Excavator trailers: finding the right gross weight

If you want to transport an excavator, choose the trailer based on the machine's actual operating weight – not a rough guess. This guide shows how to find the right weight class.

Use operating weight, not empty weight

An excavator's operating weight includes not just the bare machine weight but also fluids, attachments like buckets or grabs, and the operator on self-propelled models. You'll find this figure on the type plate or in your machine's technical data sheet.

Build in a safety margin

Don't choose the trailer's payload exactly at the machine's operating weight – add a margin of at least 10 to 15 percent. That covers variations from attached accessories or later modifications to the machine.

Compact excavators and larger machines

For compact excavators up to around 2 tonnes, a model like the BM 2000 Kompakt suits well. For larger machines or wheel loaders, a tandem trailer like the BM 3500 or the BM 6000 Tandem with correspondingly higher payload is recommended.

Conclusion

Determine your construction machine's exact operating weight, add a reasonable margin, and choose the trailer accordingly. That avoids both overloading and an oversized, unnecessarily expensive purchase.