Towing a Compact Track Loader (CTL): Best Practices, Equipment, and Considerations

[MikePhua]

Towing a Compact Track Loader (CTL) is a task that requires careful planning, proper equipment, and a clear understanding of the loader's capabilities and limitations. Whether you're transporting a Bobcat, Caterpillar, Kubota, or any other brand of CTL, towing it safely and efficiently is key to avoiding damage and ensuring both the loader and your vehicle arrive in good condition. In this article, we'll explore the best practices for towing a CTL, discuss the types of equipment needed, and offer tips on ensuring a safe and hassle-free transport.
What Is a Compact Track Loader (CTL)?
A Compact Track Loader (CTL) is a type of heavy equipment that combines the functionality of a skid steer loader with the added benefits of rubber tracks instead of wheels. These machines are typically used for digging, excavating, material handling, and grading in areas where traditional wheeled equipment may struggle, such as soft or uneven ground.
Because of their relatively small size, CTLs can be easily transported from job site to job site. However, towing them properly requires knowledge of the machine's weight, size, and towing limitations.
Why Towing a CTL Is Different From Towing Other Equipment
Unlike larger equipment such as bulldozers or excavators, CTLs are compact, but they still weigh significantly more than a typical car or light-duty vehicle. This means that towing a CTL involves specific considerations to avoid damage, ensure safety, and meet legal towing requirements.
Key differences when towing a CTL include:

• Weight Distribution: CTLs, while compact, have significant weight that must be properly distributed on the trailer to prevent swaying or loss of control during transport.
  
• Track Damage: Unlike wheeled loaders, the rubber tracks of CTLs are sensitive to how they are positioned during transport. Improper loading can lead to track damage.
  
• Towing Equipment Compatibility: Unlike towing light vehicles, towing a CTL requires specialized equipment such as lowboy trailers, tilt-deck trailers, or flatbed trailers.
  

Best Practices for Towing a Compact Track Loader
1. Select the Right Trailer
When towing a CTL, choosing the right trailer is crucial. Flatbed trailers, lowboy trailers, and tilt-deck trailers are all common choices for transporting compact track loaders. The type of trailer you choose depends on several factors, including the weight of the CTL, your towing vehicle, and the terrain.

• Lowboy Trailers: Ideal for heavy equipment like CTLs, lowboy trailers have a lower deck height, making loading and unloading easier, especially when dealing with equipment that has a low ground clearance.
  
• Tilt-Deck Trailers: These trailers are designed to tilt, allowing the CTL to drive directly onto the trailer without needing ramps. This is particularly useful for compact track loaders, which often have more stability on a tilted surface.
  
• Flatbed Trailers: A flatbed can also work, provided that the CTL can be safely loaded using ramps. However, you need to ensure that the weight is evenly distributed to avoid accidents during transport.
  

2. Know the Weight of Your CTL
Understanding the weight of the Compact Track Loader is essential for selecting the right trailer and towing equipment. The weight of a CTL can vary widely depending on the make and model, but most CTLs weigh between 6,000 and 10,000 pounds (2,700 to 4,500 kg). Some larger models, like the Caterpillar 259D, can weigh over 10,000 pounds.

• Towing Capacity: Ensure that the towing vehicle can handle the weight of the CTL. As a general rule of thumb, your towing vehicle should have a towing capacity at least 25% higher than the weight of the equipment being towed.
  
• Trailer Capacity: The trailer should also have enough capacity to handle the combined weight of the CTL and any additional equipment or gear you might be carrying.
  

3. Loading and Securing the CTL
Properly loading and securing the CTL on the trailer is critical to prevent damage and ensure safety during transport.

• Track Positioning: When loading the CTL onto the trailer, always ensure the tracks are in a straight position. Tracks that are turned or out of alignment can cause them to become damaged during transport.
  
• Loading Techniques: If using a lowboy or tilt-deck trailer, ensure the CTL is driven on slowly and steadily. If using a flatbed, make sure ramps are securely placed and at the correct angle. Always ensure the weight is evenly distributed across the trailer.
  
• Securing the Loader: Use ratchet straps or chains to secure the CTL to the trailer. Secure the front and rear of the loader, ensuring that the straps are tight enough to hold the machine in place without damaging the tracks. Avoid placing straps across the tracks themselves, as this could cause wear or breakage.
  

4. Check Towing Vehicle Capacity
The towing vehicle needs to have enough power to safely pull the CTL and trailer combination.

• Towing Vehicle Rating: Check the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and ensure it exceeds the combined weight of the trailer and CTL.
  
• Braking Capacity: Heavy equipment like CTLs requires braking systems that can handle the added weight. For this reason, brake controllers for trailers with air brakes may be necessary, especially when towing larger CTLs.
  

5. Proper Loading Ramp Positioning
If you’re using a ramp system to load or unload the CTL, ensure the ramps are secure and placed at an appropriate angle. Too steep of an angle could damage the machine, especially if the ground is uneven. Likewise, dirt or mud on the ramps can cause the tracks to slip or become misaligned, leading to potential damage.
Legal Considerations and Safety Tips
Before towing a CTL, it's important to be aware of various legal and safety considerations. These include road laws, weight limits, and safety protocols that must be followed to ensure compliance and safety.
1. Know the Towing Laws
Check your local, state, or country’s towing laws, as they may vary regarding weight limits, trailer requirements, and brake systems. Some areas have specific laws on the width and height of the load being towed.
2. Weight Limits on Roads
Be aware of road weight limits, particularly when transporting over bridges or roads that are not designed for heavy equipment. Exceeding these limits can result in fines and road damage.
3. Pre-Towing Inspection
Before hitting the road, perform a pre-towing inspection to ensure that all equipment is functioning correctly. Check the tires, brakes, lights, and load securing systems to make sure everything is in proper working condition. This helps avoid accidents and ensures your CTL is safe throughout the journey.
Common Challenges When Towing a CTL
Even with the right equipment and preparation, towing a CTL comes with its challenges. Some common problems faced by operators include:

• Uneven Weight Distribution: If the CTL is not positioned properly on the trailer, it can lead to swaying, poor braking, and potential damage to the loader.
  
• Tire Damage: Tire blowouts or damage during towing can be an issue if the trailer is overloaded or not properly balanced. Regularly inspect tires before and during transport.
  
• Clearance Issues: Low-clearance CTLs or trailers can have difficulty navigating uneven roads, steep inclines, or bridges. Plan the route carefully and avoid difficult terrain.
  

Conclusion: Ensuring a Safe and Successful Tow
Towing a Compact Track Loader requires careful planning, the right equipment, and a solid understanding of the machine’s characteristics. By selecting the appropriate trailer, ensuring that the CTL is loaded and secured correctly, and knowing the weight limitations of your vehicle and trailer, you can ensure a smooth and safe transport. Additionally, following legal and safety guidelines, along with addressing common challenges, will help prevent damage to your CTL and other equipment, allowing you to focus on getting the job done. With proper preparation, towing your CTL can be a hassle-free experience.