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Equipment Prep Guide
Skid Steer Transport: What Ocala Contractors Should Know
Skid steers are smaller than an excavator or a dozer, but they still need to be hauled the right way.
A skid steer is one of the most common machines on a job site, and one of the easiest to underestimate when it comes time to move it.
This guide covers what Ocala and Marion County contractors should know before booking a skid steer haul. For a look at a bigger machine, see our guide on how to prepare an excavator for transport.
Does a Skid Steer Need a Permit?
Most skid steers fall within standard legal width, height, and weight, so a permit is often not required. That can change with larger models, or when an attachment like a wide bucket or forks extends past the machine's normal footprint. It is worth confirming before the haul instead of assuming.
For the bigger picture on permits and weight rules, see our guides on Florida's weight limits and when a pilot car is required.
Choosing the Right Trailer
A standard flatbed with loading ramps handles most skid steers without any trouble. Its lighter weight compared to an excavator or dozer means the heavier trailer types are usually not necessary. Weight and size still matter, so a hauler should confirm your specific model before the truck shows up.
Securing a Skid Steer for the Road
A skid steer gets chained down at multiple points, just like any other piece of equipment. A few things matter most.
- The bucket or attachment should sit low and flat, not raised
- The parking brake should be engaged before the machine is chained
- Loose attachments riding alongside the machine need their own separate securing
Common Mistakes with Skid Steer Transport
Loading Too Many Attachments at Once
It is tempting to send every bucket and fork along in one trip. Each item still needs its own secure point, and overloading a trailer with loose extras is one of the most common ways something shifts during transport.
Leaving the Bucket Raised
A raised bucket changes the machine's balance and adds unnecessary height. Lowering it flat before the truck arrives is a small step that makes a real difference.
Assuming No Permit Is Ever Needed
Most of the time that is true, but attachments and larger models can change the picture. A quick confirmation before the haul avoids a surprise at the scale.
The short version: skid steers are smaller and simpler to haul than an excavator or dozer, but they still deserve the same basic care: bucket down, brake set, loose items secured on their own.
Moving Equipment Around Marion County
Skid steers move between job sites often, sometimes more than any other piece of equipment a contractor owns. Whether it is a short hop across Ocala or a longer haul into a neighboring county, the same basic prep applies every time.
See our full lineup of services on the Construction Equipment Hauling page, or explore flatbed trucking for smaller equipment moves like this one.
- Equipment make and model
- Any attachments riding along
- Pickup and delivery locations
- Your target pickup date
Moving a skid steer or other equipment around Ocala? Let us know what you need moved.
Get Your Free QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does a skid steer usually need a permit to transport?
Most skid steers fall within standard legal dimensions, so a permit is often not needed. Larger models or ones with an attached bucket that widens the load can sometimes change that, which is why it is worth confirming before the haul.
What trailer is best for hauling a skid steer?
A standard flatbed with loading ramps handles most skid steers without any issue. Larger or heavier models may call for a different trailer depending on their weight.
Can multiple attachments ride on the same trailer as the skid steer?
Often yes, as long as each item is secured on its own and the total load stays within the trailer's rated capacity. Loose attachments should never ride unsecured next to the machine.
Do I need to drain the skid steer before transport?
A lower fuel level is generally a good idea, similar to any other piece of equipment being hauled, though it is not always required for a machine this size.
Does Big Frog haul skid steers around Ocala for shorter local moves?
Yes. Local moves between job sites in and around Marion County are common, alongside our longer regional and multi-state hauls.