Hauling large construction equipment is not as easy as it seems, with all the safety precautions required. It’s a difficult process that requires a lot of precision. For you to safely haul your large construction equipment, you have to be aware of its special needs and a lot of other things like the right size and type of trailer to carry the equipment in.
If done wrongly, hauling large equipment can result in injuries ranging from simple sprains to permanent disabilities. So, you must know how to do it properly. Here are a few tips for hauling large construction equipment:
1. Secure The Load
One of the most important things you should do when hauling heavy equipment is to secure the equipment once you’ve put it in your chosen vehicle. Failure to secure your equipment is very risky, as it can cause accidents.
Make sure to remove any parts that may be loose and have the possibility of falling over while the equipment is being hauled. You should make sure the equipment is strapped in well and that there are no chances of it letting loose and causing damage or injury to you or others while in transit. This is especially true if you’re hauling your equipment with cranes.
2. Choose The Right Vehicle or Trailer
You should consider the weight and size of your equipment for you to choose the right vehicle and trailer to haul it. If you’re looking to haul very heavy equipment, then you might want to consider using a pallet truck. It saves you the trouble of lifting your equipment too high, which is dangerous. If you want to haul tall equipment, you have to be careful to pick a trailer that won’t allow it to tip over at any cost.
You should also pay attention to weight and length when choosing your trailer. This helps you know how to position your equipment in the trailer in a way that no side is heavier than the other, which could otherwise jeopardize your safety.
Knowing the weight and height of your construction or mining equipment will help you determine if your vehicle can handle the load. It could also be the difference between success and failure! This will help you avoid any safety hazards or delays along the way.
Additionally, make sure to check for any bridge clearances or other restrictions that may be imposed on large vehicles. It’s also important to make sure your vehicle is properly equipped for the job. For example, if you’re hauling a large piece of construction equipment, make sure your vehicle has the necessary suspension, brakes, and other features to ensure a safe and successful trip.
Different Trailer Types
Here are things to consider when choosing among different types of trailers:
- Low Deck Height Trailers
These are the easiest to load when you have a track-type engine. With a low deck height trailer, you have a reduced center of gravity, which increases your equipment’s balance and stability. A low deck also allows you to pass most of the height restrictions on your load.
If your equipment has some overhead clearance or over-width issues, it’s advisable to use a double-drop detachable extension. It can carry almost any equipment because of its lowered angle and deck height. The only drawback is that the extension is limited in space.
- Mechanical Vs. Hydraulic Trailers For Loading
Depending on what you need to carry, a hydraulic trailer can be your best choice. As hinted by the name, it relies on hydraulic cylinders for the lowering and raising of the deck. Mechanical systems—although trickier to navigate on some levels—could be the best option if your company carries or ships loads that stay on the trailer for days at a time.
- Sliding Axle Trailers
These rid you of the need for ramps when loading equipment. Their hydraulic axle will tilt forward and lower the bed to offer the best load angle. Having the deck on the ground improves safety when loading.
3. Choose A Qualified Operator And Driver
While thousands of people can drive hauling vehicles, only a few are skilled. You must choose an experienced driver, one who can handle driving for long distances. They should also be able to manage really heavy equipment and navigate it well.
The kind of skill needed to haul heavy equipment with unparalleled precision is the kind that’s mastered over time. Consider training your drivers and operators extensively on how to haul large equipment—don’t stop at one practice session.
4. Plan Routes
For successful construction equipment hauling, you must plan which routes you want to use for maximum safety. It’s unwise to carry your heavy loads through a big city at busy hours when there’s a lot of traffic. There’s a higher chance of an accident happening there, as opposed to using a route that has less traffic.
You should also avoid routes with power lines as much as possible if your construction equipment is tall. At the same time, driving on narrow roads with sudden curves is not advisable if you’re hauling large equipment that could topple over.
5. Follow Safety Standards
Construction equipment has a lot of safety standards associated with it. Make sure that your hauling equipment is safe and according to these safety standards. For instance, the weight and length of your equipment must align with the specifications of the hauling vehicle to be used. Note that some equipment sizes are not allowed to be hauled in certain vehicles; doing so might get you in trouble with the authorities, and you don’t want that.
Conclusion
Loading and hauling large construction equipment can be a challenge, but with the right help, it can be an easy task. You just have to be sure you’re adhering to the safety standards associated with the hauling of construction and mining equipment.
Another thing that could make your equipment hauling a lot easier is choosing a qualified operator. This way, you can avoid any accidents associated with amateurs.
You should also be careful with the type of vehicle you choose because some might not pass the safety standards. Lastly, make sure that whatever equipment you’re carrying is secured so that no part of it falls over, causes damage, or injures people.
