Hitachi
- Hitachi EX100WD
- Hitachi EX160WD
- Hitachi EX200
- Hitachi EX270LC
- Hitachi EX300
- Hitachi EX330LC
- Hitachi EX355
- Hitachi EX370LC
- Hitachi EX400
- Hitachi EX450LC
- Hitachi EX455
- Hitachi ZX330LC
- Hitachi ZX350LC
Containerised Freight
Excavator Container Shipping
Civil and mining class excavators dismantled and packed for export
- 10 t to 200 t+ class
- Full or partial dismantling
- Attachments packed
Excavators packed by machinery specialists
Excavators are the backbone of what we ship, from 14 t wheeled civil excavators through to 200 t+ mining class behemoths. Each size class packs differently, and getting the configuration right decides whether the machine goes in a 40’ high cube or is broken down and packed across numerous containers and flat racks.
Our team plans every excavator pack around the machine’s likely shipping dimensions and weight. Most excavators we split are fully dismantled to minimise freight costs for our customers. Others are partially dismantled, with just the boom, stick and bucket removed: a good middle ground where freight costs are manageable and the assembly task is moderate.
Excavator models we pack into containers
We don’t pack anything too small: the smallest is typically around 10 t, and dismantling is always needed. These are common models we handle by container.
Caterpillar
- Cat 320B
- Cat 320BL
- Cat 320L
- Cat 322CL
- Cat 322L
Daewoo and Doosan
- Daewoo Solar 220LC-V
- Daewoo Solar 250LC-V
- Daewoo Solar 255LC-V
- Doosan DX140W
- Doosan DX225LC
- Doosan DX300LC
John Deere and Hyundai
- John Deere 495D
- John Deere 595D
- Hyundai R290LC-7
Model names are given for identification only. Every machine is checked against its exact specification before we confirm the container. Don’t see your model? Send us the details.
How we pack an excavator for shipping
- 1
Measure the excavator
When choosing containers for an excavator, the key considerations are its overall weight and the width across the upper structure and the track frames. Many units are modified while in use in Australia, so accounting for modifications such as steel bumpers, raised cabs and wider track shoes is important.
- 2
Book labour, equipment and vessel space
Like a well-organised orchestra, timing the labour for the dismantling work with the container delivery is paramount. Get it wrong and extra costs are incurred. Our team is well versed in the advance planning needed to complete these project packs.
- 3
Dismantle, drain fluids and disconnect batteries
Before the containers are delivered, we fully dismantle the machine and drain hydraulic fluid and diesel from hoses and reservoirs. Open-ended hoses are then bagged and elevated to reduce the chance of leaks.
- 4
Tetris Pro
Getting a complete excavator into a container is challenging, and akin to playing Tetris with blocks of all sizes and weights. We get it in, balanced, strapped and shipped. It’s not pretty, but it meets all of the client’s expectations.
- 5
Verified Gross Mass
Containers are weighed to verify their mass and comply with local transport rules as well as maritime regulations.
- 6
Document and seal
The finished pack is photographed and the lashing recorded before the container is sealed or the flat rack is signed off for the terminal.
Excavator packing photos
Real excavators packed by our team, from preparation through to lashing and sealing.
Excavator shipping FAQs
What size excavator fits in a shipping container?
It’s highly dependent on the width across the track frames and the upper structure. Typically, this means most excavators up to 25 t can be packed, but there are exceptions depending on the specific make and model.
What is the largest excavator you have shipped entirely on a containerised service?
The largest complete excavator we’ve shipped on flat racks and containers is a Komatsu PC2000-11, a 200 t mining class excavator in backhoe configuration. It was packed across nine flat racks and containers.
Can attachments ship in the same container?
Yes. Spare buckets, hitches, breakers and augers are secured in the same container or on the same flat rack where space and weight allow, so you are not paying for a separate shipment.
How heavy can a containerised excavator be?
Weight limits depend on the container type, the carrier and the road limits at each end. As a guide, standard containers carry up to around 26–28 t of cargo and flat racks more, but we confirm limits for your route before booking.
Other machinery we containerise
Container types and sizesGet Expert Help
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Professional Services
Mobile Machinery Transport
Up to 1000 tonnes capacity
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Weight restrictions apply
Containerised Freight
FCL & LCL options available
Customs & Compliance
Via wholesale partners
Project Freight
Out of Gauge shipments
Overseas Cleaning Services
Coordination & certification
Equipment Specialties
Excavators (1-200 tonnes)
Bulldozers & Graders
Boom Lifts & Scissor Lifts (focus)
Mobile & Tower Cranes (1000t capacity)
Wheel Loaders, Dump Trucks & Scrapers
Reach Stackers, Empty Container Handlers & Fork-lifts
Mining & Processing Equipment
Agricultural Machinery & Tractors
Construction & Road Equipment
Professional Services
Mobile Machinery Transport
Up to 1000 tonnes capacity
RoRo Shipping Solutions
Weight restrictions apply
Containerised Freight
FCL & LCL options available
Customs & Compliance
Via wholesale partners
Project Freight
Out of Gauge shipments
Overseas Cleaning Services
Coordination & certification
Equipment Specialties
Excavators (1-200 tonnes)
Bulldozers & Graders
Boom Lifts & Scissor Lifts (focus)
Mobile & Tower Cranes (1000t capacity)
Wheel Loaders, Dump Trucks & Scrapers
Reach Stackers, Empty Container Handlers & Fork-lifts
Mining & Processing Equipment
Agricultural Machinery & Tractors
Construction & Road Equipment
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