excavator on step deck

No argument with the weights.

I asked the contractor guy why I couldn't drive my car over my new septic bed but that dude with the bulldozer can go back and forth all day. "Because he's got tracks" he said.

With a wheel loader, you've got 8 or maybe even 4 knee braces transferring the 27000 lbs to the main beams....3375 lbs/brace.

With an excavator you've got...say 16 knee braces transferring the 47,000 lbs....2937 lbs/brace.

I'm just pulling numbers out of my arse here for the contact area but they must be close enough for this discussion. See below.
27,000 / (24 sq in contact point per wheel x 4 wheels) = 281 lbs/sq in
47,000 / (12 in wide track on deck x 15' long x two tracks) = 11 lbs/sq in

 

You left out several factors.

1. On a step, the escavator would sit taller.
2. The escavator is wider putting more leverage on the outside edge of the trailer.
3. G forces.

 

1. Yes. But I suppose it a fella was afraid of hauling tall freight he wouldn't have a step in the first place. Seems like everything I put on a step is 10' high at least.
2. In my example, I'm comparing a excavator that is less than 8' from track center to track center to a wheel loader that measures ~102" or so. Load is placed more or less in the same place (width wise).
3. You mean because it sits higher it's more tippy? Yes. Still not as tippy as a load of hay. C of G on the hay is probably the same or higher as an excavator.

If you're talking now about increased chance of a roll over on a step, then I won't argue that but I thought we were talking about breaking cross members.

 

I was referring to the crossmembers. Guess I lost you.

 

Yeah. I guess.

 

Well I just hauled a 35000lbs. Kobelco today on my step deck. It was so smooth. Didnt even sway. The 200's tow like there not even there. I love not having to waste the time to unhook then hook back up to the trailer to load and unload. just lower the ramps and roll on. I guess I just must be one of those outlaw truckers.