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    Safe Trailering Tips for Compact Iron

    Oct. 10, 2024
    Best practices for trailering compact equipment, covering loading, securing, and safety tips.
    When loading a skid steer or compact track loader onto a trailer, keep the boom and attachment low.
    When loading a skid steer or compact track loader onto a trailer, keep the boom and attachment low.

    Editors note: This article has been updated.

    John Deere Construction & Forestry’s Commercial Worksite Products group encompasses skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, compact wheel loaders, and compact excavators. With these machines utilized on job sites every day, the company suggests the following when trailering small equipment:

    • Prepare for transport: First, park the trailer on level ground, then place chock blocks against the trailer wheels.
    Once the machine is on the trailer, lower the attachment to the trailer bed, engage the park brake, and stop the engine.
    Once the machine is on the trailer, lower the attachment to the trailer bed, engage the park brake, and stop the engine.

    • Load the machine onto the trailer: 
      Compact wheel loaders: Drive the machine slowly up onto the ramp.
      Skid steer or CTL: Back the machine onto the trailer, keeping the boom and attachment low.
      Compact excavator: Position the machine on the trailer, also keeping the boom and attachment low. Remember when loading that the centerline of the machine should be over the centerline of the trailer.
    • Lower the attachment and turn off the machine:
      Compact wheel loader: Lower all equipment onto the trailer bed. Move the FNR switch to N. Push the park-brake switch on, and turn the key switch off. Install the articulating locking pin. Turn the battery disconnect switch off.
      Skid steer or CTL: Lower the attachment to the trailer bed, engage the park brake, and stop the engine.
      Compact excavator: Rotate the upper structure so the front attachment is facing rearward. Lower the blade to rest on the trailer bed, then lower the boom until the bucket rests on the trailer bed. Stop the engine.

    Trailer tips

    • Keep the trailer bed clean.
    • Trailers must have the signs and lights required by law.
    • Always wear a seat belt when loading the machine.
    • Use loading ramps, keeping them at a low angle and firmly attached to the trailer.
    • Never steer the machine while on the ramp; if you need to change position, unload the machine, reposition, and start again.
    • Use extra caution in wet and muddy conditions.
    • Secure the machine to the trailer using appropriate equipment:
      Compact wheel loader: Fasten the machine securely to the trailer using appropriate chains and load binders in accordance with applicable local and regional DOT requirements.
      Skid steer or CTL: Fasten the machine securely to the trailer at the front, rear, and boom tie-downs using appropriate chains and load binders in accordance with applicable local and regional DOT requirements.
      Compact excavator: Secure the bucket, blade, and track frame to the trailer using appropriate chains and load binders, again, always in accordance with applicable local and regional DOT requirements.