If You’re Finding It Challenging To Choose The Right Mini Excavator Trailer Size, You’re Not Alone. Making the wrong choice can lead to expensive missteps, unsafe hauling, and even damage to your player. Don’t worry. Your “how to choose the perfect size mini excavator trailer” guide is finally here to help you transport like a ninja.

Selecting the right mini excavator trailer size is crucial to avoid overloading, improper transport, and potential damage. Start by considering the weight and dimensions of your mini excavator, and ensure your trailer’s weight capacity and space match your equipment’s needs. Whether you need a lowboy, flatbed, or tilt-bed trailer, this guide will help you make an informed decision to keep your excavator safe during transit.

Now, let’s delve into the key factors to discover the best мини-экскаватор trailer for you.

What Is a Mini Excavator Trailer?

A mini excavator trailer is a specific trailer to haul a mini excavator or sometimes referred to as a compact excavator from one place to another. It is designed to handle the weight and dimensions of a mini excavator for safe, efficient transport. Mini excavators range as light as 1 ton up to 5 tons. You need a trailer that can handle the weight and provides enough space to load and unload your mini excavator in a safe manner. Picking the correct size is crucial because you don’t want to overload your trailer, which could lead to accidents, equipment damage, and potential legal issues involving over-weight citations.

Key Factors to Consider: When choosing a mini excavator trailer, you must take into account:

• Weight capacity: The trailer needs to be able to hold the weight of your mini excavator, including any accessories or attachments you have.
• Размеры: The trailer itself needs to fit your specific excavator, including the boom length and the track width.
• Ramps Loading Mechanism: How easy it is to load and unload will be a make or break situation. Some trailers come with hydraulic ramps to make loading and unloading easier. Some trailers tilt. There are all kinds of ways people have designed to make it easier to get your mini excavator onto and off of the trailer.

Common Types of Mini Excavator Trailers

Mini Escavator Haulers Come in Different Types to Suit Your Needs Better. Let’s duscuss the regular trailer types available and their features pros and cons.

Flatbed Trailers:

Flatbed trailers are the most flexible mini excavator trailer and are commonly used for many different types of equipment, including mini excavators. They are a level trailer with no side walls, which makes it very easy to load and unload equipment. They typically come in single axle for smaller equipment or tandem axle for more weight. They are great for your smaller mini excavators but may not provide the stability for the larger mini’s and allow you the lower height for those models.

Tilt-bed Trailers:

Tilt bed trailers are a trailer where the bed itself is a hydraulic bed. You push a button, and the bed goes down allowing you to drive your mini excavator onto the bed. This is nice if you have a heavier mini excavator to load and unload or if you don’t have a loading ramp. These are typically for those who have mid-size mini excavators in the 3-5 ton range.

Lowboy Trailers:

Lowboy trailers are specifically designed to provide a lower deck height. If you have a heavy or oversized mini excavator, a lowboy can be the perfect solution to transport your equipment. The lower your deck, the easier it is to load and unload big equipment because you have a much less steep incline to drive up and down. These are perfect for the larger model mini excavators (4-5 ton range) or if you have the heavy rock breaker on the front and the backfill blade on the back. These are widely used in construction applications and industrial settings where people have larger, heavier mini excavators to move around.

How to Choose the Right Mini Excavator Trailer

The right trailer for your mini excavator depends on your specific needs. Consider the weight of your mini excavator, the size of the mini excavator, and the other equipment or attachments you plan to haul. Be sure to select a trailer with a weight rating in excess of the weight of your mini, and it’s best to go 20%-30% over. Also, think about the way you’ll load and unload the mini, and which of those options will work best with the conditions where you regularly use your mini.

For example, if you routinely must load the mini on uneven ground, a dump trailer is a poor choice and a tilt-bed might be your best option. By picking the right mini trailer, you’ll be sure you’re hauling your mini safely and will avoid damaging your equipment or running afoul of the law by being an overweight or oversized load.

How Does Mini Excavator Weight Affect Trailer Selection?

One of the first things you need to know when selecting a mini excavator trailer is the weight of the equipment you plan to haul. The weight of your mini excavator will determine which type of trailer you need.

Mini Excavator Trailer Weight Considerations

A mini excavator can weigh anywhere from 1 ton to 5 tons. Some of the small ones might weigh 1-2 tons, and the bigger models can weigh up to 5 tons. Make sure the weight of your mini excavator doesn’t exceed the capacity of your trailer. Overloading your trailer will jeopardize your safety and can also damage your trailer or the mini excavator.

Here’s a simple weight guideline for different mini excavator sizes:

Make sure the trailer’s maximum weight capacity is higher than the total weight of your mini excavator to avoid overloading.

How Do Mini Excavator Dimensions Affect Trailer Selection?

Also, you need to be thinking about the dimensions of your excavator. The length, width, and height are going to affect how much space you need on the trailer. For instance, if you have a mini excavator with a boom that extends out further, then you might need a longer trailer. If you have a wide model of a mini excavator, you might need a wider trailer even if it doesn’t necessarily go off the sides of the trailer much. However, those are things you need to know. Before you buy a trailer, make sure you know these dimensions.

Important Dimensions to Consider:

• Length: The length of the excavator (including the boom) will determine the minimum length of the trailer bed required.
• Ширина: Ensure the trailer’s width exceeds the excavator’s width to provide enough clearance.
• Height: Check the height of the mini excavator to avoid clearance issues, especially when navigating under bridges or power lines.

By understanding the physical dimensions of your mini-excavator, you can pick a trailer that will have enough room to safely load, hold, and transport your machine.

What Are the Best Features to Look for in a Mini Excavator Trailer?

When picking a mini-excavator trailer, certain things will greatly affect how easy/safe it is to load, move, and unload with your equipment. Here are the top features to look at:

• Ramp Design: A good trailer will have ramps that are easy to use for loading, and they don’t need to be stored somewhere special when you’re driving. If you’re going to be moving your mini-excavator around a lot, you might even consider a trailer with a hydraulic tilt bed – which makes it super easy to load!
• Suspension System: The trailer should have a beefy suspension system to handle the weight of your mini-excavator, and to make the ride smooth across rough roads.
• Axle Configuration: A trailer with dual axles is generally more stable, and it can carry more weight than a single-axle trailer. Tie-Down Points: Make sure the trailer has plenty of points to tie your mini-excavator down.
• Brakes: If your mini-excavator is bigger, it’s a good idea to have brakes on the trailer which will help you when driving on hilly or uneven terrain.

Where Can I Find Mini Excavator Trailers for Sale?

Now, since you know what to look for, it’s time to go shopping! Whether you want to buy new or used mini-excavator trailers for sale, here’s where you can find the perfect trailer for your needs:

• Online Marketplaces: Places like Craigslist, eBay, and Made-In-China will have listings on all sides of the spectrum.
• Dealerships: Lots of equipment dealerships will have trailers. They’ll have a mix of new and used, and may carry multiple brands.
• Manufacturer Websites: Some companies, like Big Tex Trailers or PJ Trailers, will sell direct so you can buy from them.

Before you buy, always verify weight capacity and all the specs of the trailer and measure to ensure it’s what you need for your mini-excavator.

New vs. Used Mini Excavator Trailers: Which Should You Buy?

As you look at getting a mini-excavator trailer, you’ll have the choice of buying a new versus a used trailer, and there are positives and negatives to each depending on your budget and needs.

Advantages of Buying New:

• Warranty: A new trailer typically comes with a manufacturer’s warranty, providing peace of mind in case of defects or issues.
• Состояние: New trailers are in perfect condition and require no repairs or upgrades.
• Customizability: You can often customize new trailers to meet specific requirements.

Advantages of Buying Used:

• Lower Cost: Used trailers are typically more affordable, which is ideal if you’re on a budget.
• Немедленная доступность: A used trailer will be available immediately, with no lead time for manufacturing and shipping.
• Proven Durability: Assuming it’s in good shape, a used trailer is a known quantity in terms of performance, especially if it has a solid maintenance record.

When buying used, ensure that the trailer is in good condition, check for rust or damage, and inquire about its history.

How to Calculate the Right Trailer Size for My Mini Excavator?

For mini excavators under 10,000 pounds, consider the length between the front of the bucket to the end of the swing boom. Often, these mini excavators are approximately 12.5 feet long. Add this number to your bucket width, which is typically around five to eight feet. Also, make sure your linkage and tracks fold up. If so, it still falls within this length. Keep this in mind as you look to purchase a new trailer—or you may run into trouble transporting it down the road.

Weight Calculation:

Yes, you read that correctly. Once you know the weight of the mini excavator plus any attachments or accessories, you’ll need to get a trailer with a capacity more than the weight of your equipment. The general rule of thumb is to go with at least 20-30% more rated capacity for the trailer than the total weight of your mini excavator. This extra weight capacity means your trailer will be under less stress, experience less wear and tear, and remain safer while you’re driving with your mini and trailer behind you.

Example:

If your mini-excavator weighs 3 tons (6,000 lbs), then you want a trailer with a weight capacity of at least 3.6 tons (7,200 lbs). A little bit higher trailer capacity is going to help you out and keep you from getting overloaded.

Dimension Calculation:

The next step is measuring your mini excavator to figure out how much space it requires in terms of length, width, and, most importantly, height. What you find out there will be critical in selecting a trailer for your mini excavator that not only will fit the mini itself, but also have enough space for you to drive the mini on and off and maneuver around without hitting the sides.

• Length: Measure the distance from the front of the excavator to the attachment’s position when fully extended, plus 3 extra feet on the back. The purpose of the extra 3 feet is to safely carry the full length of the excavator in transportation, plus additional room for proper weight distribution and safety.
• Ширина: Build the trailer bed floor wider than the tracks or wheels on your excavator. Be careful to leave several inches of play room on both sides to be sure the equipment won’t hang over the edge.
• Height: The biggest problem with height will often be the height of the trailer. You may have a limited height because of bridges in the country or restrictions on heights as you go down the road (or under certain overpasses). Make sure your mini excavator will fit all the way on the trailer.

By building the trailer bed larger, you’re going to make it much easier to load and unload; you’re also less likely to damage anything while doing so. If your measurements are exact, then you could end up with a headache.

Common Mistakes When Choosing a Mini Excavator Trailer

Even experienced buyers can make mistakes when selecting a mini excavator trailer. Here are some common errors to avoid:

• Underestimating Trailer Size: Choosing a trailer that’s too small can lead to unsafe conditions, damaging both the trailer and the excavator.
• Overestimating Trailer Size: A trailer that’s too large can be inefficient, harder to maneuver, and more expensive.
• Ignoring Weight Capacity: Always match the weight of your mini excavator with the trailer’s weight capacity to avoid overloading.

How to Ensure My Mini Excavator Trailer Lasts Longer?

Check Tire Pressure Regularly

A proper tire inspection must include tread depth, finding and sealing punctures, and rotating tires to ensure even wear. Over time, the rubber on your tires will degrade from exposure to heat, dry conditions, and UV rays. If your tires show signs of dry rot, you’ll need to replace them. Rubber degradation will cause your tires to blow out at the worst possible time, leading to an accident or extensive trailer damage. Therefore, don’t overlook the condition of your trailer tires!

Lubricate Moving Parts:

This regular maintenance should also include an inspection of the lights and brakes on your trailer. Without these two substantial safety measures, not only are you putting yourself at risk of a ticket, but you’re also endangering yourself and others while hauling the extra weight of a mini excavator behind you. If your trailer is old or you’re not confident in your brake system, take it to a professional for an overhaul.

Inspect for Damage:

Don’t forget to give your trailer a bath regularly. Dirt, mud, and road salt can damage the paint and contribute to rust. Washing your trailer also reveals any small cracks, peeling paint, or rust forming on the metal, which you can address before it becomes a serious issue.

Заключение

Choosing the right mini excavator trailer requires thought about weight, size, and necessary features. Using your excavator’s specifications to select a trailer that fits your needs will ensure a successful transportation. Whether you buy new or used, remember a little maintenance can help keep your trailer on the road and last longer.

Contact us for help in finding the right mini excavator trailer for you. Our experts can guide you through the selection process and help you find the best choice for your needs.