How to Prepare Heavy Equipment for Transport: Complete Checklist

Proper preparation is essential for safe heavy equipment transport. This guide covers everything you need to do before your machinery hits the road.

Why Preparation Matters

Inadequate preparation can lead to:

• Transport delays from last-minute issues
• Equipment damage during loading or transit
• Safety hazards from improper securement
• Additional costs for unexpected services
• Permit problems from incorrect dimensions

Taking time to prepare properly protects your equipment and ensures on-time delivery.

Pre-Transport Checklist

1. Clean the Equipment

Why it matters: Dirt and debris hide damage, affect accurate measurements, and can violate some state transport regulations.

Tasks:

• Pressure wash exterior surfaces
• Clean tracks, wheels, and undercarriage
• Remove mud from bucket/blade attachments
• Clear debris from engine compartment
• Clean glass and mirrors

2. Document Current Condition

Why it matters: Establishes baseline condition for damage claims and insurance purposes.

Tasks:

• Photograph all four sides
• Document existing damage (scratches, dents, wear)
• Photo serial number plates
• Record hour meter/odometer readings
• Note any pre-existing issues in writing

3. Measure Accurately

Why it matters: Permits and trailer selection depend on exact dimensions.

Measure:

• Height - Highest point (exhaust stack, cab, ROPS)
• Width - Widest point (mirrors, tracks, bucket)
• Length - Full extent including attachments
• Weight - Operating weight with fluids

Pro Tip: Measure in transport configuration, not operating position. Booms down, blades retracted, etc.

4. Prepare Mechanical Systems

Why it matters: Prevents leaks, damage, and transport complications.

Engine & Fluids:

• Check and top off all fluid levels
• Inspect for active leaks (fix before transport)
• Note if equipment needs to run during loading

Hydraulics:

• Lower all hydraulic components (booms, arms, blades)
• Relieve hydraulic pressure
• Secure hydraulic controls in neutral

Electrical:

• Disconnect or secure battery (prevent drain)
• Turn off all switches and controls
• Remove keys and store safely

5. Secure Loose Components

Why it matters: Loose parts can fall off, cause damage, or become projectiles.

Items to secure:

• Mirrors - fold in or remove
• Antennas - remove or secure flat
• Ladders and handrails - verify attachment
• Tool boxes - lock or remove
• Fire extinguishers - secure in brackets
• Loose accessories - remove and ship separately

6. Lower and Secure Attachments

Why it matters: Reduces height and prevents movement during transport.

Boom/Arm Equipment:

• Lower boom to lowest position
• Retract stick/arm fully
• Lower bucket to deck or ground
• Engage boom lock if equipped

Blade/Bucket Equipment:

• Lower blade to transport position
• Retract ripper teeth
• Secure bucket in carry position

7. Prepare Wheels/Tracks

Why it matters: Ensures secure positioning on trailer and safe loading.

Tracked Equipment:

• Inspect track tension
• Clean debris from tracks
• Note track direction for loading

Wheeled Equipment:

• Check tire pressure and condition
• Inspect lug nuts/bolts
• Verify brake function for loading

8. Remove or Secure Counterweights

Why it matters: May need removal to meet weight limits.

• Identify removable counterweights
• Determine if removal is needed for weight compliance
• If shipping separately, document and label
• Secure any remaining counterweights

Securement Preparation

Identify Tie-Down Points

Locate manufacturer-designated tie-down points:

• Front tie-down locations
• Rear tie-down locations
• Side/belly tie-down points
• Document for transport crew

Clear Access for Chains

Ensure tie-down points are accessible:

• Remove obstacles blocking anchor points
• Clean corrosion from D-rings/hooks
• Verify structural integrity of tie-down points

Note Special Requirements

Document any securement considerations:

• Areas to avoid (hydraulic lines, electrical)
• Recommended securement method per manufacturer
• Any fragile components requiring protection

Documentation Checklist

Equipment Documents

• Title or proof of ownership
• Registration (if applicable)
• Bill of sale (if recently purchased)
• Lease agreement (if leased equipment)

Insurance Documents

• Certificate of Insurance (yours)
• Request carrier’s COI
• Note equipment value for cargo insurance

Specification Sheets

• Manufacturer spec sheet with dimensions
• Weight certificate (if available)
• Serial numbers and model information

Site Preparation

Pickup Location

Access Requirements:

• Confirm trailer can access the site
• Check overhead clearances (power lines, structures)
• Verify ground conditions support trailer weight
• Ensure adequate space for loading operations

Loading Equipment:

• Confirm crane availability if needed
• Arrange forklift/loader if required
• Verify operator availability for self-loading

Delivery Location

Communicate with receiving party:

• Confirm delivery address and access
• Identify unloading equipment available
• Note any site restrictions (hours, access roads)
• Provide contact person and phone number

Special Preparation by Equipment Type

Excavators

• Lower boom, stick, and bucket completely
• Swing house to align with tracks
• Secure swing lock
• Remove or fold mirrors
• Lower cab ROPS if adjustable

Wheel Loaders

• Lower bucket to deck
• Tilt bucket slightly down
• Engage articulation lock (frame lock)
• Set parking brake
• Remove rear counterweight if needed for weight

Bulldozers

• Lower blade to transport position
• Retract ripper fully
• Engage decelerator lock
• Disconnect battery
• Remove stack extension if over-height

Cranes

• Fully retract boom sections
• Lower boom to cradle/transport position
• Remove counterweights as needed
• Secure outriggers in travel position
• Remove jib if equipped

Agricultural Equipment

• Fold headers/attachments to minimum width
• Lower augers and conveyors
• Empty grain tanks
• Remove dual wheels if over-width
• Secure all folding components

Communication with Transport Company

Information to Provide

Share comprehensive load details:

• Exact make, model, year
• Precise dimensions (H × W × L)
• Accurate weight
• Loading requirements (self-propelled, crane needed)
• Special securement instructions
• Pickup and delivery contacts

Questions to Ask

Clarify transport details:

• What time will they arrive?
• What equipment will they bring (trailer type)?
• Do they provide loading assistance?
• What’s the expected transit time?
• How will they communicate during transport?

Day-of-Transport Checklist

Before the Truck Arrives

• Final equipment inspection
• Reconfirm all fluids/leaks
• Start equipment to verify operation
• Verify keys are available
• Ensure site access is clear
• Have documentation ready

During Loading

• Supervise loading process
• Communicate any concerns to driver
• Verify proper securement
• Take photos of loaded equipment
• Get driver contact information
• Confirm delivery timeline

After Departure

• Send receiving party ETA
• Keep driver contact information handy
• Monitor tracking updates
• Be available for questions

Everdauer’s Preparation Support

We help ensure your equipment is transport-ready:

Pre-Transport Consultation

• Dimension and weight verification
• Preparation recommendations
• Loading requirements assessment

On-Site Coordination

• Professional loading supervision
• Expert securement
• Documentation and photography

Turnkey Service

• We handle all preparation details
• Crane coordination if needed
• Complete load planning

Get Your Equipment Moving

Ready to transport? Contact Everdauer Heavy Haul:

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

We’ll guide you through preparation and ensure safe delivery.

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Download our printable pre-transport checklist at everdauer.com/resources