Loading a mini excavator onto a trailer may sound simple, but when you actually start handling it, you will realize that there are still many things that need to be considered. The following guide fully covers every step from trailer selection, weight calculation to load securing and road transportation.
Step 1: Know Your Machine Before You Touch the Trailer
Before selecting a trailer, you must first have a complete understanding of the excavator that you will be hauling. That means three things:
- Operating weight — the base weight of the machine itself
- Attachment weights — buckets, thumbs, hydraulic breakers, or any other tools you're bringing along
- Total transport dimensions — length, width, and height, which determine trailer deck requirements and whether you need an oversize load permit
Do not estimate the weight of your mini excavator. Consult the operator's manual to determine the exact weight and dimensions of your machine. You can also drive the equipment and attachments onto a weighbridge to get the actual total weight before departure.
If you're not sure which model fits your workload, MMS INDUSTRIAL publishes full spec sheets for every machine — operating weight, transport dimensions, and bucket capacity are all listed. For a compact entry-level machine, check the MS10C 1-ton mini excavator (2,204 lbs operating weight). For a mid-range workhorse, the MS20 2-ton Kubota diesel gives you the exact numbers you need before calling a trailer rental yard.
Step 2: Choose the Right Trailer
The total towed weight plus the weight of the trailer must not exceed the trailer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). GVWR is the maximum weight a trailer is capable of hauling — including the weight of the trailer itself. It is determined by the manufacturer and can be found in the vehicle's manual.
As a rule of thumb, choose a trailer with a rated capacity that is 20–30% higher than your total equipment weight. For example, a 3-ton mini excavator should be loaded onto a trailer rated for at least 3.6–3.9 tons to allow for a safety margin.
Trailer types to consider:
Bumper pull (tag trailer): On a bumper pull trailer, the GVWR cannot surpass the trailer's axle, rim, or tire weight ratings. Suitable for lighter compact excavators.
Gooseneck trailer: A gooseneck hitch allows up to 10 to 20 percent of the total towed weight to be moved to the truck, rather than the trailer. This enables you to carry a heavier load, though the posted GVWR still must not be exceeded.
Tilt deck trailer: Using a trailer with a tilt deck rather than ramps makes it easier and faster to load and unload — a worthwhile investment if you're moving equipment regularly.
For tracked mini excavators in the 1–2 ton class, such as the MS15 1.5-ton (B&S engine) or the MS10H 1-ton with cab, a standard 14–16 ft flatbed equipment trailer works well. If the machine has long attachments such as an extended arm, consider a flatbed with guardrails or an adjustable length. Avoid using a trailer with low clearance, as this could result in the excavator chassis scraping against the trailer edges.
Towing vehicle: Your selected vehicle needs to be able to support the weight of the trailer, the mini excavator, and any attachments. We suggest using a truck with a sturdy towing hitch. Not only does exceeding the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) pose the risk of potential legal repercussions, but it's also a safety hazard — even for short distances.
Step 3: Prepare the Site and Trailer
Site preparation plays a crucial role in safe loading operations. Make sure the trailer is parked on level, solid ground. A tilted trailer can cause rollover problems that are easily avoidable. The surface should be firm enough to prevent any sinking or shifting during the loading process — combined trailer and excavator weight could exceed 20,000 pounds in some cases.
Pre-load checklist:
- Park the trailer on flat, level ground and connect it to the tow vehicle. Loading a trailer that is not attached can cause it to move or tip when driving the excavator up the ramps.
- Apply parking brakes and place wheel chocks on the front and rear wheels of the tow vehicle.
- Lower the ramps and lock them securely. Use metal loading ramps with a slip-resistant surface and a weight capacity that exceeds your mini excavator. Be mindful of ramp angle — the angle between the ramp and the ground should not exceed 15°. Steeper angles make it harder for the excavator to climb and increase the risk of tipping.
- Using ramps with legs, blocks, or stabilizers will help prevent the truck and trailer from lifting while the excavator is loaded. This is critical: when walking the machine up the ramps, the weight will make the trailer see-saw on the axles and lift up on the truck. If the machine is heavy enough, it will lift the drive wheels off the ground on the tow vehicle — and if parked on any kind of hill, the truck and trailer can move on their own. Very dangerous, and it does happen.
- Clean the trailer deck. A clean work area has the fewest problems — mud, oil, or debris can cause the machine to slip during loading.
Attach and test the trailer's electric breakaway system. If the hitch coupler fails, the safety chains will keep the trailer attached to the tow vehicle and the electric breakaway system will apply the trailer brakes, bringing the vehicle to a controlled stop.
Step 4: Load the Mini Excavator
Make sure everyone involved in loading the mini excavator has been trained properly. Not only do they need to know what they're doing, but also how their actions might cause damage or injury if carried out improperly. If your view is obstructed, use a spotter.
Loading orientation: Position the mini excavator behind the trailer with the dozer blade, boom, and arm facing the trailer. This means you will be driving onto the trailer in reverse (cab facing rearward). This is the recommended practice — you always have the machine face rearward so the front window of the machine is facing to the back of the trailer. A rock flying up from the tow vehicle can damage the window if you have a cab on your mini.
Step-by-step loading:
- Start the mini excavator and position yourself behind the ramps.
- Carefully align your tracks with the ramps — this is your foundation for a safe load. For tracked excavators, ensure that both tracks are evenly placed on the ramp. Keep the machine centered; uneven loading shifts the center of gravity and risks tipping.
- Extend the arm forward (toward the trailer), which shifts your center of gravity for better stability as you climb.
- Slowly and carefully drive the mini excavator onto the trailer. If the ramp angle is steep, you may have to use the boom and stick to push yourself up. Climbing any kind of grade with a mini — keep the blade behind you and have the boom and stick low and straight out to keep the weight forward.
- Once the excavator reaches about two-thirds of the trailer surface (measured from the ramp end), stop the machine slowly. This is typically the optimal loading position; confirm with your operator's manual.
- Distribute the weight evenly to prevent the trailer from tipping.
Once positioned on the trailer:
- Lower the bucket, boom, and dozer blade to the trailer deck — all attachments must be tucked toward the floor of the trailer.
- Turn the excavator off and get out.
- Check that the truck and trailer are both sitting level. The truck should be carrying 10 to 15 percent of the load for a bumper pull trailer and 20 to 25 percent of the load for a gooseneck trailer.
Why balance matters: If too much weight is put forward on the trailer, then the front wheels of the truck may become too lightly loaded and cause loss of steering. And if too much weight is put on the back, the rear wheels of the truck may lift and cause loss of traction and control or become unstable at high speeds. Adjust the load position until it is correctly balanced.
Step 5: Secure the Load
Once you've loaded the mini excavator onto the trailer, your next step is to properly secure both the machine and its attachments. Using tools specifically designed to secure heavy equipment is imperative.
Chain requirements: Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations specify that each tie-down assembly must be rated for at least 50% of the cargo weight. Use 5/16-inch chains even for smaller machines — many operators mistakenly use lightweight chains that meet the basic weight requirement but don't account for road movement.
Securing procedure:
- Use four chains and load binders to secure each corner of the mini excavator to the specified points on the track frame. Don't secure to the boom, bucket, or stick — these are not rated tie-down points.
- Secure the dozer blade to the trailer D-rings and/or DOT-specified locations.
- Use a chain or strap to secure the bucket and any other loose items to the trailer.
- All equipment attachments, work tools, and other accessory equipment must be lowered and secured before transportation. Retract booms and buckets and secure them in place.
- Secure equipment components: lock all doors, covers, tailgates, and articulation points. Make sure the machine transmission is immobilized and brakes are locked.
Once the load is secured, check everything a second time. It can be helpful to have a safety check system in place where multiple people check the load, instead of relying on a single person.
Optional but recommended: Cover the machine with a tarp or wrap it with shrink wrap to protect from dirt, debris, and moisture on the roadways. If the exhaust pipe of the mini excavator engine is facing forward, use duct tape over it to stop road debris from entering the engine.
Step 6: Final Pre-Departure Checks
Verify all your trailer connections, including the hitch, safety chains, and electrical hookups. These basic checks only take a few minutes but can save hours of headache on the road.
Pre-departure checklist:
- Hitch coupler locked and pinned
- Safety chains crossed and attached
- Trailer lights and brake controller functioning
- All tie-downs tight and double-checked
- Driver has clear visibility — the placement of the mini excavator should allow free movement for the driver and should not obstruct them from exiting the vehicle or accessing any necessary vehicle components
- Keep the machine and trailer clean of mud, dirt, and debris — it can fly off and hit other vehicles on the highway
Also verify your route for any load limits, height restrictions, or permits required for your state or region. Compliance with weight and height restrictions is essential to avoid fines and ensure safety — overloaded or improperly secured loads can lead to serious road hazards.
Trailer Size Reference
| Mini Excavator Weight | Minimum Trailer Rating | Recommended Trailer Length |
|---|---|---|
| Under 2,000 lbs (1 ton) | 3,000 lbs | 14 ft minimum |
| 2,000–6,000 lbs (1–3 ton) | 8,000–10,000 lbs | 16–18 ft |
| 6,000–12,000 lbs (3–6 ton) | 14,000–16,000 lbs | 20 ft+ |
| 12,000+ lbs (6 ton+) | 20,000+ lbs | 24 ft / gooseneck |
Always verify specific weights for your equipment. Add 20–30% safety margin to trailer rated capacity.
Chain Size Reference
| Equipment Weight | Minimum Chain Rating per Tie-Down | Recommended Chain Size |
|---|---|---|
| Under 4,000 lbs | 1,000 lbs WLL each | 1/4 inch |
| 4,000–8,000 lbs | 2,000 lbs WLL each | 5/16 inch |
| 8,000–16,000 lbs | 4,000 lbs WLL each | 3/8 inch |
| 16,000+ lbs | 8,000+ lbs WLL each | 1/2 inch |
WLL = Working Load Limit. DOT requires each tie-down rated for at least 50% of cargo weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which direction should the mini excavator face on the trailer? Face rearward — the front window of the machine should face toward the rear of the trailer. This protects the cab window from rocks thrown up by the tow vehicle and gives the operator better visibility during loading.
What trailer length do I need for a mini excavator? At minimum, use a 14-foot trailer — though 16 feet is more practical for a standard 1–3.5 ton mini excavator, especially if you're also hauling attachments. Get a 16-foot trailer minimum; a 14-foot trailer with a mini excavator and attachments leaves very little margin.
Can I load a mini excavator on a dump trailer? It's possible with a proper deck-over or equipment dump trailer of sufficient length and weight rating, but it's not ideal. A dedicated equipment trailer or tilt deck is safer and easier. Loading a mini ex in a 12' dump is not ideal — upgrade to a 16-footer for better room.
How many chains do I need? Use four chains minimum — one at each corner of the track frame, secured to DOT-specified points. Secure the dozer blade and bucket separately.
Do I need a permit to haul a mini excavator? For most compact mini excavators under 10,000 lbs and within standard width/height limits, no oversize permit is required. However, transportation laws vary by state or region — check local regulations before traveling, especially on interstate routes.
The Right Machine Makes Loading Easier
Compact, low-profile mini excavators with tight transport dimensions are inherently easier to load, requiring lower ramp angles and fitting on standard equipment trailers without permits.
MMS INDUSTRIAL offers a range of mini excavators sized for fast, efficient transport. The MS10C and MS12 are compact 1–1.2-ton machines that load onto a 14-ft trailer without drama, ideal for landscaping and residential crews. The MS15PRO 1.5-ton and MS20PRO 2-ton Kubota step up the power without requiring a gooseneck or oversize permit in most states. Browse the full MMS INDUSTRIAL mini excavator collection for all available models with transport weights and dimensions listed.
Safety Summary
Loading a mini excavator is not a task to rush. The few extra minutes spent on proper preparation can prevent costly accidents and ensure your equipment arrives ready to work. Keep this checklist on hand:
- Confirm machine weight and dimensions from operator's manual
- Select trailer with 20–30% safety margin above total load weight
- Park trailer on level, solid ground — connected to tow vehicle at all times
- Block trailer tail before loading
- Keep ramp angle at 15° or less
- Load facing rearward (cab toward rear of trailer)
- Position excavator at two-thirds of trailer deck from ramp end
- Balance load: 10–15% tongue weight for bumper pull, 20–25% for gooseneck
- Use four chains rated to DOT standards — minimum 5/16 inch
- Lower and secure all attachments to trailer deck
- Double-check all tie-downs before departure
- Verify lights, brakes, hitch, and driver visibility
Content prepared by MMS INDUSTRIAL — your source for compact and mini excavators built for real jobsite performance. Questions about machine specs or transport requirements? Browse the full mini excavator lineup for model-specific weight and dimension data.