A skid steer is a valuable piece of equipment that is relatively simple to take care of and handle – until you need to move it somewhere. It may seem like a simple task at first thought, but loading a skid steer on a trailer for the first time tends to increase your blood pressure a gear or two.
Securing a skid steer on a trailer isn’t exactly rocket science, but even experienced operators know that one wrong move during the loading process can lead to quite gnarly damage at best or even severe injury at worst. Every detail matters, from knowing where to position the skid steer on a trailer to being aware of the different types of trailers you need for the job.
We happen to know a thing or two about the subject and have created this guide to show you how to load a skid steer on a trailer safely. Throughout it, we shall cover additional points, such as how to tie down a skid steer properly, with clear steps that prioritize safety and ease of use.
Key Points
- Choose the right trailer: Be certain that the trailer can handle the skid steer’s weight and size. Using a properly rated trailer prevents overloading and keeps the equipment secure.
- Position the trailer correctly: Knowing where to position a skid steer on a trailer is crucial to the process. Start by parking the trailer on a flat, stable surface to simplify loading and balance.
- Prepare the skid steer: Lower the skid steer’s bucket and arms to increase stability during loading and transport and reduce the risk of tipping.
- Know how to tie down a skid steer: Always use strong chains or straps to tie down the skid steer. Fasten to designated points on both the skid steer and the trailer to prevent shifting while driving.
How to Load a Skid Steer
Not all situations are created equal when it comes to skid steer trailer setup – you may have severely uneven terrain, for example, or unusual skid steer dimensions. However, in the vast majority of cases, the following steps and points apply to every skid steer on a trailer. Let’s get to it.
1. Choose the Right Trailer
This may sound like an obvious point, but when selecting a trailer for your skid steer, the first step is ensuring it can handle the machine’s weight and dimensions.
Pro Tip!
The ideal skid steer trailer setup will match the equipment’s size without the trailer’s weight capacity exceeding the skid steer’s weight. Overloading a trailer can result in accidents or costly equipment damage!
Choose a skid steer trailer with a solid hitch that is compatible with your towing vehicle, as this ensures stability during transport. Flatbed trailers or tilt trailers are the most popular choices for loading a skid steer on a trailer, owing to their general compatibility with heavy equipment.
2. Position the Trailer
Proper trailer positioning is another critical factor for safely loading a skid steer on a trailer. Find a flat, level, accessible surface to park the trailer, as uneven ground will greatly increase the risk of tipping or improper alignment during loading.
Once parked, be certain the trailer is aligned with the path the skid steer will take on approach. A nice and straight, unobstructed angle simplifies the whole process and reduces the likelihood of slipping or veering off course when loading a skid steer on trailer. Also, secure the trailer brakes to keep it stationary while loading.
3. Prepare the Skid Steer for Loading
Before loading a skid steer on a trailer, you need to adjust the equipment for good stability. Lower the skid steer’s bucket and arms completely to the ground, reducing its center of gravity. This important adjustment prevents the skid steer from becoming top-heavy during loading.
Next, turn off the engine and select the parking brake while preparing the machine. When you load your skid steer on a trailer, double-check that all relevant components – such as tires, tracks, and trailer hitches – are in good working order.
4. Line Up the Skid Steer with the Trailer
Proper alignment is your friend when preparing to load a skid steer on a trailer. Start by positioning the skid steer directly in front of the trailer ramps – take note, however, that the machine should be centered, with the tires or tracks lined up properly for smooth access up the ramps.
Pay careful attention to the terrain, as uneven surfaces can affect alignment and make loading extremely difficult. For an added layer of precision, check the balance and general stability of the trailer to prevent any shifts during the process. This part of the process is all about a careful, controlled approach to reduce the risk of mishaps when loading a skid steer on a trailer.
5. Lower and Secure the Trailer Ramps
With your skid steer trailer setup complete, you are almost ready to begin loading, but first, you need to lower the trailer ramps completely, ensuring they rest firmly on the ground. Always secure them in place to prevent any movement while loading skid steer on a trailer.
If the ramps shift or are not fully extended, loading can become unsafe, to say the very least, so exercise extra diligence here. Ultimately, due caution will create a stable entry path for the equipment.
6. Load the Skid Steer Onto the Trailer
You are now ready to actually load the skid steer onto the trailer. Start by driving the machine forward and steadily up the ramps, but make sure you keep the skid steer lined up precisely with the center of the trailer to prevent uneven weight distribution.
Pro Tip!
Avoid sudden movements or changes in speed, as these can lead to instability. The bucket should remain low, which helps maintain the balance.
Once loaded on the trailer, carefully position the skid steer in the recommended spot – in most cases, that will be over the trailer axle or slightly forward – to enable proper weight distribution.
7. Secure the Skid Steer for Transport
After loading a skid steer on a trailer, you will now need to secure it. Use strong chains or straps rated for the skid steer’s weight, and attach them to designated tie-down points on both the skid steer and the trailer. Position the skid steer correctly (again, usually over the axle) to distribute the weight evenly. Properly tightening each chain or strap stops shifting without damaging the equipment.
How to Load a Skid Steer on a Trailer? Conclusion
Again, the whole process is relatively simple. Your main focus needs to be on caution rather than expertise, as loading a skid steer on a trailer requires careful preparation, proper equipment, and attention to detail.
Before you start loading your skid steer, you need to get things right from the start: and that includes choosing a trailer that can handle the job.
At Millennium Trailers, we build our trailers tough because we know what these machines put them through. We’ll help you pick the setup that works for your skid steer, so you can focus on the job ahead.
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Sources
https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/trailer-towing-laws-by-state
