crane carrier (without boom) typically rides on a lowboy or RGN trailer. Key considerations:

• RGN (Removable Gooseneck): Preferred for RT cranes; the detachable front allows the crane to drive onto the trailer under its own power, eliminating the need for a separate loading crane
• Lowboy / Double Drop: Alternative to RGN; requires a crane or forklift to load the machine
• Multi-axle configurations: Heavy RT cranes (150,000+ lbs) may require 3–5 axle lowboys or specialized multi-axle trailers to distribute weight within legal axle limits

Permit Requirements

RT crane transports almost always require oversize/overweight permits. Federal thresholds:

• GVW over 80,000 lbs — most mid-size and large RT cranes exceed this
• Width over 8.5 ft — most RT cranes exceed this in transport configuration
• Height over 13.5 ft — many RT cranes approach or exceed this

Loads over 14 ft wide require two pilot cars in most states. Loads over 16 ft wide may require police escort. Very heavy RT cranes (over 150,000 lbs) may qualify as superloads, requiring engineering route surveys and 10+ day permit lead times.

Loading and Unloading Considerations

• RT cranes can typically drive onto RGN trailers under their own power, simplifying loading
• Ensure the loading area is level and firm enough to support the crane's weight during loading
• Hydraulic outriggers must be fully retracted and locked before transport
• Tire pressure should be checked and adjusted per manufacturer specs for transport
• All fluid levels (hydraulic, engine oil, coolant) should be checked before loading

Cost Factors for RT Crane Transport

• Base transport rate: $3.50–$7.00 per mile for the crane carrier on an RGN or lowboy
• Separate trailers for boom sections and counterweights: $2.00–$4.00 per mile each
• Disassembly/reassembly labor: $500–$3,000 per end depending on crane size
• Permits: $300–$1,200 total depending on states and load dimensions
• Pilot cars: $150–$400/day per escort vehicle (typically 2 required)

Get a Quote from IronHaul Logistics

IronHaul Logistics has experience coordinating rough terrain crane transports across the country. We handle multi-trailer coordination, disassembly logistics, and multi-state permit procurement. Call us at (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or fill out our online quote form to get started.