Kobelco SK850LC-10 Hydraulic Excavator Transport — Belfield, ND to Abilene, TX

Job Overview

Equipment2021 Kobelco SK850LC-10 Hydraulic Excavator
TrailerMulti-Axle RGN
RouteBelfield, ND → Abilene, TX
Distance~1,500 miles
CompletedMarch 2026

Equipment Specs

  • Operating Weight: ~187,000 lbs
  • Shipping Length: 47.68 ft
  • Shipping Height: ~12.4 ft
  • Transport Width: ~14.5 ft (tracks on)

The Challenge

The SK850LC-10 is an 85-ton mining-class excavator — one of the largest track machines in production. Moving it in a single haul required a multi-axle RGN configuration to distribute axle weight within legal limits across North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas. Each state had different axle weight formulas, and the dispatch window was tight to beat North Dakota’s spring load restriction period.

The Outcome

The load was permitted and dispatched within 72 hours, ahead of North Dakota’s spring load restriction window. All five state permits were secured with the correct axle configuration, and the Kobelco SK850LC-10 was delivered to the Abilene jobsite on time — ready for a large-scale excavation project with zero transit damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you transport a Kobelco SK850LC-10 that weighs 187,000 lbs?

An 85-ton excavator like the Kobelco SK850LC-10 requires a multi-axle RGN trailer with a custom axle spread to distribute weight across multiple axles and stay within each state’s legal axle weight limits. This machine also exceeds width limits with tracks on, requiring oversize permits in every state crossed.

What are spring load restrictions and how do they affect heavy haul scheduling?

Spring load restrictions are seasonal weight limits imposed by states — typically from late February through April — to protect roads from damage during the thaw cycle. States like North Dakota reduce allowable gross vehicle weights significantly during this period. Carriers must either complete the haul before restrictions take effect or wait until the restriction window closes.

What trailer is needed to haul a 187,000 lb excavator?

A machine at this weight requires a multi-axle RGN (Removable Gooseneck) trailer — often a modular system with additional axle groups that can be configured to spread the load and satisfy varying state axle weight formulas across the route.

Need to move similar equipment? Contact Freedom Heavy Haul for a free quote on your heavy equipment transport.

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