These equipment are considered heavy and oversized loads, and conventional transportation methods are inefficient and unsafe. After identifying and acquiring your preferred skidder type, it’s important to ensure it’s safely hauled and delivered on time.
Legal regulations govern shipping heavy and oversized equipment, which only an experienced and licensed professional can navigate. Without such expert haulers, safely shipping a skidder is nearly impossible.
Because of their size, weight, and complex design, only open-deck trailers, such as RGN, Flatbed, Step Deck, and Lowboy trailers, are suitable for shipping securely. When shipping a skidder:
- Conduct a documented risk assessment
This helps ensure you understand and can handle any risky situation.
- Determine the characteristics of your skidder
Assess your equipment and determine its weight, size, and design for compliance with DOT regulations and maximized hauling safety.
- Inspect your Truck or Trailer
The shipping company usually does this to pick the right trailer with enough power to haul your skidder safely.
- Ensure the loading area is secure
When loading your skidder, the experts ensure the trailer and loading area are clean and free of obstacles, with enough loading space.
- Secure your skidder on the trailer deck
Secure your machine on the trailer deck using the correct gadgets like straps, chains, binders, and anchors. Also, ensure all the equipment components, such as covers, tailgates, and articulation points, are secured, and lock all doors.
- Get the required permits and document
Finally, verify all the safety measures before moving your equipment and confirm you have all the required legal documents.
Skidders are versatile equipment that requires proper and safe handling. While they are commonly used in forestry, especially logging, they can also be used in other work sites, such as mining and construction, where heavy loads must be moved. When shipping a skidder, consider the reliable, licensed, and proven services of Heavy Haulers, which has over a decade of experience.