Is It Legal to Rest an Excavator Bucket in a Dump Truck During Transport

[MikePhua]

The Rise of Mid-Sized Excavators and Transport Challenges
The Hitachi E110 excavator, weighing approximately 12 tons, represents a class of mid-sized machines widely used in utility trenching, demolition, and small-scale earthmoving. Hitachi Construction Machinery, founded in 1970, has produced millions of excavators globally, with the E-series gaining popularity in North America during the 1990s and early 2000s. These machines offer a balance of reach, power, and compactness, but their transport poses logistical challenges for owner-operators using tag trailers and single-axle dump trucks.
Transporting such equipment requires careful weight distribution, securement, and compliance with federal and state regulations. A common workaround involves resting the excavator’s bucket in the bed of a dump truck to reduce trailer load and free up space for additional equipment like skid steers. While this method may seem practical, its legality and safety implications are complex.
Terminology Annotation

• Tag Trailer: A trailer without a front axle that attaches to a truck via a hitch, relying on the truck for front-end support.
  
• Tongue Weight: The downward force exerted on the hitch by the trailer, influenced by load placement.
  
• Cargo Securement Regulations: Legal standards governing how loads must be restrained during transport to prevent shifting or detachment.
  
• Boom and Stick: The articulated arms of an excavator that control reach and digging depth.
  

Weight Distribution and Hitch Load
When transporting an excavator on a tag trailer, the standard practice is to position the counterweight toward the front of the trailer and the boom/stick facing rearward. This configuration naturally transfers some weight to the truck via the hitch. Resting the bucket in the dump truck bed increases tongue weight and shifts part of the excavator’s mass off the trailer axles.
While this may help stay within trailer load limits, it introduces new variables:

• The hitch must be rated for the increased tongue weight, often exceeding 3,000 pounds.
  
• The dump truck’s suspension and frame must absorb dynamic forces during braking and cornering.
  
• The bucket must be chained securely to prevent movement, as required by cargo securement laws.
  

Legal and Safety Considerations
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations mandate that all components of a transported machine must be restrained independently. This includes the bucket, which must be chained or strapped to prevent lateral and vertical movement. Resting the bucket in a dump truck bed without securement violates these rules, even if the machine appears stable.
Additionally, the boom’s height must be checked to ensure it does not exceed legal limits, typically 13 feet 6 inches in most U.S. states. If the stick protrudes above the dump truck’s cab or tailgate, it may require a permit or rerouting.
Dynamic Forces and Risk of Damage
Beyond legality, the physics of transport must be considered. When the truck and trailer traverse dips or rises, the excavator’s boom and bucket experience vertical movement. If the bucket is wedged in the dump bed, this movement can cause:

• Frame stress on the dump truck
  
• Damage to the tailgate or bed liner
  
• Binding of the boom, leading to hydraulic stress or cylinder damage
  

During turns, the bucket may slide laterally, especially if not centered. This can affect steering geometry and increase the risk of jackknifing or trailer sway.
Anecdote from a Rural Contractor
In 2011, a contractor in upstate New York transported a Komatsu PC40 using a similar method—resting the bucket in the dump truck to make room for a skid steer. While it worked for short hauls, he noticed increased wear on the trailer hitch and occasional tailgate dents. After upgrading to a 20-ton Hudson trailer, he retired the practice and reported smoother transport and fewer maintenance issues.
Recommendations for Safer Transport

• Use a trailer rated at least 20% above the machine’s operating weight to allow for attachments and dynamic load.
  
• Position the excavator with the counterweight forward and boom rearward, avoiding overhang.
  
• Secure the bucket with chains rated for at least twice the bucket’s weight.
  
• Inspect hitch components monthly for signs of fatigue or cracking.
  
• Avoid placing the bucket in the dump truck unless it is restrained and the truck is rated for the added load.
  

Alternative Solutions

• Invest in a detachable gooseneck trailer for easier loading and better weight distribution.
  
• Use a tilt-bed trailer for compact machines to eliminate boom overhang.
  
• Transport attachments separately to reduce complexity and improve safety.
  

Conclusion
Resting an excavator bucket in a dump truck bed during transport may offer short-term convenience, but it introduces legal, mechanical, and safety risks. While some operators have used this method successfully for years, evolving regulations and equipment standards demand more robust solutions. Upgrading trailers, securing all components, and respecting weight ratings are essential for safe and compliant transport. As excavators grow more versatile and attachments more varied, transport strategies must evolve to match the demands of modern job sites.