Service
Construction machinery and excavator transport
Transport of excavators, rollers, cranes and other construction machinery on lowbed trailers across Croatia and Europe. Below we explain which machines are moved how, how to choose the trailer, what drives the price and when an abnormal transport permit is required.
Machinery we move
Our fleet of lowbed and extendable trailers covers practically the full range of construction equipment:
- Tracked excavators from 1 t to over 50 t
- Backhoe loaders, mini excavators and skid steers
- Rollers, graders and asphalt pavers
- Mobile cranes, telehandlers and aerial platforms
- Drilling rigs, crushers and aggregate screens
- Concrete and steel structures, silos and containers
Choosing the right trailer
The trailer is determined by the machine's weight, height and loading method (ramp or crane):
- Lowbed semi-trailer. The usual choice for machines between 20 and 45 t. The low deck reduces total height and often allows transport without a permit.
- Extendable trailer. For long machines and structures; it extends to match cargo length and avoids excessive overhang.
- Modular platform. For loads above 60 t and oversized dimensions; the number of axles is matched to the route's permitted axle load.
- Flatbed / step deck. For lighter wheeled equipment that can be driven on under its own power.
What drives the price
There is no single per-kilometre rate — the final price is built from the following items:
- Machine weight and dimensions (these dictate the trailer type)
- Route length and category, plus the number of border crossings
- Whether an abnormal transport permit is required, and its fee
- Number of escort vehicles or police escort
- Loading and unloading — ramp, crane or self-propelled
- Execution window (night driving, weekends, urgent slots)
Preparing the machine
- Clean and inspect the machine. Mud and debris can fall off in transit and add weight.
- Lower and lock the working parts. Arm, bucket and boom must be lowered and secured to reduce total height.
- Check fuel and fluid levels. Less fuel means less weight and lower leakage risk during transport.
- Have the machine documentation ready. Exact weight and dimensions from the datasheet are required for the permit.
- Secure site access. A firm, level surface and enough room for the tractor-trailer to manoeuvre are essential.
When a permit is required
An abnormal transport permit is required as soon as the loaded vehicle exceeds 2.55 m width, 4.00 m height, the legal length or 40 t total weight. The procedure, timelines and escort rules are covered in our dedicated guide.
Read the abnormal transport guideFrequently asked questions
- How much does excavator transport cost?
- The price depends on the machine's weight and dimensions, the trailer type, route length and whether a permit and escort are needed. Machines up to 24 t usually travel on a standard lowbed without a permit, while heavier and wider units require one, raising the price.
- Do I need an abnormal transport permit for an excavator?
- Most mini and mid-size excavators travel without one. Tracked machines from roughly 25 t upwards regularly exceed the permitted width or weight, so a permit becomes mandatory.
- How long does it take to arrange machinery transport?
- Transport without a permit can be arranged within 24–48 hours. With a permit, allow 3–7 working days, or 2–4 weeks for exceptionally large loads.
- Do you move machinery outside Croatia?
- Yes. We organise transport across Europe, including permits for every transit country and escort coordination along the whole route.
Need a machine moved?
Send us the machine type, weight, dimensions and the loading and unloading locations — we will reply with a quote and an execution plan.
Request a quote