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Heavy equipment can run you from a few thousand to well over $500,000, so make sure it is safe and sound until the time it pays off.
However, construction sites must not restrict safety practices and best practices. You need to ensure safety while driving your heavy equipment.
Here are the top five safety tips for hauling heavy equipment:
Select the right trailer type
There are many options when it comes to trailers. This explains the most common trailers used for hauling in Summerville SC heavy machinery quickly.
- RGN (Removable Gooseneck and Lowboy)
RGN, or removable gooseneck trailers, are the most popular type of trailer for larger loads. Their massive load capacities make it possible to load even the largest and most heavy items. It is easy to load your equipment, as long as it can be driven over the trailer bed. RGN can carry up to 75 tonnes of heavy haulage.
- Drop Deck (Step Deck)
These trailers can transport loads that exceed the legal maximum height of 8’6″. These can transport loads up to 10’6″ in height without the need for additional permits.
- Double Drop Trailer
A double drop trailer is recommended for heavy machinery that exceeds 10’6”. These trailers, named after their height clearance of 12 feet, are lower than the ground. You can identify them by their “well” (or middle of the trailer), which is lower than the rear and front parts.
- Flatbed Trucking
This is the most popular type of trailer to carry a typical load. This trailer can carry loads measuring 48′-53″x8.8.8″. Flatbeds make loading and unloading for your crew easier.
- Stretch Trailer
Stretch trailers are all the trailers mentioned above, including the Flatbed Trailer, Step Deck and Double Drop. They can extend their deck to carry loads over 53′.
Pay attention to the load capacity
You might think that if your heavy equipment weighs 30 tons, you can get a certified trailer for that weight. However, other factors need to be considered. Some trailers might be certified for 30 tonnes over 15 feet, while others may only be certified for the same weight in 10 feet. Before loading your heavy equipment, check the trailer’s rating.
Only Trained Operators
Hiring workers to load heavy equipment and drive the truck on your site is tempting. But don’t do it. Even if the heavy machinery’s value is not in the 5 digits, it is still important to use workers on your construction site to load the equipment or drive the truck. Driver error speeding is still the leading cause of heavy-duty trucking accidents. This is why it’s important only to hire experienced and trained operators.
Routes before the Final Trip
Before you set out on your planned route, ensure you have another vehicle with you to verify the routes. Recent accidents, fallen trees, and construction work can cause delays that could completely stop your haul.
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