Backhoe Loader Transport Services
Backhoe loaders are among the most versatile and widely used machines on construction sites across America — and one of the most frequently transported pieces of equipment. R&RM LLC has been hauling backhoes for contractors, municipalities, equipment dealers, and rental companies since 2011. Whether you need a single unit moved from Georgia to Texas or a rental fleet rotated between job sites across multiple states, we handle every aspect of the move.
Most standard backhoe loaders weigh between 14,000 and 20,000 pounds and fit within legal width limits, making them straightforward to transport on a standard flatbed. Larger backhoes — particularly extended-hoe or four-wheel-drive models with attachments — may require oversize permits depending on the states traversed. We handle permit procurement through each state's DOT when needed, coordinating routing and travel windows so your machine arrives on schedule.
We serve all 48 continental states, from short hauls within the Southeast to long-distance moves from coast to coast. Call (404) 987-6225 or request a quote online for a same-day rate.
Backhoe Loader Brands We Transport
Caterpillar Backhoe Loaders
Cat's backhoe lineup is one of the most common in North America, found on utility projects, road construction, and general contracting sites coast to coast. We regularly transport the full Cat backhoe range:
- Cat 416: The entry-level Cat backhoe. Operating weight approximately 14,000–15,500 lbs. Standard flatbed transport in most states.
- Cat 420: Mid-range utility model. Operating weight approximately 15,000–17,000 lbs depending on configuration. Popular with municipalities and utility contractors.
- Cat 430: Workhorse model for medium-duty construction. Extended-hoe configurations may push width slightly, but still typically flatbed-legal.
- Cat 440 and 450: Larger, higher-horsepower models designed for demanding applications. Operating weights up to 21,000 lbs. May require oversize permits on certain corridors.
John Deere Backhoe Loaders
Deere's backhoe lineup is a staple of contractor fleets across the Midwest and Southeast, known for strong dealer support and high resale value:
- 310L and 310SL: Entry-level to mid-range models, operating weights in the 14,500–16,500 lb range. Clean flatbed loads with minimal prep.
- 410L: Higher-capacity Deere backhoe for production digging and loading. Approximately 17,000–18,500 lbs.
- 710L: John Deere's heavy-duty backhoe loader, with operating weights reaching 23,000 lbs. These larger units often need oversize permits for width or length in certain states.
Case Construction Backhoe Loaders
Case has manufactured backhoe loaders since the 1950s and remains a preferred brand for utilities, municipalities, and rental companies:
- Case 580N and 580 Super N: Standard mid-size backhoe, operating weight approximately 14,700–16,000 lbs. Commonly seen on utility and road repair projects.
- Case 590 Super N: Heavy-duty utility backhoe with extra dig depth and lift capacity. Operating weight approximately 17,000–19,000 lbs.
- Case 695 Super M Series 3: Case's largest backhoe. Operating weights up to 22,000 lbs depending on configuration. May require permit depending on route.
JCB Backhoe Loaders
JCB pioneered the backhoe loader concept and their 3CX and 4CX remain popular across the US, particularly in urban construction and utility work:
- JCB 3CX: The iconic JCB — operating weight approximately 16,000–18,000 lbs. Sideshift configuration is common and simplifies loading.
- JCB 4CX: Four-wheel-steer premium model. Operating weight approximately 18,000–20,000 lbs. Full 4WS makes it versatile on tight job sites but straightforward to transport.
Other Backhoe Brands
We also transport backhoe loaders from Terex, New Holland, Komatsu, Volvo, and Mahindra, as well as older legacy models from manufacturers no longer in production. If you have a machine that needs to move, call us regardless of make or age.
Transport Methods for Backhoe Loaders
Flatbed Hauling
The vast majority of backhoe loaders ship on a standard 48- or 53-foot flatbed. Backhoes are compact enough to sit within legal width limits (8 feet 6 inches) when buckets and accessories are positioned properly, and their weight falls well within flatbed capacity. For rental fleets with multiple units, we can arrange multi-unit loads to reduce per-unit shipping cost.
RGN Hauling
For larger backhoe models — particularly extended-reach configurations, 4WD units with wide tires, or machines still fitted with attachments — a removable gooseneck (RGN) trailer offers a lower deck height and drive-on loading. This eliminates the need for cranes or forklifts at pickup and delivery, saving time and reducing handling risk for the machine.
Oversize Permits
Most standard backhoe loaders transport within legal limits and require no permits. However, machines with certain attachments, extended stabilizer widths, or extended hoe arms may exceed legal height or width in specific states. R&RM LLC handles all oversize and overweight permit procurement in-house, coordinating with each state DOT to confirm routes and travel windows before dispatch.
Loading and Securement Considerations
Proper loading and securement of backhoe loaders requires attention to a few machine-specific details:
- Bucket positioning: The front loader bucket is lowered to the deck and secured independently. The rear backhoe arm is folded and pinned in the transport position.
- Stabilizer legs: Side stabilizers must be fully retracted and locked. Width with stabilizers deployed is typically 11–13 feet, which would require permits.
- Outrigger pads: If pad extensions are attached, they are removed or stowed before transport.
- Four-chain minimum: DOT and best-practice tie-down requirements call for at least four chains on machines in this weight class, positioned at manufacturer-approved hard points.
- Cab integrity: We use protective strapping to avoid damage to cab glass or ROPS structure during securement.
Who Ships Backhoe Loaders With Us
Our backhoe loader customers range from individual contractors buying a machine at auction to large regional rental companies repositioning fleet equipment. Common scenarios include:
- Equipment dealers: Moving units from factory delivery points to dealerships, or dealer-to-dealer transfers to balance inventory.
- Rental companies: Repositioning underutilized units from one market to higher-demand locations, or returning units from remote job site deliveries.
- Contractors: Moving owned equipment from one project to the next, especially on longer-duration jobs across state lines.
- Municipalities and utilities: Transporting city-owned or utility-owned backhoes to repair facilities or between maintenance yards.
- Auction buyers: Picking up purchases from equipment auctions held at yards across the country — particularly Ritchie Bros., IronPlanet, and Purple Wave auction locations.
- Agricultural operations: Farm backhoes (often John Deere or Case) being moved between properties or to dealerships for major service.
Backhoe Loader Transport Pricing
Pricing is determined by pickup and delivery locations, the machine's weight and dimensions, any special requirements (permits, escorts, liftgate), and current fuel and market conditions. As a general guide:
- Regional moves (under 300 miles): $800–$1,800 for a standard backhoe loader on flatbed, depending on pickup/delivery accessibility.
- Mid-range moves (300–800 miles): $1,500–$3,000 typical range for a standard unit without permits.
- Long-distance moves (800+ miles): $2,500–$5,000 for coast-to-coast or multi-state routes. Permit costs are added when required.
These are estimates only — exact pricing depends on specifics. Request a quote online or call (404) 987-6225 for a firm rate based on your exact move.
Related Equipment and Services
Backhoe loaders often work alongside other construction equipment that we also haul:
- Excavators — for deep dig applications where backhoe reach isn't sufficient
- Wheel loaders — for high-cycle loading operations that benefit from dedicated bucket machines
- Compactors and road rollers — for compacting soil, subbase, and asphalt after earthwork
- Oversize load transport — if your machine exceeds legal limits in any dimension
Request a Backhoe Loader Quote
To get an accurate quote, provide the machine's year, make, and model; the pickup city and state; the delivery city and state; and any known attachment widths or special requirements. We'll respond with a firm rate, typically within a few hours during business hours.
R&RM LLC · Cumming, GA · (404) 987-6225 · info@usheavyhaul.com