08-20-2025, 09:30 PM
Overview
Hauling construction equipment such as backhoes, small dozers, and 8-ton excavators requires specialized trucks that offer ease of loading, adequate deck length, and manageable height for road travel. Traditional trailers often demand a special license (AZ/CDL), which can be challenging to acquire, especially in regions like Ontario. Alternative truck configurations such as roll-off beds, hook lifts, and tilt beds provide versatility and convenience, especially when coupled with tandem trucks for sufficient payload.
Types of Hauling Trucks
A construction outfit in Ontario switched to a tandem axle hook lift truck with a 24-foot deck to haul backhoes and 8-ton excavators regularly. They reported improved efficiency due to easier loading without additional trailers and avoided complex licensing hurdles. The truck’s moderate deck height allowed safe equipment loading while matching road transport regulations.
Terminology
For operators needing to haul backhoes, small dozers, and 8-ton excavators without the need for a CDL, tandem axle trucks equipped with roll-off, hook lift, or tilt bed systems provide viable alternatives. These trucks blend operational flexibility with manageable licensing requirements, making them practical for versatile equipment transport. Selection should emphasize deck length, height, and hydraulic power to optimize usability and compliance with regional regulations.
Hauling construction equipment such as backhoes, small dozers, and 8-ton excavators requires specialized trucks that offer ease of loading, adequate deck length, and manageable height for road travel. Traditional trailers often demand a special license (AZ/CDL), which can be challenging to acquire, especially in regions like Ontario. Alternative truck configurations such as roll-off beds, hook lifts, and tilt beds provide versatility and convenience, especially when coupled with tandem trucks for sufficient payload.
Types of Hauling Trucks
- Roll-Off Trucks: Equip a hydraulic system that allows a container or bed to roll on and off the chassis for quick loading/unloading without additional equipment. This system facilitates rapid box swapping and material hauling.
- Hook Lift Trucks: Utilize a hydraulic hook arm to lift, load, and unload bodies or containers. These trucks offer flexible body options and simplify equipment transitions, favored in urban or variable jobsite settings.
- Tilt Bed Trucks: The bed tilts hydraulically or mechanically to create a ramp, enabling easy driving of equipment on or off the truck. These are common for transporting machines that can be self-loaded.
- Deck Height: Crucial for legal transport height limits and ease of loading. Lower deck heights reduce ramp angles and improve safety during equipment loading.
- Deck Length: Needs to accommodate the largest equipment intended for transport. A 24-foot deck length is often ideal for backhoes, small dozers, and excavators up to 20,000 lbs.
- Payload Capacity: Tandem axle trucks typically handle between 15,000 and 35,000 pounds, balancing maneuverability with load requirements.
- Licensing: DZ license holders can operate larger trucks with hook lifts or tilt beds more easily than trailers requiring AZ/CDL licenses, depending on local regulations.
- Ease of Use: Hydraulic controls and visibility for the driver/operator contribute significantly to loading/unloading efficiency.
- Quick load/unload cycles with minimal manual labor.
- Ability to carry diverse body types such as flatbeds, dumpsters, or boxes.
- Enhanced versatility for operators needing multipurpose trucks.
- Reduced need for secondary towing equipment.
- Higher initial truck cost compared to simple flatbeds.
- Maintenance of hydraulic systems including pumps, cylinders, valves, and controls.
- Ensuring adequate training of operators on hydraulic system usage.
- Size and weight restrictions depending on local road laws.
A construction outfit in Ontario switched to a tandem axle hook lift truck with a 24-foot deck to haul backhoes and 8-ton excavators regularly. They reported improved efficiency due to easier loading without additional trailers and avoided complex licensing hurdles. The truck’s moderate deck height allowed safe equipment loading while matching road transport regulations.
Terminology
- DZ License: Driver license category for medium-sized trucks without requiring full commercial licenses.
- Tandem Truck: A truck with two rear axles providing increased load capacity.
- Hydraulic Hook Lift: A system using hydraulics to hook and lift containers or beds.
- Deck Length: The usable length of the hauling platform on the truck.
- Payload: The maximum allowable weight a truck can carry safely.
- Select a truck with a deck height sufficiently low to ease equipment loading/ unloading.
- Opt for a deck length at least 24 feet for versatile hauling capabilities.
- Ensure the hydraulic system has adequate lifting power for loads up to 20,000 lbs.
- Consider vendor support and local service availability for hydraulic system maintenance.
- Train operators thoroughly in the use of hydraulic systems and vehicle safety protocols.
- Verify local licensing and roadway restrictions before purchase.
For operators needing to haul backhoes, small dozers, and 8-ton excavators without the need for a CDL, tandem axle trucks equipped with roll-off, hook lift, or tilt bed systems provide viable alternatives. These trucks blend operational flexibility with manageable licensing requirements, making them practical for versatile equipment transport. Selection should emphasize deck length, height, and hydraulic power to optimize usability and compliance with regional regulations.
