How to Ship a Wood Chipper or Tub Grinder: Dimensions, Trailers, and Costs

Wood Chipper and Tub Grinder Weight and Dimension Ranges

Understanding your machine's class is the first step in planning transport:

Always obtain the exact transport dimensions from the manufacturer's spec sheet. The infeed chute, discharge spout, and any attached conveyors are the most common sources of oversize measurements.

Critical Pre-Transport Preparation: The Infeed Chute

The infeed chute is the most important preparation item for wood chipper transport. Most commercial chippers have a chute that folds down or retracts for transport — but it must be mechanically pinned in the transport position, not just lowered hydraulically. Here's why this matters:

• Hydraulic bleed-down: Hydraulic pressure bleeds down over time, especially on long hauls. A chute held up only by hydraulic pressure can drop during transit, creating a hazard and potentially damaging the machine or trailer.
• Width and height impact: An unfolded infeed chute can add 2-4 feet to the machine's width or height, pushing a legal-dimension load into oversize territory and triggering permit requirements.
• Carrier liability: If the chute drops during transit because it wasn't properly pinned, the shipper may bear responsibility for any resulting damage.

Before the carrier arrives, fold the chute to its transport position and insert the mechanical locking pin. If you're unsure how to do this, consult the operator's manual or contact the manufacturer.

Additional Pre-Transport Preparation

• Cutting drum brake: Engage the cutting drum's brake or lock to prevent the flywheel from rotating during transit. A spinning flywheel can damage bearings and create a safety hazard.
• Cleanliness: Remove wood chips, bark, and sap from the machine. Accumulated debris adds unnecessary weight and can create a debris hazard on the highway.
• Discharge spout: Fold or remove the discharge spout if it extends beyond the machine's transport envelope.
• Fuel: Most carriers require fuel tanks to be no more than one-quarter full for transport. Check with your carrier for their specific requirements.
• Documentation: Have the machine's make, model, serial number, operating weight, and transport dimensions ready for the carrier.

Trailer Selection for Wood Chippers and Tub Grinders

• Flatbed (48 or 53 ft): Suitable for compact and mid-size chippers under 8.5 ft wide and under 13.5 ft tall (loaded height including trailer deck). The flatbed deck sits approximately 54 inches off the ground.
• Step-Deck (Drop Deck): The lower rear deck (approximately 36-38 inches off the ground) provides 12-18 inches of additional height clearance. Good for commercial chippers in the 12,000-30,000 lb class that are approaching height limits on a flatbed.
• RGN / Lowboy (multi-axle): Required for large whole-tree chippers and tub grinders over 30,000 lbs or over 10 ft wide. The low deck height (18-24 inches) keeps tall machines within height limits, and the multi-axle configuration distributes weight to comply with bridge formulas.

Tie-Down Requirements

Federal regulations (49 CFR Part 393) require:

• Machines over 10,000 lbs: minimum four tie-downs at manufacturer-designated attachment points
• Machines under 10,000 lbs: minimum two tie-downs, though four is standard practice
• Use manufacturer-designated attachment points — never chain to hydraulic lines, cylinders, or the infeed chute
• Inspect the load after the first 50 miles and every 150 miles or 3 hours thereafter

Permit Requirements

Permit requirements depend on the loaded dimensions:

• Width over 8.5 ft: Requires an oversize permit in all states. Large tub grinders and whole-tree chippers frequently exceed this threshold.
• Height over 13.5 ft (loaded): Requires an oversize permit. A large chipper on a flatbed (deck height approximately 54 inches) with a machine height of 12 ft results in a loaded height of approximately 16 ft — well into oversize territory.
• Weight over 80,000 lbs GVW: Requires an overweight permit. Large tub grinders can approach or exceed this threshold when combined with the tractor and trailer weight.

Cost Factors for Wood Chipper and Tub Grinder Transport

• Machine size: A compact towable chipper ships for $300-$800 on a regional move. A large tub grinder requiring a multi-axle RGN and oversize permits can cost $3,000-$8,000 for a cross-country move.
• Permit complexity: Wide or tall loads requiring permits and pilot cars add $500-$2,000 to the base rate depending on the number of states and load dimensions.
• Loading assistance: If the machine is not self-propelled and requires a forklift or crane to load, coordinate this with the carrier in advance.

Get a Quote for Your Wood Chipper or Tub Grinder Shipment

IronHaul Logistics ships wood chippers and tub grinders of all sizes nationwide. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or use our online quote form. Have the make, model, operating weight, and transport dimensions (with the infeed chute folded) ready for the most accurate quote.