How to Ship a Water Well Drill Rig: Transport Guide

Water Well Drill Rig Types and Transport Configurations

Water well drill rigs come in two primary configurations, each with different transport requirements:

Crawler-Mounted Drill Rigs

Crawler-mounted rigs are self-propelled on tracks and must be loaded onto a trailer for road transport. These units range from compact rigs capable of drilling to 200–300 meters (weighing 5.5–8 tons) to large-capacity rigs for 600–700 meter depths (weighing 10–12 tons). Dimensions vary widely, but typical transport configurations are:

• Width: 6–8 ft (tracks may extend to 8.5 ft or wider on large units)
• Height (mast down): 8–12 ft depending on mast folding configuration
• Length: 20–35 ft in transport position
• Weight: 11,000–25,000 lbs for most crawler-mounted units

Truck-Mounted Drill Rigs

Truck-mounted rigs are built on commercial truck chassis (typically 6x4, 6x6, or 8x4 configurations) and can drive under their own power. However, they often exceed legal height limits when the mast is in transport position, requiring oversize permits. Key transport considerations:

• Width: Typically 8–9 ft (may require permit if over 8.5 ft)
• Height (mast down): 12–16 ft depending on mast folding design — most require oversize height permits
• Length: 30–50 ft in transport configuration
• Weight: 40,000–80,000 lbs GVW for large truck-mounted units

Mast-Down Transport: The Critical Step

The most important preparation step for drill rig transport is properly lowering and securing the mast assembly. Most modern rigs use hydraulic systems to fold or lower the mast for transport, but the specific procedure varies by manufacturer and model. Key considerations:

• Confirm the mast is fully lowered and locked in transport position before loading
• Remove or secure all drill rods, casing, and accessories that could shift during transport
• Drain or secure mud pumps and water tanks to prevent fluid shifts that affect load stability
• Retract all hydraulic outriggers and leveling jacks to their transport positions
• Verify the transport height with the mast down — this determines whether an oversize height permit is required

Trailer Selection for Drill Rig Transport

Rig Type	Recommended Trailer	Why
Small crawler rig (under 20,000 lbs)	Step-deck or lowboy	Low deck height accommodates mast-down height; step-deck sufficient for lighter units
Large crawler rig (20,000–50,000 lbs)	Lowboy or RGN	Low deck height essential; RGN allows rig to drive on under its own power if tracks are functional
Truck-mounted rig (self-propelled)	Self-drive with oversize permits	Drives under own power; requires height and possibly width permits; escort vehicles may be required
Large truck-mounted rig (over 80,000 lbs GVW)	Escort convoy or multi-axle support	May require additional axle support for bridge formula compliance

Permit Requirements for Drill Rig Transport

Most drill rigs require oversize permits due to height (mast-down configurations often exceed 13.5 ft) or weight. Key permit thresholds:

• Width over 8.5 ft: Oversize width permit required in all states
• Height over 13.5 ft: Oversize height permit required; some states require route surveys for loads over 15 ft tall
• GVW over 80,000 lbs: Overweight permit required; axle weight distribution must comply with bridge formula
• Length over 53 ft (trailer): Oversize length permit required

Remote Site Delivery Considerations

Water well drill rigs are often delivered to remote rural locations with limited road access. Key considerations for remote delivery:

• Confirm road surface and weight capacity for the delivery route — county roads and farm roads may have lower weight limits than state highways
• Verify overhead clearances on rural roads, particularly for truck-mounted rigs with tall mast-down profiles
• Arrange for a suitable unloading area — crawler rigs need a firm, level surface to drive off the trailer
• Confirm whether a crane or forklift is available at the delivery site if the rig cannot self-unload

Tie-Down and Securement Requirements

Drill rigs must be secured in compliance with FMCSA cargo securement regulations (49 CFR Part 393). Key requirements:

• Minimum of 4 tie-down chains or straps for crawler-mounted rigs, positioned at front and rear of the machine
• Working load limit (WLL) of tie-downs must equal at least 50% of the cargo weight
• Chains must be attached to designated tie-down points on the rig frame — never to hydraulic lines, cylinders, or mast components
• Blocking and cribbing may be required under the rig to prevent lateral movement on the trailer deck

IronHaul Logistics specializes in drill rig transport nationwide. Our team handles all permit applications, escort coordination, and remote site delivery planning. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or submit our online quote form with your rig's make, model, and dimensions for a same-day rate.