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Specialist equipment

Machinery transport

Transport of construction machinery, professional equipment and technical assets requiring suitable loading and securing arrangements.

Machinery transport

Machinery transport

Understanding machinery transport

Machinery transport covers construction equipment, professional machines, agricultural equipment and industrial or technical assets requiring a suitable transport solution. Unlike standard freight, machinery often involves constraints linked to weight, dimensions, overall size, running condition, securing points and loading or unloading requirements.

This service is mainly intended for companies, contractors, rental businesses, local authorities, construction and public-works operators, agricultural businesses, industrial companies and maintenance providers. It can cover a movement between depot and site, delivery to a customer, transfer between facilities or return after an intervention.

A detailed review is essential. The type of machine, make, model, weight, height, width, length, working condition, ability to drive onto a trailer and any technical limitations should be provided. Photographs, technical sheets or drawings can also help assess feasibility.

Loading and load securing are key points. Depending on the equipment, the operation may require a plant trailer, flatbed, ramps, lifting equipment, straps, chains or a specific weight-distribution plan. The machinery must be secured appropriately for the journey.

Site access must also be checked. Construction sites, depots, industrial areas, farms and customer premises may have restrictions involving traffic, parking, manoeuvring space, ground conditions, height or width. These details are important for preparing both collection and delivery.

Machinery transport may become an abnormal-load movement when the equipment exceeds standard dimensions or weights. In that case, a more detailed study may be required to determine the transport method, suitable vehicle, route constraints and feasibility conditions.

Choosing the transport equipment

Which vehicle should be used to transport machinery?

The vehicle used for transporting construction machinery, agricultural equipment or plant depends on its weight, dimensions, ground clearance, ability to move under its own power and the loading and unloading conditions. A mini excavator, loader, telehandler, access platform, tractor or heavy machine does not automatically require the same transport configuration.

Plant carrier

For many wheeled or tracked machines

A plant carrier is designed for many types of construction and agricultural machinery. Loading may use ramps compatible with the machine’s width and ground clearance, after which the equipment is secured to suitable anchorage points. This can suit mini excavators, loaders, access platforms, rollers and certain tractors or other mobile machinery.

Flatbed & trailer

A solution matched to the machine’s actual dimensions

Depending on the machine, a flatbed truck, plant trailer or semi-trailer may be considered. Selection is based on the machine’s actual weight, length, width, height, wheelbase, tyres or tracks, attachments and the available loading method.

Large dimensions

Low-loader and abnormal load transport when required

For particularly high, heavy or bulky machinery, a low-loader configuration can help control the overall transport height. If the loaded vehicle exceeds normal road limits, the operation may fall under abnormal load transport and may require route assessment, authorisations or appropriate escort measures.

Key point: the vehicle should never be selected from the machine name alone. Actual dimensions, weight, operating condition, fitted attachments and site access determine the transport solution that is genuinely workable.

Load safety

Securing and restraining machinery during transport

Securing construction or agricultural machinery is a critical part of the transport operation. Excavators, loaders, tractors, access platforms and telehandlers represent substantial moving masses: during braking, cornering or an emergency manoeuvre, the machine must remain immobilised on the vehicle so that it cannot shift and compromise the stability of the load.

Load restraint is more than simply attaching the machine. The operation must take account of its mass, centre of gravity, the vehicle’s anchorage points, the machine’s designated tie-down points, the contact between the machinery and the deck and the geometry of the restraint system. Chains, straps, tensioners and chocks must be appropriate for the load being restrained.

Checks before departure

  • Secure wheels or tracks correctly and use chocking where the configuration requires it.
  • Use vehicle anchor points and machine tie-down points that are suitable for the forces involved.
  • Use chains, straps or tensioners appropriate to the machinery’s weight and geometry, without improvising on components not intended for load restraint.
  • Place moving equipment in its transport position: booms, buckets, arms, platforms and attachments should be lowered, folded or immobilised as appropriate.
  • After loading, check that no part can move, detach or project dangerously during the journey.

Even for a short journey, load restraint must be prepared carefully. Appropriate securing protects the machinery, transport vehicle, people involved in loading and unloading, and other road users.

Drivet Transport International

Frequently asked questions

What types of machinery can be transported?+

Machinery transport can cover mini excavators, excavators, loaders, access platforms, telehandlers, compactors, tractors, agricultural machinery, construction equipment and certain industrial machines. Feasibility mainly depends on the machine’s weight, dimensions, operating condition and the loading and delivery conditions.

Which vehicle is used to transport construction machinery?+

The vehicle is selected according to the machine’s weight, length, width, height, ground clearance and whether it runs on wheels or tracks. Depending on the job, a plant carrier, flatbed truck, suitable trailer or low-loader may be used. Access conditions at collection and delivery also influence the choice.

What information is required for a machinery transport quote?+

Useful information includes the make and model, exact weight and dimensions, photographs, collection and delivery addresses, required dates, whether the machine is running or non-running, any attachments fitted and the access conditions at both sites.

Can a non-running machine be transported?+

Yes, provided an appropriate loading solution is planned. A non-running machine may require a winch, lifting equipment, crane loading or another specific arrangement. This should be stated before transport so that the correct vehicle and equipment can be selected.

Can machinery be delivered directly to a construction site or farm?+

Yes, but access must be reviewed beforehand. Narrow roads, tight turns, gradients, gateways, height or width restrictions, ground conditions, muddy areas and manoeuvring space can all affect the vehicle that can reach the site safely.

When does machinery transport become an abnormal load?+

Machinery transport may fall under abnormal-load rules when the loaded vehicle exceeds the standard regulatory limits for dimensions or weight. A specific review may then be required to determine the transport equipment, route, any required permits and suitable convoy arrangements.

How is machinery secured during transport?+

Securing is planned according to the machine’s mass, centre of gravity, anchorage points, the transport vehicle and the manufacturer’s instructions. Depending on the equipment, chains, suitable straps, tensioners and blocking devices may be used, while booms, buckets, platforms and other moving parts must be placed and secured in a transport-safe position.

Can buckets, forks or other attachments remain fitted?+

It depends on the final dimensions, weight, machine configuration and whether the attachments can be properly secured. Some may remain fitted when compatible with the transport plan, while others are better removed and carried separately to reduce overall dimensions or simplify securing.

Do you arrange transport for tractors and agricultural machinery?+

Yes. Machinery transport can include tractors, agricultural implements, handling equipment and machines destined for farms. As with construction equipment, the vehicle choice depends on dimensions, weight, loading method and the access conditions at the farm or final site.

Can machinery be transported across France and Europe?+

Yes. Drivet Transport International can review machinery movements within France and on European routes. International planning takes account of the machine dimensions, required transport vehicle, access conditions, route constraints and any formalities that may apply.

Transport request

Need a transport quote?

Need to organise machinery transport? Send us the key shipment details so that our team can review the most suitable solution.

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