Shipping Hydraulic Excavator Attachments: Grapples, Shears, Breakers & Thumbs

Common Excavator Attachment Types and Their Transport Weights

Excavator attachments vary enormously in size and weight depending on the host machine class they are designed for. Here are the most commonly shipped attachment types:

Hydraulic Breakers (Hammers)

• Mini class (1–6 ton excavators): 200–800 lbs
• Mid-size class (20–50 ton excavators): 2,000–8,000 lbs
• Large class (50–100 ton excavators): 8,000–20,000 lbs
• Transport: Most breakers ship on flatbed trailers or in enclosed trailers. Large breakers may require a step-deck or lowboy.

Demolition Shears

• Mid-size class: 3,000–12,000 lbs
• Large class: 12,000–30,000 lbs
• Transport: Demolition shears are bulky and awkward to load due to their jaw configuration. They typically ship on flatbed or step-deck trailers, often requiring blocking and cribbing to stabilize the jaw in a safe position.

Hydraulic Grapples

• Mid-size class: 1,500–6,000 lbs
• Large class: 6,000–15,000 lbs
• Transport: Grapples ship on flatbed or step-deck trailers. The tines must be secured in a closed position to prevent movement during transit.

Excavator Thumbs

• Weight: 500–3,000 lbs depending on size
• Transport: Thumbs are typically shipped on flatbed trailers or in enclosed trailers. They are relatively easy to transport but must be secured to prevent rolling or shifting.

Compaction Wheels

• Weight: 2,000–8,000 lbs
• Transport: Compaction wheels ship on flatbed trailers. They must be blocked to prevent rolling during transit.

Trailer Selection for Attachment Transport

Flatbed Trailer

The most common choice for individual attachments under 48,000 lbs that fit within legal dimensions. Attachments are typically loaded with a forklift or crane and secured with chains and straps. Multiple attachments can often be consolidated on a single flatbed to reduce shipping costs.

Step-Deck Trailer

Used for taller attachments (large breakers, large shears) that would exceed height limits on a flatbed. The lower rear deck provides additional height clearance.

Lowboy / RGN Trailer

Required for very large attachments (over 30,000 lbs or over 13.5 ft tall when loaded on a flatbed). Also used when the attachment must be loaded from ground level due to its configuration.

Enclosed Trailer or Van

For high-value attachments (new or recently rebuilt) that require protection from weather and road debris, an enclosed trailer provides the best protection. This is common for new hydraulic breakers and precision attachments.

Securement Requirements for Attachments

Federal cargo securement rules (49 CFR Part 393) apply to all attachment shipments. Key requirements:

• Attachments must be secured with chains, straps, or a combination rated for the attachment's weight.
• Hydraulic cylinders and hoses must be protected from chain contact — use rubber padding or chain sleeves where chains contact hydraulic components.
• Jaw-type attachments (shears, grapples) must have jaws secured in a closed position with chains or blocking to prevent opening during transit.
• Breaker chisels must be secured to prevent rotation or movement.
• All attachments must be blocked or cribbed to prevent rolling or shifting on the trailer deck.

Consolidating Multiple Attachments

If you need to ship multiple attachments, consolidating them on a single trailer is almost always more cost-effective than shipping each separately. A standard 48-foot flatbed can typically accommodate:

• 2–4 mid-size breakers or grapples
• 1 large shear plus 2–3 smaller attachments
• Multiple thumbs and compaction wheels

Provide the carrier with the weight and dimensions of all attachments so they can plan the load configuration and verify the combined weight is within trailer capacity.

Cost Factors for Attachment Transport

• Single attachment (flatbed): $300–$800 minimum charge for short hauls; $2.50–$4.00 per loaded mile for longer distances.
• Consolidated load (multiple attachments): More cost-effective per attachment; rates depend on total weight and distance.
• Crane loading: If a forklift is not available at the origin, crane loading adds $200–$500.
• Enclosed trailer premium: 20–40% above flatbed rates for weather-protected transport.

IronHaul Logistics ships hydraulic excavator attachments of all types — breakers, shears, grapples, thumbs, and compaction wheels — on flatbed, step-deck, and lowboy trailers. We can consolidate multiple attachments on a single load to reduce your shipping costs. Request a free quote at ironhaullogistics.com, call (208) 495-2260, or email [email protected].