If you’re renting a skid steer, mini excavator, or other heavy equipment for a project in Florence, Arizona, figuring out how to get the machine to your job site is just as important as choosing the equipment itself.
A heavy equipment trailer rental in Florence, AZ can provide a practical way to transport rental equipment when you have a properly equipped tow vehicle.
Whether you’re a contractor moving equipment between job sites or a property owner bringing a machine home for a weekend project, understanding trailer capacity, towing requirements, loading procedures, and safety considerations can help you plan your rental more effectively.
Desert Pro Equipment Rentals offers equipment and trailer rental options for customers in Florence and surrounding Southeast Valley communities.
Why Rent an Equipment Trailer?
If you don’t already own a trailer capable of transporting heavy equipment, renting one can be more practical than purchasing a trailer for a single project.
An equipment trailer can be useful for transporting machines such as:
- Skid steers
- Mini excavators
- Compact equipment
- Landscaping equipment
- Other approved rental equipment
Renting allows you to get the equipment you need to your job site without making a long-term investment in a trailer.
What Equipment Can You Transport?
The equipment you can safely transport depends on the specific trailer’s capacity, dimensions, and configuration.
For example, Desert Pro Equipment Rentals offers equipment such as:
Before reserving a trailer, make sure the trailer is appropriately rated for the equipment you plan to transport.
You should consider both weight and dimensions, not simply whether the machine physically fits on the trailer.
Know Your Equipment Weight
One of the most important steps before renting an equipment trailer is determining the actual transport weight of your machine.
Remember that the total load may include:
- Equipment
- Attachments
- Buckets
- Augers
- Trencher attachments
- Other accessories
- Fuel or fluids
A machine that is within the trailer’s capacity by itself could exceed the limit once attachments and other equipment are added.
Always verify the equipment’s specifications and the trailer’s rated capacity before loading.
Check Your Tow Vehicle
Your trailer isn’t the only thing that needs to be rated for the load.
Your tow vehicle must also be capable of safely handling the combined weight.
Before towing, check your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications for:
- Maximum towing capacity
- Payload capacity
- Gross combined weight rating
- Hitch capacity
- Trailer brake requirements
The tow vehicle must be capable of handling the trailer plus the equipment and any other cargo.
Never exceed the manufacturer’s rated towing or payload limits.
Understand GVWR and Payload
Trailer terminology can be confusing, especially if you don’t regularly tow heavy equipment.
GVWR
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum total weight the trailer is designed to carry when fully loaded.
Payload
Payload is the amount of cargo the trailer can safely carry.
When determining whether a trailer is appropriate, don’t simply look at the trailer’s physical size. Make sure the equipment and accessories fall within the trailer’s allowable payload.
Why Trailer Brakes Matter
Heavy equipment creates significant stopping forces.
Equipment trailers may be equipped with brakes designed to help the tow vehicle safely slow and stop the combined load.
Your trailer and tow vehicle need to be compatible with the applicable braking requirements.
Before towing, make sure:
- The trailer brakes are functioning
- The electrical connection is secure
- The brake controller is properly configured when required
- All required lights are working
If you’re unfamiliar with towing heavy equipment, ask the rental provider for guidance before leaving.
Loading a Mini Excavator
If you’re transporting a Kubota KX033-4 mini excavator, loading it correctly is critical.
Before loading:
- Park the trailer on a stable, appropriate surface.
- Inspect the trailer and ramps.
- Make sure the loading area is clear.
- Align the excavator with the trailer.
- Use appropriate loading procedures.
- Position the excavator according to the trailer and equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
- Lower and secure attachments as appropriate.
- Shut down the equipment.
- Secure the machine using appropriate rated tie-down equipment.
Never rely on the parking brake or hydraulic system alone to keep equipment secured during transportation.
Loading a Skid Steer
A Kubota SSV65 skid steer also needs to be loaded and secured correctly.
Before transporting a skid steer:
- Inspect the trailer
- Confirm the ramps are properly positioned
- Load on stable ground
- Keep the machine centered appropriately
- Lower attachments
- Shut the machine down
- Secure it using appropriate tie-down equipment
Follow the equipment and trailer manufacturer’s instructions for the specific machine and trailer.
Properly Secure the Equipment
One of the most important parts of transporting heavy equipment is securing the load.
Use properly rated chains, binders, straps, or other approved securement equipment as required.
Tie-down equipment should be appropriate for the weight and configuration of the machine.
Before driving away, inspect every connection.
After traveling a short distance, stop in a safe location and check the load and tie-downs again.
Don’t Forget the Attachments
Attachments can add significant weight.
For example, a skid steer may be transported with or without an attachment depending on the project and trailer setup.
If you’re renting:
- 6-inch auger
- 12-inch auger
- Grader
- Trencher
make sure you know how each attachment will be transported.
Some attachments may need to be secured separately or transported in a specific configuration.
Ask the rental provider about the appropriate transportation setup for your equipment.
Measure Before You Rent
Weight isn’t the only consideration.
You should also verify:
- Overall equipment length
- Equipment width
- Equipment height
- Trailer deck dimensions
- Ramp width
- Ramp capacity
- Ground clearance
- Attachment dimensions
A machine may be under the trailer’s weight capacity but still be too wide or long for the available deck.
Measuring ahead of time can prevent problems when you’re ready to pick up the equipment.
Plan Your Route
Transporting heavy equipment isn’t always as simple as taking the shortest route.
Consider:
- Road restrictions
- Narrow roads
- Low-clearance bridges
- Steep grades
- Tight turns
- Construction zones
- Traffic
- Weather conditions
- Parking and unloading locations
Choose a route that is appropriate for the size and weight of your vehicle and trailer combination.
Allow Extra Stopping Distance
A loaded trailer changes how your vehicle handles.
You may experience:
- Longer stopping distances
- Slower acceleration
- Different turning characteristics
- Increased braking demands
- Greater sensitivity to wind
Drive conservatively and leave plenty of space between your vehicle and traffic ahead.
Avoid sudden braking, sharp turns, and aggressive acceleration.
Inspect the Trailer Before Leaving
Before starting your trip, perform a basic walk-around inspection.
Check:
- Tires
- Tire pressure
- Lug nuts
- Hitch connection
- Safety chains
- Electrical connection
- Brake system
- Lights
- Ramps
- Tie-downs
- Trailer doors or gates
If anything appears damaged or questionable, contact the rental provider before leaving.
Equipment Trailer vs. Dump Trailer
It’s important to choose the right type of trailer for your project.
Equipment Trailer
An equipment trailer is designed to transport machinery such as:
- Skid steers
- Mini excavators
- Compact equipment
- Other approved machines
Dump Trailer
A dump trailer is designed primarily for hauling loose materials such as:
- Dirt
- Gravel
- Rock
- Brush
- Landscaping materials
- Construction debris
If you’re transporting a Kubota skid steer or mini excavator, you’ll generally need an appropriate equipment trailer rather than a dump trailer.
For larger projects, you may need both.
Consider Renting Equipment and Trailer Together
If you need both a machine and a trailer, coordinating the rentals can make your project easier.
For example:
Skid Steer Project
Kubota SSV65 + Equipment Trailer
Ideal for transporting the skid steer to the job site.
Excavation Project
Kubota KX033-4 + Equipment Trailer + Dump Trailer
The equipment trailer transports the excavator while the dump trailer hauls excavated material.
This can create an efficient setup for larger property projects.
Common Projects Requiring Equipment Transport
Equipment trailer rentals can be useful for projects such as:
- Driveway improvements
- Landscaping
- Irrigation installation
- Drainage projects
- Property cleanup
- Fence installation
- Excavation
- Grading
- Site preparation
- Acreage improvements
- Construction projects
Whether you’re working on a residential property or commercial job site, having the right transportation plan is an important part of equipment rental.
Equipment Trailer Rentals Near Florence, AZ
Desert Pro Equipment Rentals serves customers in Florence and surrounding communities.
Equipment transportation may be useful for customers in:
- Florence
- Queen Creek
- San Tan Valley
- Apache Junction
- Gold Canyon
- Gilbert
- Chandler
- Mesa
- Superior
If you’re renting equipment for a project outside Florence, ask about available transportation and trailer options when making your reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tow an equipment trailer with my pickup truck?
It depends on your truck’s towing capacity, payload rating, hitch configuration, and the total weight of the trailer and equipment.
Always verify your vehicle’s specifications before towing.
Can I transport a mini excavator on an equipment trailer?
A properly rated equipment trailer may be used to transport a mini excavator, provided the machine’s weight and dimensions are within the trailer’s specifications and it is properly secured.
Can I transport a skid steer on an equipment trailer?
Yes, if the trailer is appropriately rated for the skid steer and the tow vehicle is capable of handling the combined load.
Do attachments affect towing weight?
Absolutely. Attachments add weight and may also change the dimensions and loading configuration.
Always include attachments when calculating the total transported weight.
Rent an Equipment Trailer in Florence, Arizona
Transporting heavy equipment doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require planning.
Before renting an equipment trailer, make sure you know:
- The equipment’s weight
- The equipment’s dimensions
- The trailer’s capacity
- Your tow vehicle’s capacity
- The proper loading procedure
- The appropriate securement requirements
- Your route and unloading location
With the right trailer and a properly rated tow vehicle, you can transport the equipment needed to complete your project.
Desert Pro Equipment Rentals provides equipment and trailer rental options in Florence, AZ, for contractors, homeowners, property owners, and DIY customers. Contact us today to learn more about equipment trailer rentals and transporting your Kubota skid steer or mini excavator to your next job site.