Why Prep Matters Before the Hauler Arrives
A hauler can arrive fast. Loading still depends on the machine being ready. An unprepared bulldozer or skid steer costs time at the pickup site and can create problems at a weigh station if dimensions were not confirmed before the permit was pulled.
These steps apply to most bulldozer and skid steer transport hauls across Florida and the Southeast. The specific steps vary slightly by machine type and size but the core process is the same.
Big Frog Transportation hauls bulldozers and skid steers across Florida and the Southeast under USDOT 3395422, MC-1105738. The company dispatches from Ocala and Jacksonville. Call (352) 632-2041 to confirm trailer type and permit requirements for your specific machine before scheduling.
How to Prepare a Bulldozer for Transport
Lower the blade to the ground
The bulldozer blade should rest flat on the trailer deck or on the ground before loading. A raised blade adds to the overall height of the load. On a large dozer, a raised blade can push the load over Florida's 13 foot 6 inch legal height limit. Lower it fully and lock the hydraulics before the machine goes on the trailer.
Fold or remove the ROPS if clearance is tight
Some bulldozers have a folding rollover protection structure (ROPS). If the machine is borderline on height with the ROPS up, folding it down reduces the overall load height. Not all ROPS fold. On machines with a fixed ROPS, the height is what it is and the permit reflects that.
Measure the blade width
The blade sets the width of the load. A full-size dozer with a straight blade can run 10 to 14 feet wide depending on the model. Florida's legal width limit is 8 feet 6 inches. Any dozer wider than that needs an FDOT oversize permit before the truck moves. Measure the blade width before calling for a quote so the permit can be filed accurately.
Check for fluid leaks
Hydraulic fluid and fuel leaks on a trailer create a hazard and can result in a citation at a weigh station. Check the dozer for active leaks before loading. A machine that is actively leaking should be repaired or the leak contained before transport.
Retract ripper shanks if equipped
A bulldozer with a rear ripper attachment should have the shanks fully retracted and the ripper raised to its highest position before loading. A lowered ripper drags on the deck and can be damaged during loading. It also adds to the rear overhang length.
Have the operator on site
A Landoll trailer requires the dozer to drive onto the tilted deck under its own power. A flatbed haul may require a winch if the machine cannot drive. Either way, an operator needs to be on site to move the machine or assist with positioning. A dozer that cannot be driven needs a different loading plan confirmed before the truck arrives.
Loading time: A prepared bulldozer on firm ground loads onto a Landoll trailer in 20 to 40 minutes. An unprepared machine with attachments still attached, fluids leaking, or ground that is too soft can double that time or prevent loading entirely.
How to Prepare a Skid Steer for Transport
Lower the bucket or attachment to the ground
The skid steer bucket should be lowered flat to the deck before loading. A raised bucket adds height and can shift during transport if not secured. Buckets and attachments should be pinned or removed before the machine goes on the trailer.
Retract the arm fully
The lift arm should be in its lowest resting position. A skid steer with the arm raised is taller than its rated height. The arm must come down before the machine is secured on the trailer.
Check tire pressure on rubber-tired models
Low tire pressure on a rubber-tired skid steer causes the machine to sit lower than its rated height and may affect steering during the self-loading process. Tires should be at the manufacturer's recommended pressure before loading.
Clean excessive mud from tracks or tires
Florida job sites after rain leave heavy mud on tracks and tires. Mud that falls off a moving trailer onto a public road is a violation in Florida. Knock off heavy mud deposits before the machine goes on the trailer.
Confirm the attachment situation
Skid steers often have quick-attach buckets, augers, forks, or grapples mounted when the hauler arrives. Attachments that extend the width or height of the machine may push the load into permit territory. Either remove the attachment before the truck arrives or measure the machine with the attachment in place so the permit reflects the actual load dimensions.
Securement: What the Driver Does After Loading
Big Frog Transportation secures bulldozers and skid steers using DOT-approved chains and binders rated for the equipment weight. Track equipment is chained at the front and rear of each track. Rubber-tired equipment gets wheel chocks plus chain tie-downs. The driver inspects the load before departure and at stops on multi-stop hauls.
The operator's job ends when the machine is parked in position on the trailer. The driver handles all chain and binder work from that point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a skid steer need a permit to transport in Florida?
Most compact skid steers fall within Florida's legal dimensions and do not need a permit. Larger skid steers with wide buckets or attachments may exceed the 8 foot 6 inch width limit and require an FDOT oversize permit. Big Frog Transportation confirms dimensions before filing the permit to avoid errors.
Does a bulldozer always need an oversize permit in Florida?
Most full-size bulldozers with blades attached exceed 8 feet 6 inches in width and require an FDOT oversize permit. Small dozers in the D3 or D4 class may fall within legal limits depending on blade width. Measuring the blade before the haul confirms the permit requirement. Big Frog Transportation measures before filing.
Can a skid steer drive onto a Landoll trailer?
Yes. A skid steer drives onto the Landoll deck under its own power once the deck tilts to ground level. The operator drives it up, positions it on the deck, and shuts it down. The driver handles chains and binders from that point. The operator needs to be on site for this to work.
How long does it take to load a bulldozer or skid steer?
A prepared skid steer on firm ground loads in 15 to 20 minutes on a Landoll trailer. A bulldozer takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on size. Flatbed loads that require winching or crane assistance take longer. Soft ground, missing operators, or attached implements that need removal add time to both.
What if the ground at the pickup site is soft?
Soft or muddy ground prevents a Landoll deck from tilting flat and making solid contact. The driver needs firm, stable ground at the pickup point to load safely. If the site has soft ground, the machine may need to be driven to a firmer location nearby before loading. Call (352) 632-2041 to discuss site conditions before dispatch.