How do I load a mini excavator onto a trailer?

## Loading a Mini Excavator onto a Trailer One of the key advantages of hiring from BuildHire is that you never need to load or transport the excavator yourself. BuildHire delivers the machine to your site on a low-loader trailer and collects it at the end of hire. No trailer, no tow vehicle, no loading — just the machine when you need it. ### How BuildHire's Delivery Works BuildHire's delivery driver arrives at your site with the excavator loaded on a low-loader trailer. The driver: 1. Positions the trailer at a suitable unloading point 2. Lowers the trailer ramps 3. Drives the excavator off the trailer under its own power 4. Positions the machine at your preferred starting point 5. Provides a brief operating handover At the end of your hire, the process is reversed. You position the machine near the road or driveway access; the BuildHire driver loads it back onto the trailer. ### What You Need to Provide for Delivery - A clear path from the road to the unloading point (minimum 2.5m wide for the low-loader) - Sufficient overhead clearance (minimum 4m for the trailer with machine loaded) - A level or gently sloping surface for unloading If your site has difficult access — narrow driveway, low overhead clearance, or steep gradient — contact BuildHire before booking to confirm the low-loader can access your site. ### If You Need to Transport the Machine Yourself If you need to transport the excavator between sites during your hire period (not standard practice for BuildHire hires), you will need: - A suitable trailer (low-loader or tilt-tray, rated for the machine's weight) - A tow vehicle with sufficient towing capacity - Appropriate tie-down equipment (minimum 4 × rated tie-down straps) - A valid licence for the trailer combination (check your licence class for the combined GVM) **Loading procedure (if self-transporting):** 1. Position the trailer on level ground with the ramps fully lowered 2. Approach the trailer straight-on with the excavator 3. Drive slowly up the ramps with the boom and arm retracted 4. Position the machine centrally on the trailer 5. Lower the bucket to the trailer deck and shut down 6. Secure with minimum 4 × rated tie-down straps through the machine's tie-down points 7. Ensure the machine is in transport configuration (boom retracted, bucket curled) Contact BuildHire on 1300 157 882 if you have questions about transport arrangements.