Containerised Freight

Wheel Loader Container Shipping

Wheel loaders up to CAT 988 series dismantled and packed into hard top containers

  • Up to CAT 988 series
  • Packed in 40' high cubes
  • Split at the articulation
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Wheel Loaders packed by machinery specialists

Wheel loaders are tall, heavy and articulated in the middle, which means they need careful setup before they go anywhere near a container. An articulated frame that is not locked can steer or shift under pressure. We have packed a variety of wheel loaders over the years, from the small CAT 908 through to the CAT 988 series, solely in hard top containers. The trick is often to reduce the loader’s width, height and weight to meet the limits imposed by the container, transport weight limits and shipping line rules.

The model determines the level of work needed to achieve containerisation. From removing the wheels, cab, stacks and bucket on smaller units, through to more expensive dismantling where large units are split in two at the articulation point and the axle groups removed, we have seen and arranged it all.

Wheel loader models we pack

Common wheel loader models we pack into containers. Larger units such as the CAT 992 and 993 can also be shipped containerised with the aid of flat racks.

Caterpillar

  • CAT 950B
  • CAT 950E
  • CAT 966D
  • CAT 966E
  • CAT 966F
  • CAT 966F II
  • CAT 966H
  • CAT 972G
  • CAT 972H
  • CAT 980F
  • CAT 980G
  • CAT 980H
  • CAT 988B
  • CAT 988D
  • CAT 988G
  • CAT 988H

Volvo and Kawasaki

  • Volvo L150C
  • Volvo L150F
  • Kawasaki 85Z

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 a wheel loader for shipping

  1. 1

    Schedule delivery to the packing yard

    When it comes to shipping wheel loaders in containers, our options are more limited. We have suitable depots in Perth/Fremantle, Melbourne and Brisbane. These depots are very experienced but also quite busy, so it’s important we discuss and book in the job in advance.

  2. 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. 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. 4

    Tetris Pro

    Getting a complete wheel loader 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. 5

    Verified Gross Mass

    Containers are weighed to verify their mass and comply with local transport rules as well as maritime regulations.

  6. 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.

Wheel loader packing photos

Real wheel loaders packed by our team, from preparation through to lashing and sealing.

CAT 980H wheel loader dismantled and loaded into a 40ft high cube
CAT 988H chassis strapped in a 40ft high cube
CAT 966D wheel loader packed in a 40ft high cube
CAT 966D cab and wheels packed in a container

Wheel loader shipping FAQs

Can a wheel loader go inside a container?

We have managed to get loaders up to the CAT 988 series into hard top containers. Larger units such as the 992 and 993 can also be shipped containerised, with the aid of flat rack equipment.

Why is there a need to containerise wheel loaders?

Wheel loaders are generally not small machines, so when shipped RoRo the freight costs can be high and unattractive. Containerising into 40’ HC containers makes the overall cost of shipping to distant locations quite reasonable in comparison.

Do you disconnect the batteries and drain the fuel?

Yes. Batteries are disconnected, and sometimes removed, depending on the specific shipping line’s requirements. Up to 400 L of diesel can be left in the fuel tank, but due to the poor condition of many fuel tanks, we tend to drain the fuel at the place of packing to reduce the risk of leaks in the container during shipment.

What equipment do you use to get wheel loaders into containers?

We use a combination of container skates and heavy-duty forklifts to push the main chassis into the container, before lowering it onto timber dunnage.

Other machinery we containerise

Container types and sizes
Boom Lifts Excavators Rollers Backhoe Loaders
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