Bulldozer Shipping

Before pickup, confirm that your bulldozer is operational and can be driven or positioned for loading. Check that the engine starts reliably, the transmission engages properly for track movement, and hydraulics function for blade and ripper operation. Verify that the undercarriage tracks are in good condition with adequate grouser height for loading ramps.

If the dozer is not operational (due to engine issues, transmission problems, or hydraulic failures), disclose this to your SAC coordinator at booking. Non-operational bulldozers require specialized loading equipment such as a heavy crane or large wrecker, which must be pre-arranged. Do not wait until the driver arrives to report operational issues that prevent the dozer from being loaded under its own power.

Before transport, angle the front blade fully back toward the dozer cab and lower it close to the ground. This is the standard transport position. The blade must not be left in the raised or vertical position, which creates excessive transport height and can exceed 14 feet, triggering permit requirements and clearance hazards. A properly angled blade reduces both height and overall transport length.

For dozers with power angle blades, angle the blade fully back and center it. For straight blades, tilt the top back toward the cab as far as hydraulic positioning allows. Confirm the hydraulic cylinders hold position without drifting. Some dozers have transport pins or locks for the blade. Engage them if equipped. Your SAC coordinator will confirm transport dimensions based on your blade type and positioning at booking.

If your bulldozer is equipped with a rear-mounted ripper (the claw-like attachment used for breaking up compacted material), raise it to the fully retracted transport position and secure it with transport pins or locks. A ripper left in the lowered working position extends well behind the dozer, dramatically increasing transport length and creating ground clearance hazards on every bump or grade change.

Hydraulic rippers should be fully raised and the hydraulic system checked for leaks that could allow the ripper to drift down during transit. Mechanical rippers must be pinned in the raised position. Some larger mining dozers have massive multi-shank rippers that significantly affect transport dimensions. Confirm the ripper is properly secured before the carrier arrives.

Before transport, thoroughly clean mud, rocks, and debris from the dozer’s undercarriage, track frames, and between the track shoes. Excessive weight from packed mud adds to transport costs and can result in overweight violations at scales. Many states have regulations regarding the transport of equipment carrying soil or material that could spread invasive species or contaminants across state lines.

Clean tracks also allow the carrier driver to complete an accurate condition inspection and proper Bill of Lading documentation. For dozers coming directly from muddy construction sites or mining pits, pressure-wash the undercarriage and tracks before pickup. Allow time for proper cleaning in your pickup scheduling. A clean dozer loads faster and avoids regulatory issues during transit.

Before transport, remove or secure any loose components that are not permanently attached. This includes spare track shoes, tools, fire extinguishers, or personal items from the cab. Clean out the operator compartment completely. Secure any removable guards or panels that could vibrate loose during highway transit.

For dozers with special attachments like winches, brush guards, or aftermarket lighting, confirm they are properly secured or remove them if appropriate. Document any components that have been removed so they can be reinstalled correctly at delivery. The dozer should be in clean, transport-ready condition when the carrier arrives.

Before booking, measure your bulldozer’s overall length with the blade angled back, width at the blade cutting edge, and height with the blade in the transport position. Accurate measurements are essential for correct trailer matching and permit assessment. Operating weight is also critical. It determines whether standard RGN or multi-axle heavy-haul trailers are required.

Provide these dimensions to your SAC coordinator at booking: overall length with blade back, overall width at the blade, transport height to top of cab or ROPS, and operating weight from manufacturer specifications. Inaccurate dimensions that result in the wrong carrier being dispatched can cause loading failures and costly rescheduling. Mining-class dozers often have very specific transport requirements that must be documented accurately.

Before the pickup date, confirm that the pickup location has adequate access for an RGN or lowboy carrier and appropriate conditions for loading a bulldozer. The site needs firm, level ground capable of supporting a heavy trailer and the dozer’s weight during loading. Steep grades, soft ground, or limited turnaround space can create significant challenges for loading a tracked dozer.

For non-operational dozers or sites without suitable loading conditions, confirm that a crane or heavy-duty wrecker with adequate capacity is available for loading. Mining pits and remote construction sites often require advance coordination for carrier access. Communicate site conditions including road quality, grade, and available space to your coordinator so the right carrier with appropriate expectations is dispatched.