Tips to Keep In Mind When Loading an Excavator Onto a Trailer
Practical considerations, such as long distances, may compel you to carry a mini excavator in a trailer instead of driving that excavator to your jobsite. This article discusses some helpful tips that you should bear in mind when you want to load the rental excavator onto a trailer in order to transport it for use during a DIY project.
Find a Level Surface
An excavator is a heavy piece of machinery that should be handled with extreme caution during the loading or offloading process. One of the key precautions that you should take is to select a flat or level surface when you are going to load that excavator onto the trailer. A level surface eases the work of getting the excavator onto the trailer because gravity will not move the trailer forwards or backwards during the loading process. Choke the trailer wheels before you start the loading process.
Check Your Ramp
Confirm that the angle of inclination of your ramp meets the requirements of the manufacturer of the excavator. You should also confirm that the ramp is free from any dirt, such as mud or oil, which may cause the excavator to slip off that ramp during the loading process. Place an anti-slip mat on the ramp in case you can't avoid loading the excavator during rainy conditions.
Avoid Using the Boom
It is advisable for you to refrain from using the boom or any other excavator attachment to support or jack up the excavator during the loading process. This is because doing so may place excessive strain on that component of the excavator to the extent that the excavator may sustain serious damage. The affected component may also fail and cause the excavator to roll off the ramp or trailer. This can cause severe injuries to anyone in the path of the excavator.
Pay Attention to the Center of Gravity
It is wise for you to use a loading technique that puts into consideration the center of gravity of the excavator. For instance, the excavator's center of gravity usually shifts to the back of that machine in case an attachment has been removed. A cautious person would therefore place the rear of the excavator on the higher side of the ramp so that the energy being used to get the excavator to move up the ramp is less than what would be required if most of its weight was on the lower end of the ramp.
Ask excavator transporters for help in case you feel overwhelmed by all the things that you need to do in order to load or offload that excavator safely onto your trailer. Their involvement will save you from taking needless risks that can result in extensive damage or injuries.
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