10-22-2025, 07:31 PM
Understanding the 200-Class Excavator
The term “200-class excavator” typically refers to machines in the 20-ton range, such as the Hitachi ZX200, Caterpillar 320, or Komatsu PC200. These excavators weigh between 43,000 and 48,000 pounds depending on configuration, attachments, and counterweight options. They are widely used in demolition, trenching, and site prep due to their balance of reach, power, and transportability.
Manufacturers like Hitachi and Komatsu have sold tens of thousands of units globally, with the ZX200 series alone accounting for a significant portion of mid-size excavator sales in North America and Asia. These machines offer vertical reach up to 45 feet and bucket breakout forces exceeding 30,000 pounds.
Terminology Notes
Hauling a 200-class excavator on a tag trailer is possible but pushes the limits of legal and mechanical safety. In states like Colorado, tridem axles are allowed up to 54,000 pounds, while the pintle hook may carry over 20,000 pounds of tongue weight. However, bridge law constraints often limit how weight can be distributed across axles.
Operators report that a short tri-axle trailer can legally carry a 200-class excavator if the load is balanced correctly. A longer trailer might reduce tongue weight but could violate bridge law spacing. In Washington and Oregon, TRD-54 trailers are commonly used for this purpose, though drivers often describe the experience as “white-knuckle” due to braking and sway concerns.
Field Anecdotes and Practical Insight
In Tacoma, a contractor regularly hauls a Hitachi 200 on a tilt-deck tag trailer behind a roll-off truck. He prefers this setup for selective demolition work, where the machine’s reach and grapple versatility outweigh the need for a larger lowboy. However, he admits the combination is “sketchy” and avoids driving it himself.
In Colorado, another operator moves a 225-class excavator locally using a short tri-axle tag trailer. The machine weighs 54,000 pounds, and while legal under state axle laws, the setup is only used for short hauls. Winter conditions help reduce tire wear and improve traction, but the operator emphasizes that “desperate times call for desperate measures.”
Recommendations for Hauling Safely
Hauling a 200-class excavator on a tag trailer is technically feasible and sometimes legal, but it requires careful planning, proper equipment, and a clear understanding of weight distribution laws. While some contractors rely on this method for short hauls and niche jobs, most agree that it’s not ideal for long-distance or frequent transport. Safety, legality, and mechanical integrity should always guide the decision.
The term “200-class excavator” typically refers to machines in the 20-ton range, such as the Hitachi ZX200, Caterpillar 320, or Komatsu PC200. These excavators weigh between 43,000 and 48,000 pounds depending on configuration, attachments, and counterweight options. They are widely used in demolition, trenching, and site prep due to their balance of reach, power, and transportability.
Manufacturers like Hitachi and Komatsu have sold tens of thousands of units globally, with the ZX200 series alone accounting for a significant portion of mid-size excavator sales in North America and Asia. These machines offer vertical reach up to 45 feet and bucket breakout forces exceeding 30,000 pounds.
Terminology Notes
- Tag Trailer: A non-detachable trailer pulled by a truck, typically with a pintle hitch and no fifth wheel.
- Pintle Hook: A heavy-duty towing connector used for tag trailers, rated by tongue weight and gross trailer weight.
- Bridge Law: Regulations governing axle spacing and weight distribution to protect road infrastructure.
- TRD-54: A model of tag trailer rated for approximately 53,950 pounds, often equipped with 17.5-inch tires and tri-axle configuration.
Hauling a 200-class excavator on a tag trailer is possible but pushes the limits of legal and mechanical safety. In states like Colorado, tridem axles are allowed up to 54,000 pounds, while the pintle hook may carry over 20,000 pounds of tongue weight. However, bridge law constraints often limit how weight can be distributed across axles.
Operators report that a short tri-axle trailer can legally carry a 200-class excavator if the load is balanced correctly. A longer trailer might reduce tongue weight but could violate bridge law spacing. In Washington and Oregon, TRD-54 trailers are commonly used for this purpose, though drivers often describe the experience as “white-knuckle” due to braking and sway concerns.
Field Anecdotes and Practical Insight
In Tacoma, a contractor regularly hauls a Hitachi 200 on a tilt-deck tag trailer behind a roll-off truck. He prefers this setup for selective demolition work, where the machine’s reach and grapple versatility outweigh the need for a larger lowboy. However, he admits the combination is “sketchy” and avoids driving it himself.
In Colorado, another operator moves a 225-class excavator locally using a short tri-axle tag trailer. The machine weighs 54,000 pounds, and while legal under state axle laws, the setup is only used for short hauls. Winter conditions help reduce tire wear and improve traction, but the operator emphasizes that “desperate times call for desperate measures.”
Recommendations for Hauling Safely
- Verify Trailer Ratings: Ensure the trailer is rated for the full weight of the excavator, including attachments.
- Check Pintle Hook Capacity: Use a hook rated for at least 20,000 pounds tongue weight.
- Balance the Load: Position the excavator to distribute weight evenly across axles without overloading the tongue.
- Inspect Tires and Brakes: Tri-axle trailers with 17.5-inch tires must be in excellent condition to handle the load.
- Consult State Bridge Laws: Axle spacing and weight limits vary by jurisdiction.
- Avoid Long-Distance Hauls: Use tag trailers for short moves only; invest in a lowboy for regular transport.
Hauling a 200-class excavator on a tag trailer is technically feasible and sometimes legal, but it requires careful planning, proper equipment, and a clear understanding of weight distribution laws. While some contractors rely on this method for short hauls and niche jobs, most agree that it’s not ideal for long-distance or frequent transport. Safety, legality, and mechanical integrity should always guide the decision.
