How big of a dozer can I haul?

@Hurst

 

Lower that center of gravity, that is where the RGN comes in.

If youre wanting to run the big stuff, put that step deck away and get a RGN. You have to get that lower center of gravity. The rest of it we can hammer out later.

I had a 52000 pound coil that was about 24 feet 8 high on my Ravens a few times. Even now I reach for the likker just thinking about it. Whoo that's not a load for the weak.

 

Big question is what shape is your trailer in. And NO I'm not trying to insinuate anything simply asking.

How big of a dozer you can haul is actually going to be "your call", only you know what you and your equipment is capable of.

As a Operating Engineer ( local 132 ) I will say this..... steel against steel needs to be respected, lot of things can go wrong. Especially when loading / unloading.
Be safe out there.

 

On my Fontaine Infinity the heaviest tracked machine I have hauled weighed 54k. Loaded and off loaded from a loading dock and site had a steel ramp. About 84-85k gross for me.

Heaviest track machines I have loaded up my ramps were 42k lbs. CAT 963 track loader and Komatsu D61.

I don't think I need to emphasize this too much. But when loading the machine up your ramps. Line it up before you start to climb. You do not want to be making adjustments while climbing or especially at the tipping point before it comes down on the deck. Let it land flat, then straighten it out.

Check your height. Lock it down safely and take your time. I've done a lot of them.

Hurst

 

Hurst understands ^^^^^^

Having the trailer level ( side to side) plays a big part as well. If you ever try to load a rubber tired machine with wet muddy tires you will do some thinking as well .

 

A little over a year ago I finally bought a brace for the rear of my trailer. This helped stabilize loading tremendously. Previously trailer would sag and flex when loading heavy up the ramps. The brace under the DOT bumper stopped this and its a night and day difference.

I have another one now for my MAC and its set up better than my Fontaine,.. but ironically I'm doing a lot more steel and different machinery and not as much equipment as I was before.

Hurst

 

You will have to see what your concentrated weight rating is. I don't care what other people say the step won't hold up as well as an rgn will if your going to be hauling the (big) dozers on a regular basis. An rgn is built for the weight sitting on the outside rails. A step isnt. If you go with rgn, do yourself a favor an go with hydraulic 51 or 55 ton rgn. Dont waist your time with a mech neck 35 ton. Can you haul a D6 on your step? Probably, but in my opinion it isn't smart to do. If your just buying a dozer for your own use and just going to move it every now and then like the one you stated you will be fine with the step.

 

I'm with @superhauler that dozer on a regular basis is going to beat the brakes off your trailer, assuming that's your money maker you may not want to go that route...

I guess it all boils down to how often do you plan to move your machine? Are you doing paid work with it?

Do you have other equipment?