Excavator & construction machinery transport

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)

Excavator transport — tracked, mini and mid-size excavators

Excavators are the most common construction machines we move. Whether it is a 2 t mini excavator for tight sites or a 40 t tracked machine, each requires the right trailer choice and secure lashing.

• Mini excavators (up to 8 t) and mid-size excavators (8–20 t) usually travel on a standard lowbed semi-trailer without a permit.
• Large tracked excavators (20–50 t) exceed the permitted width or weight and require an abnormal load permit and escort.
• Arm, bucket and boom must be lowered and locked to reduce height and ensure stability.
• Excavator transport to construction sites in Croatia, Austria, Germany, Slovenia and other EU countries.

Machinery transport — rollers, graders, pavers and other equipment

Besides excavators, we transport the full range of construction equipment: rollers, graders, pavers, mobile cranes, telehandlers, drilling rigs, crushers and other working machines.

• Wheeled rollers and pavers are often driven onto a flatbed or step-deck under their own power.
• Graders, bulldozers and larger rollers travel on lowbed or extendable trailers due to weight and dimensions.
• Mobile cranes, platforms and telehandlers need protection for glass, hydraulics and sensors, plus locking of moving parts.
• Combined transport of several machines on one trailer is possible when total weight and dimensions allow.

Preparing the machine

1. Clean and inspect the machine. Mud and debris can fall off in transit and add weight.
2. Lower and lock the working parts. Arm, bucket and boom must be lowered and secured to reduce total height.
3. Check fuel and fluid levels. Less fuel means less weight and lower leakage risk during transport.
4. Have the machine documentation ready. Exact weight and dimensions from the datasheet are required for the permit.
5. 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.

Frequently 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 transport other working machines besides excavators?

Yes. Besides excavators, we move rollers, graders, pavers, mobile cranes, telehandlers, drilling rigs, crushers and other construction machines. We match the trailer and lashing method to each machine.

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.

Related pages

• Industrial machinery transport — machine tools, presses and production lines
• Agricultural machinery transport — tractors and combine harvesters
• Guide to exceptional transport — permits, escort and execution