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Excavator Transport and Width Constraints
When selecting a mid-size excavator like a 160-class machine for farm or utility use, one of the most overlooked factors is transport width. In regions where equipment must be trailered across county roads or state lines, width directly affects hauling permits, trailer selection, and cost. Most operators aim to stay under the 8-foot 6-inch legal width threshold to avoid oversize load restrictions. However, track pad size can push a machine beyond that limit.
Excavators in the 160-class range—such as the John Deere 160C or Hitachi ZX160—typically offer track pads in widths ranging from 23.5 inches to 28 inches. While the undercarriage frame remains constant, wider pads extend beyond the track frame, increasing the overall width of the machine.
Terminology Notes
For example:
Field Experience and Practical Advice
One contractor shared that his crew routinely trimmed 2 inches off the outer edge of 28-inch pads to meet transport width limits. While this reduces ground contact slightly, it avoids the need for permits and escort vehicles. Another operator emphasized that in clay-rich floodplain soils, wider pads are essential for flotation and stability—making the extra width worth the hassle.
In some counties, enforcement is strict. Even a few inches of pad overhang beyond the trailer deck can result in fines. One foreman recalled being cited for pad edges extending past the D-rings on his lowboy trailer, despite having a permit.
Recommendations for Buyers and Haulers
Excavator width does change with track pad size, and the difference can affect transport legality and cost. While wider pads offer better traction and flotation, they may push the machine into oversize territory. Operators must balance ground performance with hauling practicality, and in some cases, trimming pads or swapping sizes is the most efficient solution.
When selecting a mid-size excavator like a 160-class machine for farm or utility use, one of the most overlooked factors is transport width. In regions where equipment must be trailered across county roads or state lines, width directly affects hauling permits, trailer selection, and cost. Most operators aim to stay under the 8-foot 6-inch legal width threshold to avoid oversize load restrictions. However, track pad size can push a machine beyond that limit.
Excavators in the 160-class range—such as the John Deere 160C or Hitachi ZX160—typically offer track pads in widths ranging from 23.5 inches to 28 inches. While the undercarriage frame remains constant, wider pads extend beyond the track frame, increasing the overall width of the machine.
Terminology Notes
- Track Pad: The steel or rubber plate bolted to the track chain, which contacts the ground.
- Undercarriage Frame: The structural base that supports the track system and drive components.
- Legal Transport Width: The maximum width allowed on public roads without special permits, typically 8 feet 6 inches in the U.S.
- Oversize Load Permit: A regulatory document allowing transport of equipment exceeding legal dimensions, often requiring signage and route planning.
For example:
- A Deere 160C with 24-inch pads measures approximately 8 feet 6 inches wide
- The same machine with 28-inch pads reaches 8 feet 10 inches wide
Field Experience and Practical Advice
One contractor shared that his crew routinely trimmed 2 inches off the outer edge of 28-inch pads to meet transport width limits. While this reduces ground contact slightly, it avoids the need for permits and escort vehicles. Another operator emphasized that in clay-rich floodplain soils, wider pads are essential for flotation and stability—making the extra width worth the hassle.
In some counties, enforcement is strict. Even a few inches of pad overhang beyond the trailer deck can result in fines. One foreman recalled being cited for pad edges extending past the D-rings on his lowboy trailer, despite having a permit.
Recommendations for Buyers and Haulers
- Check pad width before purchase, especially if transport is frequent
- Measure actual machine width with pads installed—not just spec sheet dimensions
- Consider pad trimming if width exceeds legal limits by a small margin
- Apply for annual oversize permits if hauling is routine
- Use oversize signage and flags even for minor overhangs in strict counties
Excavator width does change with track pad size, and the difference can affect transport legality and cost. While wider pads offer better traction and flotation, they may push the machine into oversize territory. Operators must balance ground performance with hauling practicality, and in some cases, trimming pads or swapping sizes is the most efficient solution.
