Pipelayer Hauling Services
R&RM LLC has been moving heavy construction and pipeline machinery since 2011. Pipelayers are some of the most specialized machines in the oil and gas, municipal water, and large-diameter pipeline sectors — and among the most challenging to transport. Their distinctive side-boom counterweight arms make them significantly wider than a standard dozer, and their combined machine and boom weight routinely places them in overweight permit territory. We have the trailer inventory, permit experience, and driver knowledge to move pipelayers safely and on schedule across all 48 continental states.
Whether you are moving a single Caterpillar PL61 between short-haul pipeline spreads or relocating a full fleet of side-boom machines at the end of a major mainline project, we provide the RGN hauling and oversize load transport service that pipeline contractors depend on.
Pipelayer Models We Transport
Caterpillar PL61 Pipelayer
The Caterpillar PL61 is the most widely used pipelayer in North American pipeline construction. Built on the Cat D6T undercarriage platform, the PL61 delivers a lift capacity of approximately 90,000 lbs and is found on water main, sewer, and smaller-diameter oil and gas pipeline projects. In transport configuration with the side boom folded and counterweight arm secured, the PL61 typically measures approximately 11'6" to 12'0" in width — well over the 8'6" legal limit, requiring oversize width permits in every state.
Operating weight with boom and counterweight is approximately 47,000–52,000 lbs. Combined gross weight on a standard lowboy rarely triggers overweight permits, but width always does. We transport PL61 machines on step deck and standard RGN trailers depending on site access conditions at pickup and delivery.
Caterpillar PL72 Pipelayer
Built on the D7 platform, the PL72 bridges the gap between the lighter PL61 and the large-diameter PL87. It is a common choice on mid-range pipeline projects running 16- to 30-inch pipe. Transport weight runs approximately 60,000–68,000 lbs depending on counterweight configuration. Width in transport configuration reaches approximately 13'0" at the counterweight, which requires oversize permits and, in many states, a rear pilot car escort. We haul the PL72 on 3-axle lowboy RGN trailers and coordinate all permits before pickup day.
Caterpillar PL87 Pipelayer
The PL87 is Caterpillar's largest production pipelayer, built on the D9 platform with a lift capacity exceeding 200,000 lbs. It is the machine of choice for large-diameter pipeline mainline construction — 36-inch, 42-inch, and 48-inch pipe jobs in the oil and gas sector. In transport configuration, the PL87 can reach 14'0" to 15'0" in overall width when the counterweight boom arm is folded, placing it firmly in superload territory in most states. Transport weight typically runs 90,000–110,000 lbs.
Moving a PL87 requires careful route analysis, multi-axle RGN trailers, and front and rear pilot car escorts. We have moved PL87 machines on projects in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and other major pipeline corridors. Permit lead times for a PL87 superload are typically 7–14 days depending on the states involved and whether bridge analyses are required.
Liebherr RL 52B and RL 64B Pipelayers
Liebherr's RL series pipelayers are less common in North America than Caterpillar's lineup but are found on international pipeline projects and some specialty domestic applications. The RL 52B has a rated lift capacity of approximately 58 US tons, while the RL 64B reaches 80 US tons — designed for 48-inch and larger pipe installations. Both machines share the oversized transport profile common to all side-boom pipelayers: they are significantly wider than legal with the boom in transport position. We transport Liebherr pipelayers on multi-axle RGN equipment with the same oversize permit process used for Cat machines.
Side-Boom Conversions
Many pipeline contractors use conventional crawler dozers — Caterpillar D6, D7, D8, or Komatsu D65, D85, D155 — fitted with aftermarket side-boom kits from suppliers such as Lavalley Industries or CLYDE Bergemann. These converted machines present the same transport challenges as factory-built pipelayers: the boom arm and counterweight structure adds significant width and may affect the load's center of gravity during transport. We treat side-boom conversions with the same oversize protocols as dedicated pipelayer machines and require width and weight information before quoting.
Why Pipelayer Transport Requires Specialized Handling
Unlike standard crawler equipment, pipelayers present a specific set of transport challenges:
- Extreme Width: The counterweight boom arm, even folded for transport, pushes most pipelayers 3 to 7 feet beyond the 8'6" legal width limit — requiring oversize permits in every state on the route
- Offset Center of Gravity: The side-boom counterweight is not centered on the machine. Drivers must account for this lateral weight offset during loading, tie-down, and transport on banked roads and curves
- Boom Positioning: The boom arm must be fully retracted and locked in the transport position before loading. On some older or field-modified machines, transport locks may need to be fabricated or inspected before the move
- Hook Block and Rigging: The hook block and any attached rigging must be removed or secured to prevent swinging during transport
- Track Width and Ground Pressure: Wide-gauge track configurations on larger pipelayers may require decking modifications on some trailers
Our dispatch team reviews machine specifications with your equipment or project manager before every pipelayer move to confirm trailer selection, tie-down plan, and permit requirements.
Trailer Options for Pipelayer Transport
Standard RGN Lowboy Trailers
Most pipelayers from the PL61 to PL72 range haul well on a standard 3-axle RGN lowboy. The removable gooseneck allows the machine to drive on under its own power, avoiding the need for ground-level ramp or crane loading. Deck height on a standard lowboy is typically 18"–20", which keeps most pipelayers under the 13'6" legal height limit even with the cab structure at full height.
Multi-Axle RGN Trailers
The PL87 and heavy side-boom conversions over 80,000 lbs in machine weight require multi-axle RGN configurations — 5 to 7 axles — to distribute the load within axle group weight limits. We source multi-axle equipment for large pipelayer moves and build the axle configuration around the permit requirements for each state on the route.
Step Deck Trailers
For lighter pipelayer models and site-to-site moves where ground clearance and ramp access are not concerns, a step deck trailer may be used. Step decks are more common for short-haul moves within a pipeline spread where the machine can be loaded with a crane at the originating site.
Permit Requirements for Pipelayer Transport
Every pipelayer move requires at least one oversize permit due to width. Depending on the machine and route, additional permits may be needed:
- Overwidth permits: Required in every state on the route for machines over 8'6" wide — which includes all pipelayers
- Overweight permits: Required for combined gross weights over 80,000 lbs. Large pipelayers like the PL87 regularly hit this threshold with trailer and tractor weight included
- Superload permits: Machines exceeding state-specific superload thresholds (varies by state — typically 14' wide or 120,000–150,000 lbs gross) require engineering review, bridge analysis, and extended lead times
- Pilot car requirements: Most states require a rear pilot car escort for loads wider than 12' or 14'. Front escort is typically required above 15' wide or on routes with tight clearances
Our permit services team manages the complete permit process for pipelayer moves, including bridge analysis submissions and pilot car coordination. We are familiar with permit timelines and requirements in every state and build your transport schedule around confirmed permit dates.
Common Pipelayer Transport Scenarios
We move pipelayers in a variety of pipeline construction and maintenance situations:
- End-of-project demobilization: Moving pipelayer spreads from a completed pipeline corridor to storage yards or the next project location
- Project-to-project mobilization: Delivering pipelayers from storage or a completed project to a new mainline spread that is ready to begin lowering-in operations
- Rental fleet repositioning: Moving rental pipelayers between branches or customers at the close of rental contracts
- Dealer and auction transport: Moving pipelayers purchased at auction or from dealers to buyer locations across the country
- Maintenance and repair: Transporting machines to authorized service centers for major repairs or annual inspections that cannot be completed in the field
- Municipal water and sewer projects: Moving city and contractor-owned pipelayers between municipal pipeline replacement projects
Pre-Transport Checklist for Pipelayers
Proper preparation before our driver arrives for pickup prevents delays and protects the machine during transport. For pipelayer moves, operators and site managers should ensure:
- The side-boom arm is fully retracted and the transport lock is engaged
- The counterweight is in the correct transport position for the specific machine model
- The hook block is removed, stowed, or secured against the boom structure
- All rigging, spreader bars, and slings are removed from the hook
- Fuel levels are appropriate (typically a quarter tank or less is preferred)
- All fluid caps are secured and no active leaks are present
- Track tension is within the manufacturer's recommended transport range
- Any custom counterweight configurations or field modifications are communicated to dispatch in advance
Pipelayer Transport Pricing
Pipelayer shipping rates depend on the machine model and dimensions, origin and destination, route permit costs, and whether pilot car escorts are required. A PL61 or PL72 move of 300–600 miles typically runs $3,500–$7,500, with permit costs included. Longer cross-country moves or PL87 superload projects are priced individually based on permit requirements and specialized trailer availability. Projects requiring 48–72 hours of travel time and multi-state pilot car coordination carry higher rates reflecting the additional logistics involved.
For an accurate rate, provide the machine make and model, transport width (if known), pickup and delivery locations, and your required delivery window. We respond to pipelayer quote requests within a few hours during business hours.
See our oilfield and pipeline equipment transport page for the full scope of pipeline industry machinery we move, including drilling rig components, separator vessels, and compressor units.
Get Your Pipelayer Transport Quote
R&RM LLC has been handling oversize and overweight equipment transport since 2011, including pipelayer moves across every major pipeline corridor in the continental United States. Call us at (404) 987-6225 or use our online quote form to get started on your pipelayer move.