When the transport truck pulls into your driveway or job site, the goal is to have the equipment ready to roll. Proper preparation minimizes delays and ensures your machinery arrives in the same condition it left.
Follow this checklist to prep your skid steer or mini-excavator like a pro.
1. Clean the Machine
It might seem counterintuitive to wash a machine headed to a muddy site, but it’s a vital safety step.
- Visibility: Drivers need to see tie-down points clearly to secure the machine properly.
- Road Safety: Loose Clumps of mud or rocks can fly off at highway speeds, potentially damaging other vehicles.
- Inspection: A clean machine allows you to spot fresh fluid leaks or structural cracks before the journey begins.
2. Manage Fluids and Batteries
While you don’t typically need to drain every drop of oil, there are specific fluid protocols to follow:
- Fuel Levels: Keep the tank around 1/4 to 1/2 full. This reduces weight while ensuring there is enough fuel to load and unload the machine under its own power.
- Check for Leaks: Ensure all caps are tightened. If a machine has a known leak, notify the driver so they can place absorbent pads on the trailer deck.
- Battery Disconnect: For long-distance hauls, consider disconnecting the battery or using the master kill switch to prevent parasitic power drain.
3. Secure Loose Parts and Attachments
Anything that can move will move once the truck hits 65 mph.
- Buckets and Arms: Lower the bucket or blade completely so it rests firmly on the trailer deck. This relieves pressure on the hydraulic system.
- Lock the Cabs: Ensure doors and windows are latched. If you have a “soft cab” (vinyl enclosures), it’s often best to remove it so the wind doesn’t tear the material.
- The “Jingle” Test: Secure any loose chains, grease guns, or hand tools stored in the operator’s station. If it isn’t bolted down, it should be moved to the truck cab or a locked toolbox.
4. Position the Boom and Blade
For mini-excavators specifically:
- Center the House: Align the upper structure with the tracks.
- Tuck the Arm: Follow the manufacturer’s “transport position”—usually with the bucket curled in and the boom lowered.
- Engage the Swing Lock: Use the mechanical pin to lock the house in place so it doesn’t rotate during transit.
5. Final Walk-Around Documentation
Before the driver pulls away, take 30 seconds to protect yourself:
- Photos: Take high-quality photos of all four sides of the machine, the hour meter, and the fuel gauge.
- Identify Tie-Downs: Point out the designated “D-rings” or tie-down slots on your specific model to the driver. This ensures they don’t accidentally hook onto a hydraulic line or a fragile axle.
Equipment Prep Checklist
| Task | Done? | Why it Matters |
| Pressure Wash | [ ] | Prevents road debris and reveals tie-down points. |
| Lower Attachments | [ ] | Relieves hydraulic pressure and lowers center of gravity. |
| Check Fuel | [ ] | Ensures the machine can be unloaded safely. |
| Secure Cab/Doors | [ ] | Prevents wind damage to glass and interiors. |
| Lock Swing/Pivot | [ ] | Prevents the machine from shifting on turns. |
The Bottom Line
A little bit of prep work goes a long way. By having your equipment cleaned, secured, and documented, you ensure a smooth hand-off and a worry-free delivery.
Pro Tip: Always have your Owner’s Manual handy. It contains a specific “Transport” section that lists the exact weight and dimensions—information your driver will love you for having ready!