Earthmoving Scraper Transport Services
Earthmoving scrapers are some of the most challenging pieces of heavy equipment to transport. Their extreme length, articulated bodies, and specialized blade and bowl configurations require experienced haulers who understand the unique requirements of these machines. R&RM LLC has been moving heavy earthmoving equipment since 2011, and we handle scrapers from the most common Caterpillar models used in highway construction to large twin-engine push-pull units deployed on dam and reservoir projects. Whether you're relocating a single scraper to a new job or moving a fleet across multiple states, we coordinate the permits, routing, and safe delivery.
Types of Scrapers We Transport
- Open-Bowl (Standard) Scrapers: The most common type, with a single engine tractor and open bowl for loading earth. Requires a push dozer for loading assistance. Cat 613, 621, 623, and 627 series fall in this category.
- Push-Pull Scrapers: Two scrapers coupled together for self-loading capability without a push dozer. Widely used on large earthmoving projects for maximum production efficiency. Cat 627 series in push-pull configuration is the most common.
- Elevating Scrapers: Equipped with an elevator mechanism that loads material without push-dozer assistance. Better suited for cohesive soils. The Caterpillar 623 with elevator and similar models fall here.
- Twin-Engine Scrapers: Feature a second engine on the rear axle for maximum power and grade-climbing capability. Cat 631 and 637 series are the primary twin-engine scrapers in production use.
- Auger Scrapers: Specialized models with auger-assist loading for dry, granular materials. Less common but requiring the same careful transport planning as standard models.
Caterpillar Scraper Models We Haul
Caterpillar dominates the earthmoving scraper market in North America, and the Cat lineup spans a wide range of capacities:
Small to Mid-Size Cat Scrapers
- Cat 613K: Single-engine, 13 cubic yard struck capacity. Operating weight approximately 72,000 lbs. Transport width 11 feet 6 inches; typically requires an oversize width permit.
- Cat 621K: Single-engine, 21 cubic yard heaped capacity. Operating weight approximately 95,000 lbs. One of the most commonly transported scrapers in highway construction.
- Cat 623K: Single-engine with optional elevator, 23 cubic yard heaped capacity. Operating weight approximately 100,000 lbs. Available in standard and elevating configurations.
Large Cat Scrapers
- Cat 627K: Available in open-bowl and push-pull configurations, 27 cubic yard heaped capacity. Operating weight from 108,000 lbs (single) to 215,000+ lbs (push-pull tandem). Push-pull pairs require specialized split transport or tandem hauling.
- Cat 631K: Twin-engine, 31 cubic yard heaped capacity. Operating weight approximately 145,000 lbs. High transport length (up to 55 feet overall) and width require multi-state oversize permits on most long-haul routes.
- Cat 633E: Twin-engine, 33 cubic yard heaped capacity. Operating weight approximately 155,000 lbs. Increasingly rare but still in service on major earthmoving projects.
- Cat 637K: Twin-engine, 37 cubic yard heaped capacity. Operating weight approximately 175,000 lbs. One of the largest production scrapers available and among the most challenging to transport legally on public highways.
- Cat 651 / 657: The largest Cat scrapers ever produced — 51 and 57 cubic yard models respectively. Though no longer in production, these machines remain in service and require extreme-duty transport planning with specialized multi-axle trailers and extensive state DOT coordination.
Legacy and Non-Cat Scrapers
We also transport older scrapers from manufacturers including Terex (formerly Euclid and General Motors), International Harvester, Allis-Chalmers, and other legacy brands still found on major earthmoving projects and in equipment dealer yards across the country. Many of these older scrapers have been well-maintained and remain productive machines despite their age.
Scraper Transport Methods
- RGN Hauling: The standard method for most scrapers. The detachable gooseneck ramp allows the scraper to drive onto the trailer under its own power. The scraper's front tractor drives up the ramp and the bowl section sits on the main deck. Proper chaining through the blade frame and bowl is critical for safe transport.
- Extended-Neck RGN Trailers: Large scrapers (Cat 631, 637, and above) may require extended-neck or stretch RGN configurations to accommodate overall transport length while staying within state limits on loaded trailer length. We arrange the appropriate trailer configuration for each move.
- Heavy Haul Multi-Axle: For the largest scrapers exceeding 150,000 lbs, we deploy multi-axle trailers with enough axles to distribute gross weight within state weight-per-axle limits, reducing the number of permits and restricted routes required.
- Split Transport: On some twin-engine scrapers, it is more practical to disconnect the rear engine/axle unit and transport the tractor and bowl separately, then reconnect at the destination. This significantly reduces transport length and weight, cutting permit costs on long interstate moves.
Scraper Dimensions & Permit Requirements
Scrapers almost universally require oversize load permits when transported on public highways. Key dimensional considerations include:
- Width: Most scrapers measure 11 to 14 feet wide at the bowl or rear tires — well over the standard 8-foot-6-inch legal limit. An oversize width permit is required in every state.
- Height: Transport height for a scraper on an RGN trailer typically ranges from 13 to 16 feet, depending on the model. Loads over 14 feet require a height permit in most states and route verification to confirm clearance under overpasses, utility lines, and railroad crossings.
- Length: Large twin-engine scrapers on extended RGN trailers can reach 65 to 75 feet in overall transport length, requiring overlength permits and in some states a travel escort (pilot car) at the rear.
- Weight: Scraper operating weights range from about 72,000 lbs (Cat 613) to 175,000+ lbs (Cat 637), all of which require axle-weight distribution management and gross weight permits well above the standard 80,000 lb interstate limit.
Our permit services team files the required state permits along the planned route and coordinates travel times with state DOT requirements. Many states restrict oversize loads to daylight hours and may require permits to include pilot car provisions, particularly for moves on secondary routes or through congested urban areas.
Special Considerations for Scraper Transport
- Bowl Tie-Down: The open bowl of a scraper must be properly blocked, chained, or cabled to prevent movement during transport. Improper securement of the ejector or apron can cause shift during braking.
- Blade Removal: On some models, removing the cutting edge or blade assembly reduces transport width significantly. We advise on whether blade removal is cost-effective for a given move.
- Hydraulic Lines: Long-distance transport may require hydraulic line disconnection and capping on some articulation points to prevent road vibration damage.
- Tire Pressure: High-flotation scraper tires at operating pressure can exceed trailer load specifications; some operators deflate tires partially for transport, which must be factored into loading height calculations.
- Push-Dozer Coordination: If a push tractor (typically a Cat D8 or D9) is being moved along with the scraper, we can coordinate both moves as a single load package to optimize permit costs and scheduling.
Common Scraper Transport Applications
- Highway and freeway construction — moving scraper fleets between interstate projects
- Land development and mass grading projects — residential and commercial subdivisions
- Dam, reservoir, and levee construction — large earthfill projects requiring high scraper production
- Airport runway and taxiway construction and expansion
- Equipment dealer yard transfers and auction purchase transport
- Mining and surface disturbance earthmoving project mobilization
Scraper Hauling Pricing
Scraper transport pricing is influenced by machine size and weight, transport distance, number of states crossed (and thus permits required), and whether pilot cars are mandated. Smaller scrapers like the Cat 613 or 621 typically run $3,000 to $6,000 for regional moves. Large twin-engine models (Cat 631, 637) on long interstate routes can range from $8,000 to $18,000 or more, including permit costs. Push-pull tandem pairs require separate transport and are priced as two individual moves. Contact us with your scraper's make, model, and move route for an accurate project quote.
Get Your Scraper Transport Quote
Ready to move your earthmoving scraper? Our team at R&RM LLC handles all the permit logistics so you can focus on the job. Provide the make, model, operating weight, and move origin and destination for a fast quote.