How to Ship a Tracked Excavator: Dimensions, Trailers, and Permits
Tracked excavators are among the most commonly shipped pieces of heavy equipment in the US — and among the most frequently misquoted. Weight, width, and height vary significantly between a 20-ton and a 40-ton machine, and the difference determines whether you need a standard lowboy, an RGN, or a multi-axle configuration with escort vehicles. This guide covers everything you need to know before booking transport for a tracked excavator.
Excavator Size Classes and Transport Dimensions
Tracked excavators span a wide range of sizes. For transport planning, the most important specs are operating weight, transport width, and transport height (with boom lowered and bucket tucked).
| Size Class | Operating Weight | Transport Width | Transport Height | Common Models |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini (1–6 ton) | 2,000–13,000 lbs | 4–6 ft | 7–8.5 ft | Cat 301–308, Kubota KX040 |
| Compact (6–12 ton) | 13,000–26,000 lbs | 6–8 ft | 8–9 ft | Cat 308–312, Komatsu PC88 |
| Standard (12–25 ton) | 26,000–55,000 lbs | 8–10 ft | 9–10.5 ft | Cat 320, Komatsu PC200, Hitachi ZX200 |
| Large (25–45 ton) | 55,000–100,000 lbs | 10–12 ft | 10–12 ft | Cat 336, Komatsu PC360, Volvo EC380 |
| Mining (45+ ton) | 100,000+ lbs | 12–16+ ft | 12–15+ ft | Cat 390, Komatsu PC800 |
Important: Always measure your specific machine in transport configuration — boom lowered, stick retracted, bucket tucked, house centered. Aftermarket attachments (GPS antennas, guards, extended buckets) can add width or height beyond manufacturer specs.
Trailer Selection by Excavator Size
- Mini excavators (under 13,000 lbs, under 8 ft wide): Often transported on a standard flatbed or step deck. Some mini excavators fit on a gooseneck trailer for short hauls.
- Compact excavators (13,000–26,000 lbs): Step deck or lowboy. If width is under 8.5 ft, may be legal-load.
- Standard excavators (26,000–55,000 lbs): RGN (Removable Gooseneck) is the standard choice. Drive-on loading via the removable gooseneck simplifies yard pickups. Most standard excavators are 8.5–10 ft wide, requiring oversize permits.
- Large excavators (55,000–100,000 lbs): Heavy-duty RGN with additional axles. Loads over 80,000 lbs GVW require overweight permits in addition to oversize permits. Escort vehicles typically required.
- Mining excavators (100,000+ lbs): Multi-axle specialized trailers. Route surveys, engineering review, and utility coordination required. These are superload moves.
Oversize Permit Requirements
Federal legal thresholds that trigger permit requirements:
- Width: Over 8.5 ft (102 inches) — most standard and large excavators exceed this
- Height: Over 13.5 ft — excavators with tall booms or attachments may exceed this
- Weight: Over 80,000 lbs GVW (tractor + trailer + excavator) — large excavators often exceed this
- Length: Over 53 ft — rarely an issue for excavators alone, but can apply with long trailers
Permits are required in every state the load passes through. Costs range from $50–$400 per state for standard oversize loads. Superloads (over 120,000 lbs or over 14 ft wide) require engineering review and can take 5–10 business days to permit.
Loading and Securing an Excavator
Proper loading is critical for safe transport and avoiding damage:
- Drive the excavator onto the RGN via the removable gooseneck ramp — never lift with chains unless the machine is non-running
- Center the house (upper structure) over the tracks to balance weight
- Lower the boom to its lowest transport position; rest the bucket on the deck or a wooden block
- Secure with a minimum of 4 chains (one per corner) rated for the machine's weight; use binders to eliminate slack
- Verify that no hydraulic lines, hoses, or attachments extend beyond the machine's transport envelope
- Remove or secure any loose items in the cab (buckets, pins, tools)
Cost Factors for Excavator Transport
Excavator shipping costs depend on size, distance, and permit complexity:
- Mini excavator (legal-load, short haul): $500–$1,500
- Standard 20-ton excavator (500 miles, oversize): $2,500–$5,000
- Large 35-ton excavator (500 miles, oversize + escort): $4,000–$8,000
- Mining excavator (superload, 500 miles): $15,000–$50,000+
IronHaul Logistics provides free, accurate quotes for excavator transport nationwide. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or use our online quote form. We handle permits, escorts, and scheduling for machines of all sizes.
Common questions
What trailer do I need to ship a 20-ton excavator?
A 20-ton (40,000 lb) excavator is typically transported on an RGN (Removable Gooseneck) trailer. The removable gooseneck allows the machine to drive on under its own power. Most 20-ton excavators are 8.5–10 ft wide, requiring oversize permits.
How much does it cost to ship a tracked excavator?
Costs vary by machine size and distance. A standard 20-ton excavator moving 500 miles typically costs $2,500–$5,000 including permits. A large 35-ton machine with escort vehicles can run $4,000–$8,000 for the same distance.
Do I need oversize permits to ship an excavator?
Most standard and large excavators (over 8.5 ft wide) require oversize permits in every state on the route. Machines over 80,000 lbs GVW also need overweight permits. IronHaul handles all permit procurement.
How do I measure my excavator for transport?
Measure in transport configuration: boom lowered, stick retracted, bucket tucked, house centered over tracks. Measure width at the widest point (usually the tracks or counterweight). Measure height from the ground to the highest point. Include any aftermarket attachments.
Can IronHaul ship a non-running excavator?
Yes. Non-running excavators are loaded with a crane or forklift rather than driven onto the trailer. IronHaul coordinates loading equipment at the origin and unloading at the destination. Additional fees apply for crane-assisted loading.
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