Trencher Hauling Services
Trenchers are essential on pipeline, utility, fiber optic, drainage, and irrigation projects across North America. From compact ride-on chain trenchers used by landscaping crews to massive rock wheel trenchers that can cut through solid limestone at several feet per hour, these machines cover an enormous range of sizes and transport requirements. When a project wraps or a contractor needs to move equipment to the next job, R&RM LLC handles the logistics so crews can focus on the work.
Since 2011, R&RM LLC has transported trenching equipment for pipeline contractors, utility installation companies, agricultural irrigation specialists, and rental companies throughout the Southeast, Midwest, and across all 48 continental states. We understand the dimensional quirks that make trenchers challenging to move — tall boom chains, wide cutting heads, extended side booms — and we plan accordingly.
Types of Trenchers We Transport
Chain Trenchers
Chain trenchers use a rotating digging chain mounted on a boom to cut a continuous trench. They range from compact walk-behind models to large crawler-mounted machines capable of digging 8–10 feet deep in a single pass. Major chain trencher sizes we transport include:
- Compact ride-on chain trenchers (under 10,000 lbs): Vermeer RT100, Ditch Witch RT45, Case TR270 and similar machines — typically transported on a standard flatbed or step deck without oversize permits in most states
- Mid-size chain trenchers (10,000–30,000 lbs): Vermeer T455 Commander, Ditch Witch HT115, Case 860T and similar — flatbed or step deck; overweight permits may be required depending on route and exact weight
- Large chain trenchers (30,000–80,000 lbs): Vermeer T855 Commander III, Ditch Witch HT220, Tesmec TRS500 and similar — RGN or heavy-duty step deck; oversize and overweight permits typically required; pilot cars often needed for wide boom configurations
- Heavy chain trenchers (80,000+ lbs): Vermeer T1255 Commander III, Tesmec TRS900 and similar large pipeline trenchers — full oversize transport with superload consideration in some states; multi-state permit coordination required
Wheel Trenchers (Rock Wheel Trenchers / Chain Wheel Trenchers)
Wheel trenchers use a large rotating cutting wheel studded with carbide picks to grind through hard rock, reinforced soil, and tough subsurface conditions that chain trenchers cannot handle efficiently. These machines are often the heaviest and widest trenching equipment on the market:
- Tesmec TRS Series: TRS500 through TRS1475 — covering mid-size utility work through large-diameter pipeline applications. Operating weights range from roughly 40,000 to over 200,000 lbs for the largest configurations. These require careful dimensional assessment before transport.
- Simex Rock Wheel Attachments: Mounted on excavator carriers — transport handled as excavator hauls with attachment separately secured
- Vermeer RTX / T&T Series rock machines: For hard-ground applications in the 20,000–60,000 lb range
- Custom pipeline rock wheel trenchers: Some operators use specialty machines built for specific pipeline diameters — we assess each machine individually
Combination Trenchers
Combination machines integrate a chain trenching system with rock wheel capability and often include a backfill blade and spoil conveyor. Machines like the Tesmec TRS series and Vermeer T-Series Commander III fall into this category. The extended width of the conveyor boom is often the controlling transport dimension — wider than the machine's base width — and must be accounted for in permit applications.
Micro-Trenchers
Micro-trenchers cut narrow, shallow slots for fiber optic conduit installation in urban environments. Machines like the Ditch Witch MT9 and Simex micro-trencher attachments are compact enough to transport on flatbed trailers or even within enclosed trailers. They often travel alongside other equipment on consolidated loads.
Trencher Transport Methods
Flatbed and Step Deck Trailers
Smaller and mid-size trenchers move on standard 48-foot or 53-foot flatbed trailers and step deck trailers. Step decks provide a lower deck height that keeps tall machines within legal height limits. Chains and binders are attached to the machine's designated tie-down points — never to boom components, hydraulic cylinders, or cutting chain assemblies.
RGN Trailers for Large Trenchers
Large crawler-mounted chain trenchers and rock wheel trenchers require removable gooseneck trailers to keep the overall transport height within permit thresholds. The RGN's drop deck places the machine lower than a standard flatbed can, which is critical for tall boom configurations. RGN trailers rated from 55 tons through 150+ tons are matched to the specific machine weight.
Boom and Attachment Handling
Many trenchers require partial disassembly or repositioning of the boom for transport. Ditch Witch and Vermeer chain trenchers often have booms that fold or retract for highway movement. Tesmec wheel trenchers may require the cutting wheel to be removed and transported separately on a flatbed. Our team coordinates these requirements with the equipment owner or operator before dispatch so loading day runs efficiently.
Oversize Permit Requirements for Trenchers
Trencher transport permitting depends on the machine's transport dimensions and weight. Key factors our permit coordinators evaluate include:
- Width: Trenching machines with extended side booms or spoil conveyors can exceed 14 feet or more in transport configuration — well above the standard 8.5-foot legal width. Width determines whether front and rear pilot cars are required.
- Height: Tall chain boom trenchers in travel position may approach or exceed 14 feet of transport height when loaded on a flatbed. RGN trailers reduce this; in some cases the boom must be partially lowered or removed.
- Weight: Large pipeline trenchers can exceed 100,000 lbs operating weight, placing them firmly in superload territory for most states. Axle-by-axle weight analysis is required for permit applications.
- Length: Extended cutting boom configurations add significant length to the transport envelope. Some pipeline trenchers stretch 50 feet or more in transport configuration, requiring rear pilot cars for overhang and total length permits.
Our permit services team handles all applications, coordinates advance notice requirements (some states require up to 10 business days for superload permits), and manages pilot car arrangements across all 48 states.
Trencher Transport Applications
- Pipeline and utility installation project mobilization and demobilization
- Fiber optic and telecommunications trench project moves
- Agricultural irrigation system installation equipment relocation
- Drainage and stormwater project equipment moves
- Rental company fleet repositioning across service territories
- Dealer and auction equipment transfers (IronPlanet, Ritchie Bros., and others)
- New equipment delivery from manufacturers and dealers
- Long-term storage to active job site moves
Trencher Brands We Have Experience With
- Vermeer: RT45, RT100, T455, T555, T655, T755, T855 Commander III, T955, T1255 Commander III, and specialized pipeline machines
- Ditch Witch: RT45, RT80, HT115, HT220, JT series, and legacy chain trencher models
- Case Construction: RT, TRT, and Trencher/Tractor models including the 860T and larger machines
- Tesmec: TRS500, TRS800, TRS900, TRS1200, TRS1475 rock wheel trenchers and chain trencher configurations
- Barreto: Compact ride-on chain trenchers for irrigation and landscaping moves
- Astec Industries: Trenching equipment and combination machines
- Any other make or model: We assess each machine individually based on dimensions and weight
Trencher Transport Pricing
Trencher haul rates depend on the machine's weight and dimensions, pickup and delivery locations, distance, permit complexity, and whether pilot cars are required. Compact ride-on trenchers moving regionally typically run $1,800–$3,500. Mid-size machines on longer hauls run $3,500–$7,000. Large pipeline chain trenchers and rock wheel trenchers with full oversize permit packages and pilot cars can run $12,000–$25,000 or more depending on the machine size and route complexity. Contact us with make, model, estimated weight, and move locations for an accurate quote.
Whether you're moving a Vermeer T855 Commander from a pipeline project in Texas to a new site in Colorado, or relocating a Tesmec rock wheel trencher across three states for a utility installation contract, R&RM LLC has the experience to handle it correctly. Our knowledge of permit requirements, proper loading procedures for trenching equipment, and tie-down best practices comes from real hauls — not guesswork.
Request Your Trencher Transport Quote
Tell us the make, model, approximate operating weight, pickup location, and delivery destination. We'll confirm transport dimensions, calculate permit requirements, and provide a competitive quote promptly.