If you need to transport bulldozers, cranes, forklifts, crawlers, or other heavy equipment, a little preparation streamlines the process considerably. Effective towing keeps your heavy equipment safe from damage while also significantly reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. Put these tips into practice as you get ready to transport your heavy equipment.

How To Prepare Heavy Equipment For Towing

Obtain Necessary Permits

Get the special permits necessary for transporting oversized loads. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provides detailed information regarding safety regulations and what steps you must follow to obtain the correct permits, such as registering for a USDOT Number and Hazardous Materials Safety Permit or your MC number (Operating Authority). Work with your towing company to ensure you have all of the necessary permits and keep in mind that you can avoid wide load labeling if you remove attachments from heavy-duty equipment. Removing the bucket from a bulldozer, for example, may help you avoid wide load designation, or at least keep the equipment safe when traveling under overpasses.

Wash, Disconnect, & Cover Equipment

Prepare your heavy equipment for towing by washing the machines first. Excessive dirt and debris can interfere with tie-down points and other security measures. Disconnect batteries so they don’t drain during transport, as well as any alarm systems. Drain all fluids and ensure the door latches work. If they do not, use zip ties to keep them from flying open en route. Cover the smokestacks and any other sensitive parts, including lines and tanks, to protect them from debris, wind, rain, and other elements. Finally, clear the area around your equipment so the towing company has plenty of room to load each machine.

If you’re ready to get your heavy equipment towed, choose Quality Towing and Equipment Moving in West Chester, OH for safe and efficient transport. The towing service specializing in machinery hauling has served the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas for over 20 years, and provides both local and regional transportation. Call (513) 777-6622 today for an estimate or visit the heavy-duty towing company online for more information.