· 9 min read
Deck length and dovetail
Add at least three feet of deck beyond your machine's length to allow for attachments and safe positioning. A dovetail reduces the loading angle, which matters enormously for low-clearance tracked equipment.
Ramp options
Stand-up ramps keep the deck clear and are easy to deploy alone. Slide-in ramps store underneath and cost less. Hydraulic dovetails are the premium answer for crews loading multiple times per day.
Axle capacity
Tandem 7,000 lb axles give a 14,000 lb GVWR that fits most compact machines. Step up to 8,000 or 10,000 lb axles when hauling larger excavators, and confirm the brake package covers both axles.
Securement
Look for D-rings welded to the frame, not just the deck, plus rub rails and stake pockets. Federal securement rules require four independent tie-downs for machinery over 10,000 lbs, and chains must be rated appropriately.