How to Haul a Skid Steer on a Trailer

A skid steer is one of the most useful machines on a job site, and one of the heaviest things most people will ever put on a trailer. Moving one safely takes the right trailer, a careful approach to loading, and solid tie-downs. Here's how to do it.

Know the weight first

Skid steers and compact track loaders are heavy. Smaller models can weigh around 5,000 pounds, and larger ones can weigh much more. Add a bucket or attachment, and the number goes up again.

Find the operating weight on the machine's spec sheet or plate. Then add:

• The bucket or attachment you're bringing
• Extra attachments riding on the trailer
• Chains, binders, and any tools

Add that to the trailer's empty weight. The total must stay under the trailer's GVWR and your truck's towing capacity. Our towing capacity and payload guide walks through the math step by step.

Choose the right trailer

For most skid steers, you want a heavy-duty equipment trailer or flatbed with:

• A GVWR that covers the machine plus the trailer
• Electric brakes, and a brake controller in your tow vehicle
• Strong ramps rated for the machine's weight
• A dovetail, which lowers the loading angle so the machine doesn't tip back or scrape
• Good tie-down points like stake pockets or D-rings

Our 24 ft flatbed is rated at 10,000 lb GVWR and has ramps plus a 2 ft dovetail for this kind of work. It needs a properly rated tow vehicle and a working brake controller. Always check that your specific machine's weight fits. Our Which Trailer Do I Need? guide can help.

Set up for loading

• Hitch the trailer to the tow vehicle first. Never load a skid steer onto an unhitched trailer.
• Park on level, firm ground. Soft ground can let the ramps sink or shift.
• Put the truck in park, set the parking brake, and chock the trailer wheels if you can.
• Set the ramps carefully and make sure they're seated and pinned. Space them to match the machine's track or wheel width.
• Clear the area. Nobody should stand behind, in front of, or beside the ramps while loading.

Loading: heavy end uphill

This is the rule to remember: drive up with the heavy end uphill.

• An empty bucket makes the rear (engine end) the heavy end, so many operators back up the ramps with the bucket low.
• A loaded bucket or heavy attachment makes the front heavier, so you'd drive up forward with the load low.

Always follow your machine's operator's manual, since some models have specific guidance. Keep the bucket or attachment low, just above the ramps. Move slowly and steadily. Don't turn while on the ramps.

Position for balance

Once on the trailer, position the machine so about 60 percent of the total cargo weight is ahead of the trailer axles. That gives you good tongue weight and helps prevent sway. Our tongue weight guide explains why.

Then:

• Lower the bucket or attachment flat onto the deck
• Set the parking brake and shut off the machine
• Remove the key

Chain it down

Heavy equipment calls for chains and binders, not just straps.

• Use at least four tie-downs, one at each corner, attached to the machine's designated tie-down points
• Use chain and binders rated for the job, and make sure the combined working load limit is at least half the machine's weight
• Pull the front chains forward and out, the rear chains back and out
• Secure the attachment too, either on the machine or chained separately

Our tie-downs guide explains working load limits in detail.

On the road

• Recheck chains after the first few miles and at every stop
• Allow extra stopping distance. A loaded equipment trailer is heavy.
• Take turns wide and slow, and watch your height for low branches and bridges
• Keep your speed moderate, especially on rough roads

Unloading

Reverse the steps: level ground, trailer hitched, chocks in place. Remove the chains last, after the machine is running and ready. Come down the ramps with the heavy end uphill, slowly, with the bucket low.

Hauling a skid steer isn't hard, but it does reward patience. Take your time, and the machine will arrive ready to work. Call or message for rates on our 24 ft flatbed.