How do you transport construction equipment?

Construction sites require heavy machinery and equipment to complete various tasks from excavation, demolition to material handling and more. This equipment needs to be transported from one location to another during different phases of construction Canada Car Service. Proper transportation of construction equipment is essential to ensure safe delivery and avoid any damage during transit. In this article, we discuss the different methods used to transport common types of construction equipment as well as few tips to transport them safely and efficiently.

Transport by truck

Transporting construction equipment by truck is one of the most common methods used in the industry. Nearly all kinds of heavy equipment including excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, compactors, graders etc. are transported over the road using specialized trucks.

Lowboy trailers

Lowboy trailers are specifically designed to haul heavy equipment. They have a very low platform close to the ground for easy loading and unloading of equipment. The platform can extend on both sides to provide a wider base of support. Chains or straps are used to securely fasten the equipment on the trailer during transit.

Step deck trailers

Step deck trailers have multiple loading platforms at different heights to accommodate equipment of varying sizes. Equipment is driven or hoisted directly onto the trailer platforms. They are suitable for transporting smaller equipment like skid steer loaders, backhoes, trenchers, mini excavators etc.

Dual tilt trailers

Dual tilt trailers have two independently tilting front sections that can be lowered for simple drive-on, drive-off loading and unloading. Their hydraulically operated tilt decks make it convenient to transport heavy tracked dozers, excavators, wheel loaders and other self-propelled equipment.

Transport by rail

Rail transport is best suited for moving large volumes of heavy equipment over long distances of hundreds to thousands of miles. Rail cars or flatcars equipped with steel anchor rings are used to haul equipment by rail.

Flatcars

Standard flatcars with sturdy decks can haul a variety of construction machinery including bulldozers, excavators, trenchers, backhoes, scrapers, compactors, asphalt pavers etc. Equipment is loaded onto flatcars using mobile cranes and securely fastened.

Specialized bulkhead flatcars

Bulkhead flatcars have steel barriers or bulkheads at both ends to prevent equipment from sliding off during transit. They are suitable for transporting self-propelled equipment like wheel loaders, graders, rollers and other machines.

Transport by ship

Overseas or international transportation of construction equipment is mostly done via marine vessels. Roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ships or barges are commonly used.

Ro-Ro ships

Ro-Ro ships have ramps that allow wheeled equipment like heavy trucks, excavators, bulldozers, loaders etc. to be easily rolled on and off. They are driven onto the main deck of the vessel for ocean transport Canada Car Service.

Ocean-going barges

Large ocean-going barges with heavy lift capabilities are ideal for transporting very heavy machinery across international waters. Equipment is loaded onto the barge decks using shore-based cranes and secured with lashings for the ocean voyage.

Break-bulk cargo ships

Break-bulk cargo ships with multiple cargo holds can transport a variety of equipment including cranes, drilling rigs, asphalt plants etc. Lifting gears and slings are used to hoist equipment into the ship holds.

Transport by aircraft

While not a common mode, transporting small to medium-sized equipment by aircraft becomes necessary in certain situations like disaster relief efforts or work in remote regions with lack of road/rail infrastructure. Here are some aircraft types used:

Helicopters

Helicopters are very well suited for lifting and flying smaller equipment like excavators, trenchers, compactors to worksites not accessible by other means. Equipment is slung below or within the helicopter cargo hold.

Commercial cargo planes

Small to mid-sized commercial cargo planes can accommodate backhoes, skid steers, trenchers, pavement rollers, mixers etc. by removing seats and securing equipment in the main cabin.

Military transport planes

Large military transport planes are deployed for global disaster/relief works. They have capacity to airlift bulldozers, excavators, wheel loaders and equipment essential for rescue/rehabilitation work.

Safety tips for equipment transport

Following a few safety protocols is important when transporting construction machinery to prevent accidents and equipment damage.

• Ensure equipment is properly prepared for transport – fluids drained/fluids/fuel topped up, loose parts secured, glass/lights covered
• Use equipment-specific securement points like lashing rings for chain/strap attachments while loading
• Inspect all lifting gears, chains/straps regularly and replace if worn
• Use adequate number of restraints based on equipment size and weight distribution
• Chock wheels and lower equipment safely using outriggers/supports during loading-unloading
• Load heavy equipment at the bottom and balance weight distribution on truck/trailer
• Respect legal height, width and weight limits applicable for road transport
• Use flashing hazard lights, reflectors during transport for increased visibility
• Secure and cover equipment properly before transit to prevent cargo shift
• Check local permits for oversized loads and plan transportation during non-peak hours

Proper planning coupled with compliance to equipment loading-unloading and securement standards can ensure incident-free transportation of valuable construction machinery to worksites. This helps avoid delays and associated costs in construction project schedules Canada Car Service.

How do you transport heavy equipment?

Heavier equipment pieces like cranes, drill rigs, pavers, concrete pump trucks etc. require additional considerations for safe and compliant transportation. Here are some tips:

Disassembly

Very large or heavy equipment may need to be disassembled into sub-assemblies or modules for transportation. This breaks them down into manageable pieces that can then be transported separately.

Special trailers

• Lowboy trailers with extra long platforms and additional axles can haul heavy duty equipment.
• Extendible/sliding axle trailers increase footprint for stability when equipment is loaded.
• Modular trailers allow dividing equipment across multiple independent loading platforms.

Lifting and anchors

• Mobile cranes are essential for loading-offloading bulky heavy machinery.
• Lifting lugs/pads and dedicated lifting points on equipment must be identified and utilized.
• Robust hardened steel D-rings, panels or anchors on trailer/flatcar distribute lifting/tying loads.

Outriggers and supports

• Hydraulic outriggers are engaged when lifting/transporting equipment to stabilize cranes.
• Temporary structural metal supports should be installed under equipment for secure stacking.

Pilot and escort vehicles

Permits may require pilot cars to lead/follow oversized equipment loads, especially on highways.

• Pilot vehicles alert traffic to slow/stop and navigate turns/obstacles.
• Police escorts provide additional visibility and traffic control when loads are extremely heavy.

Planning for infrastructure clearance

Check highway/rail/marine transport routes for vertical/horizontal clearances constraints like bridges, tunnels, overhead lines that could impact equipment dimensions during transit. Opt for alternative routes if needed.

Adhering to such best practices allows for compliant and trouble-free transportation of some of the largest equipment and machinery used at industrial construction sites. It prevents accidents and damage that can delay projects.

Canada Car Service – Parting Words

Construction equipment transportation involves selecting suitable modes like truck, rail, sea or air and applying specialized techniques depending on load size and project requirements. Ensuring the construction machinery reaches sites intact through proper planning, approved transport methods and compliance to safety standards is critical.

This eliminates downtime, repairs and associated cost penalties. With the insights covered, contractors and logistics teams can confidently arrange for expedited, compliant delivery of equipment locally as well as globally. Efficient and incident-free transportation plays a key role in completing construction projects successfully on schedule and within budget.