Transporting tracked machines such as excavators, bulldozers, and compact loaders requires precision, the right equipment, and strict safety compliance. These machines are heavy, wide, and difficult to manoeuvre — making professional handling essential for both safety and compliance on New Zealand roads.
OTS Group provides specialist Tracked Machine Transport across both islands, using purpose-built low loaders, hydraulic tilt trays, and certified operators to move heavy-duty equipment safely and efficiently.
1. What Counts as a Tracked Machine
Tracked machines include any vehicle that moves on continuous tracks rather than wheels. Common examples include:
- Excavators and mini-diggers
- Bulldozers and compactors
- Tracked skid steers
- Drilling rigs and trenchers
- Tracked dumpers and loaders
These machines are often used in construction, forestry, mining, and civil engineering — where off-road mobility and stability are essential.
2. The Challenges of Moving Tracked Equipment
Tracked machines can’t be driven long distances on public roads due to speed, surface damage, and legal restrictions. They also require careful loading to prevent shifting or ground collapse during transit.
OTS Group’s modern fleet includes low loaders, tilt trays, and tracked recovery trailers designed for heavy, oversized equipment. Each machine is loaded using ramps or hydraulic lifts and secured with reinforced chains and blocks.
3. Compliance with NZTA Transport Regulations
Heavy tracked machinery often exceeds standard road weight and width limits, meaning it must be moved under a special permit. OTS Group handles all NZTA oversize load permits and coordinates safe routes to comply with legal requirements.
Our team performs pre-trip inspections, route mapping, and clearance planning to ensure each move is safe, efficient, and compliant.
4. Preparing Your Tracked Machine for Transport
Before collection, you can help speed up the process by following these steps:
- Clean the machine to remove mud, debris, or contaminants.
- Check that attachments are secured or removed (e.g., buckets or blades).
- Ensure the fuel level is low and no fluids are leaking.
- Provide accurate weight and dimension details when booking.
For larger loads, OTS Group can arrange pilot vehicles and site coordination as part of the job.
5. Our Equipment & Expertise
We use heavy-duty transporters and modern securing systems to safely handle large tracked machines, including:
- Reinforced low-loader trailers.
- Hydraulic loading ramps and tilt-deck trucks.
- Certified load binders and restraint systems.
- GPS-tracked delivery for transparency and reliability.
Our operators are trained under WorkSafe and NZTA standards for high-weight freight and off-road equipment handling.
6. Fully Insured Nationwide Transport
All tracked machine transport with OTS Group is fully insured from pickup to delivery. We cover both islands through our Auckland and Christchurch depots, with connections for rural and industrial clients across the country.
Summary — Heavy-Duty Equipment, Expertly Handled
Transporting tracked machinery isn’t just about horsepower — it’s about control, planning, and safety. With decades of experience and a modern fleet, OTS Group ensures your equipment is moved securely and compliantly every time.
From mini-excavators to full-size bulldozers, we handle each transport job with precision and professionalism.
Call 0800 22 00 33 or Request a Quote to arrange tracked machine transport anywhere in New Zealand.