That's interesting that UR lets you take their backhoe and pull it with a vehicle not rated to do so, (not the trailer, the truck). My UR Aerial Division won't let me touch a 16K manlift with my truck for insurance reasons.

Personally, I think their reasoning is revenue driven, but I can't really argue since the law is on their side. $190 delivery/pickup fee almost every week is a nice way to increase revenues.

If I could justify the cost a a $90K piece of equipment like that then I would pull it myself, but even using a rental and having them deliver/pickup 16-20 weeks out of the year I don't come close to 1/3 that cost.

 

Smokindog is correct in that if I need equipment moved in the city, I have a friend who will do it with a semi and trailer for about $125 and will satisfy my insurance carrier. If I'm doing it on private land, I do it myself.

 

if i were hauling a back hoe i would use at least 2 chains one across the front and one across the back to supplement the ratchet straps you are planning on using just to be safe i have never haul a piece of equipment with straps but if they are rated for it then you should be fine.

 

I pulled a Cat 416C 4x4 backhoe the other day and while I pulled it fine I wouldn't recommend doing it unless you really have to. That being said, make sure you use enough chains to tie it down and that the trailer brakes are in good condition. The better it looks going down the road the less DOT will hassle you, at least here in this part of Texas. You don't want to draw any unnecessary attention towards yourself if you can help it. I don't know about you guys but that load made my truck grunt a little bit. It held 60 mph over most hills but you could tell it was all it wanted. I was still pretty impresed, you could tell the truck was heavy but it really didn't handle bad.

 

Watch out for overpass height!

 

I've got way better than 200k miles pulling a Case 580 C, K and L. I have never ever been concerned with an overpass.

A Big tex GN the deck is 38" (3 feet and tiny). My case is 8'-8" for 12'-2" overall height. Round to 12.5 and still almost 2 feet under 99% of Texas overpasses. Always lay the hoe down on the dove and cuts 2' off to get you to the 8'-8" height.

OP- please use chains and binders. Straps don't cut it for this load. Minimum of 3 by law, because of the weight. I have bucket forks and I do use straps for those.

If it starts bucking you, then the hoe is to far back on the the trailer, scoot it up a few inches and chain again.

Look close at Bnold's pic. I shoot for that every time. wheel on the front tandem. 'course I have a mark on my trailer where the front bucket goes so I'm in the sweet spot. I use a 32' trailer.

 

I've seen one knocked off by one. Cost $ to fix the RR overpass. In College Station.

 

I saw one TODAY in Lewisville. But this was a tandem dump with a little short pintle trailer, the Ford 555 had his bucket raised up over the back of the dump truck bed. POWWW broke the front chain and raised the hoe way up in the air putting the truck and trailer in a scissor!!!!

 

This actually knocked the backhoe off the trailer. They must have been haulin.

 

Ever had to emergency brake while pulling one! Man that will make you know real quick that you're not bulletproof.

 

Brakes on that trailer were extremely strong... Always led the truck no matter how much load I've had on there... say 30 round bales.

I paid for the insurance on the backhoe, not too worried... I actually believe the last time I picked it up they had actually dropped one of those huge man lifts off of the side of their semi... I helped and used the hoe that I just rented to right the man lift... I think they are all retarded... They dont care how they get the money as long as they are getting it..

 

30, that is a load. Most I've ever heard of. Mine weigh about 2100 each, you must be bailing them smaller. Brakes are important. Just be aware that the load will be pushy. I think if you keep all this "advise" in mind, you will be fine.

 

Up my way DOT wants to see a chain and binder at each corner. Be sure you are using the proper chain etc. Should be at least grade 70. It is stamped on the chain every few inches. Also, as of about a year ago they also want each bucket secured, though they don't seem to care what you use to secure them. The straps you mention should be fine. I have towed my Case 680B when necessary and as others have said as long as you know what you are doing and are careful you should be okay.

 

I agree with most of the above, am in the Peoples Republic of California and have a class A, drove an 18 wheel truck and have a 1 ton dually.

I learned to hate the revenue system of tickets every couple weeks just to keep the CHP payroll running.

I have a 963 Bobcat I pulled a time or two with mine. I can say that you will want the exhaust brake for the long grades - I got brake fade and even lost the brakes for a few pumps upon cooling - had to pump them up after sitting. Also you will want the trans lockup but I think it comes with the brake. I don't have it yet -- that's how I know you will want it. Without it, I suggest keeping your speed down hill to 20 or so until you see how it goes. Trailer brakes can overheat on long grades also.

I suggest going to the DOT website and seeing exactly where the scales are located on the freeway -- I80 west of Roseville or other locations you may pass. Sunrise may be a good alternate route south off of I80.

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/tr.../locations.htm

After pockets full of tickets for little reason I will go up to 100 or so miles out of my way to avoid presenting myself for another. They can even find problems with a new truck if they want to.

Our cops don't generally have any feelings and are not easily influenced to show leniency. Best to avoid presenting yourself for inspection. Any truck over 10000 lbs gvw is subject to the Motor Carrier permit, although the standard pickup bed may get you past that.

I always play stupid and keep driving if a scale slips up on me and I'm in a small truck. My flatbed makes me fair game to come and chase if they want to but they don't often do it. One recently got me for no motor carrier permit number though. Had to get them.

Good luck -- hope some of this is useful.

Not telling you to break any laws --- just avoid presenting yourself for a ticket if you can.

 

Sooo... how did all you heavy haulers make out??