Crane Transport & Rigging Guide: Moving Heavy Lift Equipment

Cranes are among the most complex and valuable pieces of heavy equipment to transport. Their size, weight distribution, and multi-component nature require specialized expertise and careful planning.

Types of Cranes and Transport Requirements

Mobile Cranes

All-Terrain Cranes (AT)

• Can often travel short distances under own power
• Long-distance transport requires specialized trailers
• Typical weights: 50,000 - 400,000+ lbs
• May need counterweight removal

Rough Terrain Cranes (RT)

• Similar transport considerations to AT cranes
• Generally smaller and lighter
• Weights: 40,000 - 150,000 lbs
• Boom may need to be removed for transport

Truck-Mounted Cranes

• Integrated with truck chassis
• Can drive to job sites within weight limits
• May require escort for longer booms
• Weights vary significantly

Crawler Cranes

Crawler cranes present unique transport challenges:

• Tracks: Must be removed for transport
• Carbody: Ships separately from boom sections
• Boom sections: Multiple loads for lattice booms
• Counterweights: Heavy individual components

Component	Typical Weight	Transport Method
Carbody	100,000 - 500,000+ lbs	Multi-axle lowboy
Tracks (each)	20,000 - 80,000 lbs	Standard flatbed
Boom sections	5,000 - 30,000 lbs each	Step deck/flatbed
Counterweights	10,000 - 50,000 lbs each	Flatbed

Tower Cranes

Tower cranes require complete disassembly:

• Mast sections: Stackable steel sections
• Jib sections: Horizontal arm components
• Slewing unit: Rotating mechanism
• Cab and machinery: Operator station and motors
• Counterweights: Concrete or steel blocks
• Base section: Foundation mounting

Crane Disassembly for Transport

Component Separation

Before transport, cranes are typically broken down into:

Primary Components:

1. Main boom sections
2. Jib/fly sections (if equipped)
3. Counterweight stacks
4. Carbody/superstructure
5. Lower works (tracks/outriggers)
6. Operator cab
7. Engine/power unit

Disassembly Considerations

Manufacturer Specifications

• Follow OEM disassembly procedures
• Document all component positions
• Note hydraulic line connections
• Track electrical connections

Lifting Points

• Use designated lifting points only
• Calculate component weights
• Plan rigging for disassembly
• Ensure adequate crane support during breakdown

Protection Requirements

• Cover hydraulic connections
• Protect electrical components
• Secure loose items
• Weather protection for sensitive parts

Transport Configurations

Single-Load Moves

Smaller cranes may transport in one load:

• Boom retracted to minimum length
• Counterweights removed or secured
• Outriggers in travel position
• May require over-dimensional permits

Typical Single-Load Dimensions:

• Length: 60-100+ feet
• Width: 10-16 feet
• Height: 12-14 feet
• Weight: 80,000-200,000 lbs

Multi-Load Moves

Large cranes require multiple transport loads:

Example: 300-Ton Crawler Crane

• Load 1: Carbody/superstructure (250,000 lbs)
• Loads 2-3: Track frames (80,000 lbs each)
• Loads 4-8: Boom sections (25,000 lbs each)
• Loads 9-10: Counterweights (200,000 lbs total)
• Load 11: Accessories, cab, rigging

Trailer Selection

Crane Component	Recommended Trailer
Carbody (heavy)	Multi-axle lowboy, Schnabel
Boom sections	Step deck, stretch flatbed
Tracks	Standard lowboy
Counterweights	Flatbed, lowboy
Accessories	Flatbed, enclosed

Permit Requirements for Crane Transport

Dimension Considerations

Crane components often exceed legal limits:

Width Issues:

• Track frames: 12-20+ feet wide
• Counterweight frames: 10-14 feet
• Boom sections with attachments

Height Issues:

• Superstructure: 14-18+ feet
• Boom sections on edge
• Cab and machinery

Length Issues:

• Extended boom sections: 40-80+ feet
• Jib components
• Mast sections

Permit Categories

Oversize (Single-State)

• Basic over-dimensional permits
• 2-5 day processing
• $50-$200 per state

Superload (Multi-State)

• Carbody and heavy components
• 2-4 week processing
• $500-$5,000+ per state
• Bridge analysis required

Escort Requirements

Load Type	Typical Escorts
Boom sections (legal width)	0-1 pilot car
Wide components (12-14’)	1-2 pilot cars
Superloads (15’+)	2-4 pilots + police
Multi-load convoy	Lead/trail per load

Route Planning for Crane Moves

Critical Factors

Bridge Capacity

• Carbody weight concentration
• Axle configuration matching
• Potential bridge bypass routes
• Temporary reinforcement options

Overhead Clearances

• Power lines (may need lifting)
• Bridges and overpasses
• Signs and signals
• Communication lines

Road Geometry

• Intersection turn radius
• Tight corners with long loads
• Grade limitations for heavy units
• Pavement weight limits

Site Access

Pickup Location:

• Adequate space for disassembly
• Crane support during breakdown
• Component staging area
• Trailer positioning room

Delivery Location:

• Assembly area requirements
• Ground bearing capacity
• Overhead clearances for assembly
• Support crane availability

Securing Crane Components

Boom Sections

Lattice boom sections require:

• Blocking to prevent rolling
• Chains at multiple points
• Protection for chord members
• Stacking considerations (if multiple)

Carbody/Superstructure

Heavy carbody units need:

• Specialized trailer tie-downs
• Center of gravity calculations
• Tilt/shift prevention
• Shock monitoring during transport

Counterweights

Counterweight transport considerations:

• Extreme weight concentration
• Proper weight distribution
• Secure stacking if multiple pieces
• Anti-shift blocking

Tracks

Crawler tracks require:

• Edge protection
• Secure positioning
• Weight balance on trailer
• Protection from road debris

Crane Transport Costs

Cost Factors

Factor	Impact on Cost
Number of loads	Primary cost driver
Distance	Per-mile charges
Permits	Multi-state adds up
Escorts	Required for oversize
Disassembly/Assembly	Labor intensive
Schedule	Rush jobs cost more

Example Cost Breakdown

100-Ton Mobile Crane, 250 miles (2 loads)

• Transport (2 loads): $8,000-$12,000
• Permits: $1,000-$2,000
• Escorts: $2,000-$4,000
• Total: $11,000-$18,000

300-Ton Crawler Crane, 500 miles (10 loads)

• Transport (10 loads): $50,000-$80,000
• Permits: $10,000-$20,000
• Escorts: $15,000-$25,000
• Disassembly supervision: $5,000-$10,000
• Total: $80,000-$135,000

Tower Crane, 200 miles (8 loads)

• Transport (8 loads): $25,000-$40,000
• Permits: $4,000-$8,000
• Escorts: $6,000-$10,000
• Total: $35,000-$58,000

Costs vary significantly based on specific crane model, route, and requirements.

Safety Considerations

Transport Hazards

Component Stability:

• High center of gravity
• Shifting during transport
• Top-heavy boom sections
• Unsecured accessories

Weather Factors:

• Wind limits for tall loads
• Ice on boom sections
• Rain and visibility
• Temperature effects on hydraulics

Road Hazards:

• Overhead obstructions
• Narrow passages
• Soft shoulders
• Bridge weight limits

Safety Protocols

Pre-Transport:

• Complete inspection checklist
• Verify all connections secure
• Document component condition
• Confirm route clearances

During Transport:

• Speed limits observed
• Communication with escorts
• Regular stop inspections
• Weather monitoring

Post-Transport:

• Condition verification
• Component inventory
• Damage documentation
• Assembly preparation

Everdauer Crane Transport Services

Our Capabilities

Everdauer specializes in crane logistics:

Crane Types We Transport:

• All-terrain cranes (all sizes)
• Rough terrain cranes
• Crawler cranes (up to 750+ tons)
• Tower cranes
• Specialized lifting equipment

Services Include:

• Multi-load coordination
• Route engineering
• Permit acquisition
• Escort services
• Disassembly/assembly supervision

Our Process

1. Assessment: Crane specifications review
2. Planning: Load breakdown and route analysis
3. Permitting: Multi-state coordination
4. Execution: Professional transport team
5. Delivery: On-site coordination

Get Your Crane Moving

Contact Everdauer Heavy Haul for crane transport:

• Free crane transport consultation
• Multi-load project pricing
• Route feasibility analysis
• Assembly coordination

Call: (414) 600-3636 Online: Request a Quote

Our specialized team ensures your valuable lifting equipment arrives safely and on schedule.