Category Archives: Heavy Hauling

Safety Tips for Heavy Equipment Transport

Heavy equipment transport can be a challenging task, and it is essential to prioritize safety during the process. Whether you are moving construction equipment, industrial machinery, or agricultural machinery, there are several precautions you should take to ensure that your equipment arrives safely at its destination. In this blog post, we will discuss some critical safety tips for heavy equipment transport.

  1. Proper Planning and Preparation Before transporting any heavy equipment, it is essential to have a plan in place. You should consider factors such as the size of the equipment, the distance to be covered, and the route to be taken. Make sure that the equipment is properly secured and all moving parts are immobilized to avoid damage during transportation. Additionally, make sure to have all necessary permits and licenses in place, as well as any required escorts or support vehicles.
  2. Select the Right Transport Vehicle Choosing the right transport vehicle is crucial to ensure that the equipment is safely transported. The vehicle should be able to handle the weight and size of the equipment, and the driver should be experienced in handling heavy loads. It is also essential to ensure that the vehicle is properly maintained and that all safety features are in good working condition.
  3. Use Appropriate Tie-Downs and Straps Properly securing the equipment with appropriate tie-downs and straps is critical to avoid shifting or movement during transport. The tie-downs and straps should be in good condition and should be designed for the specific type of equipment being transported. Additionally, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for securing the equipment.
  4. Inspect the Equipment Before Transport Before transporting heavy equipment, it is essential to conduct a thorough inspection to identify any potential issues. This includes checking for leaks, loose bolts or nuts, and any other potential hazards. If any issues are identified, they should be addressed before transporting the equipment.
  5. Follow Traffic Laws and Regulations When transporting heavy equipment, it is crucial to follow all traffic laws and regulations. This includes obeying speed limits, using appropriate signals, and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles. Additionally, make sure to follow any specific regulations or requirements for transporting heavy equipment in your area.

In conclusion, heavy equipment transport requires careful planning, preparation, and attention to safety. By following these critical safety tips, you can ensure that your equipment arrives safely at its destination without incident. Remember, safety should always be the top priority when transporting heavy equipment.

Buying a trailer for hauling your heavy equipment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

A trailer is an unpowered vehicle towed by a powered vehicle. It is commonly used for the transport of goods and materials. There are different types of trailers for carrying equipment. The choice of trailer depends on the size and weight of the heavy equipment. While selecting the trailer one should also consider the purpose, type, brand, price, future maintenance and quick availability of replacement parts.

Hauling of heavy vehicles such as cars, trucks, bulldozers, excavators, and heavy equipment is not an easy task. It is necessary to choose the right type of trailer with a proper payload capacity. It requires careful planning and execution in order to be successful. If care is not taken then it will lead to accidents and loss of heavy equipment.

 

A special type of trailer called as Lowboy trailer (LT) is used in securing of heavy equipment. It is a low bed trailer or a semi trailer that has two height drops in the deck and sits very low to the ground. According to Entertainment Transportation Network Inc, a lowboy or double-drop trailer refers to a type of flatbed trailer that has a well or middle section that is of lower height. They are very low and flatter and, are legally allowed to carry load upto 12 ft in height. They are also called as Heavy Haul Trailers since carry bulldozers, industrial machines and other hefty material. They are popular in Canada, South Africa and Australia.

 

Lowboy trailer comes in several types for a wide range of tasks such as the Fixed Gooseneck (FGN), Hydraulic detachable gooseneck (HRGN), Mechanical detachable gooseneck (MRGN) and mechanical folding gooseneck (MFGN). Among these the HRGN is the fastest and easiest to detach and is most common and versatile of lowboy trailers. Thus, choosing from different types of lowboy trailers may be helpful for hauling heavy equipments. Some additional things may be also considered while purchasing a LT, such as the electronic brake controller, spare tires and tire carrier, lighting accessories, proper hitch hardware, trailer ball, taillight protector, trailer utility rack, ball mount, pin, clip, and coupler lock, and receiver tube.

 

Only trained and experienced drivers should secure load safely and operate the hauling of equipment. The load should not exceed the trailer or the truck capacity. The load should be secured and distributed properly over the trailer before it leaves the place. In US, securing of heavy equipment falls under the regulatory requirements of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) when transporting across the borders. Hence, one needs to be familiar with regulatory requirements to allow smooth transport of the equipment.

 

Overall LTs are expensive and only fit to carry heavy cargo material. Hence rather than purchasing a new one, one can even buy a used LT. The price range for used LT is based on year of manufacture, make, size type and general condition. One should choose the right type of trailer to save money and time. It will make reliable business and lead to less of frustration in future.