In this article
Some loads are not just heavy, they are special. This one was a power transformer of 69,000 lb, 170 in high and 12 ft wide: an oversize and overweight load, going from Granby to Montreal. A second, smaller transformer was part of the same job, and the customer’s site was not ready to receive them yet.
The load: 69,000 lb, 170 in high, 12 ft wide
- Weight: 69,000 lb on a small footprint.
- Height: 170 in, so the trailer had to carry it low.
- Width: 12 ft, well past 102 in, so a special permit and an escort.
Before anything moved, the unit was measured again in the plant. A few inches change the trailer, the permit and the route.
The equipment: a 4-axle double drop and a tri-axle drive truck
The transformer was loaded by the plant’s overhead crane into the well of a 4-axle double drop with a mini deck, pulled by a tri-axle drive truck. The low well carries a tall unit low, the four axles spread the weight, and the tri-axle drive gives the traction and the capacity for that kind of load.
Once loaded, the unit was tarped to keep it clean and dry on the road.
Special permit and escort
At 12 ft wide, the move needed a special permit and an escort. We plan the route, the permit and the escort together, so the truck leaves on time and arrives without surprises. We can provide an escort vehicle and arrange the escorts a load needs.
Video 1The 69,000 lb transformer on the roadWatch on Facebook ↗
Video 2The move with the escortWatch on Facebook ↗The site was not ready: storage, then delivery
Instead of keeping a loaded truck waiting, the transformer went into storage in Montreal until the customer’s site was ready, and was delivered then. It avoids paying for idle equipment and keeps the project on schedule. See our warehousing service.
The second transformer
The second, smaller unit travelled on a double drop under a Double Z tarp, pulled by a Double Z truck, so both pieces of the job arrived clean and on time.
What to send us for a transformer quote
- The weight and the dimensions (length, width, height), in any unit.
- A drawing showing the centre of gravity and the lifting points.
- Pickup and delivery addresses, and how it will be lifted at each end (overhead crane, mobile crane, forklift).
- Whether it must be protected from the weather.
- The dates, and whether storage might be needed if the site isn’t ready.
Then use the quote form and pick “Weather protection”, or see our oversize transport page.
Questions about transformer transport
Can you transport a 69,000 lb transformer?
Yes. We moved a 69,000 lb transformer, 170 in high and 12 ft wide, from Granby to Montreal on a 4-axle double drop with a mini deck, pulled by a tri-axle drive truck, with a special permit and an escort.
Which trailer is used for a heavy, tall transformer?
A double drop: its low well carries a tall unit low, and a 4-axle double drop spreads a heavy weight. Smaller transformers can go on a Roll-Tite step deck.
Does a transformer move need an escort?
At 12 ft wide, it can be required, depending on the road, the rules and the regulations. Our 69,000 lb, 12 ft wide transformer travelled with an escort. We can provide an escort vehicle and arrange the escorts a load needs.
Does a transformer need a special permit?
If it is 103 in (8 ft 7 in) wide or more, yes, and past 146 in (about 12 ft) wide, an escort might be required, depending on the road, the rules and the regulations. For the height, it depends on the trailer we choose for the unit.
How do you protect a transformer from rain and salt?
The unit is tarped or wrapped for the road, and smaller units can travel on a Roll-Tite step deck, whose sliding cover keeps them dry.
Can you store a transformer until my site is ready?
Yes. In this job, the transformer was stored in Montreal until the customer’s site was ready, then delivered.
Who arranges the lift for the transformer?
We coordinate it with you as part of the job. In this case the plant’s overhead crane loaded the unit into the double drop.
What documents do you need for a transformer quote?
The weight, the dimensions, a drawing with the centre of gravity and the lifting points, both addresses with the lifting method at each end, and the dates.
Do you move transformers to construction sites and plants?
Yes, to construction sites, plants and project sites across Quebec and Ontario.
Can a small transformer be moved in the same job as a big one?
Yes. In this job, the second, smaller transformer travelled on another double drop under tarp, so both units arrived on schedule.
Do you handle urgent transformer moves?
Tick “This is an emergency” in the quote form or call 514-375-4506. Permits and escorts can take time, so we confirm the earliest possible date right away.
Fast quote
A transformer to move or store? Send us the weight, the dimensions and the drawing, and we plan it.