Bucket loader: Registration, uses and equipment

Find out about conditional registration, acceptable uses and equipment requirements for bucket loaders.

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What is a bucket loader?

A bucket loader uses a front bucket mount to move earth, stones and hard fill.

You need a Car (Class C) licence to drive a bucket loader.

Conditional registration for bucket loaders

Bucket loader

Bucket loaders need to be conditionally registered to be used on public roads and road-related areas.

Conditional registration gives you limited road access to perform specific functions.

You cannot get conditional registration if a vehicle that complies with the construction and equipment requirements of the Australian Design Rules can be used to perform the same function.

See information about vehicle standards to see what standards apply.

Find out how to apply for conditional registration for a bucket loader.

Oversize vehicle operators

Vehicles that go beyond the dimension and weight limits must comply with the conditions of the relevant access notice or permit.

Operators must contact the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to find out if the vehicle is eligible for an oversize and/or overdimension permit before proceeding with the registration application.

To find out the conditions for:

  • NSW permits – contact Special Permits Unit on 1300 656 371
  • interstate permits – contact National Heavy Vehicle Regulator on 1300 696 487.

Vehicle requirements

Bucket loaders must meet the following vehicle condition to apply for conditional registration:

  • These vehicles must travel in their most compact form to minimise dimensions and to provide maximum visibility for driver.

Conditions of use

The following minimum conditions apply to conditional registration.

ConditionCode
Daylight / floodlit worksite use only (omitted if vehicle has headlights)TD1
Flashing amber beacon required and used when vehicle movingSL1
Vehicle to be floated from site to site (except that it can operate in areas designated in L03, L05, G05 or G093)LO99
Restricted to designated areas / routes ORLO3 + free text
Use only within a defined road construction zone where a traffic control plan applies ORLO5
Use only for farming purposesGO93
Use only by shortest suitable route between depots and worksites (applies only with either L03 or L05)GO5
Overmass (route specific)OM3
Oversize permit (general) OROS1
Oversize permit (route specific)OS2
If hydraulic steering fitted, steering failure warning device / sign requiredSL99
If hydraulic steering fitted, restricted to a maximum speed of 45km/hSP45

Equipment requirements

To receive conditional registration you must ensure that the following equipment requirements are met.

EquipmentDaylight/floodlit use24 hour use
Amber rotating beaconYesYes
Brake and turn lightsYesYes
Headlights, tail and number plate lightsNoYes
Rear reflectors or reflective tapeYesYes
Side reflective tapeNoYes
Rear vision mirror(s)YesYes
HornYesYes

Lighting

All lighting must be fitted as near as possible to the position specified in Schedule 2 of:

Transport for NSW office use

Code TypeCode
Vehicle shapeAGP or EWP or RWP

Compulsory Third Party insurance class

 

For FARM/UFRM, section one of the is required.

Conditional registration - PLNT / FARM

Unregistered Vehicle Permit - UPLN / UFRM

Registration usagePLNT or RDWK (RDWN if vehicle over 4.5 tonnes GVM) or PPG (PPGN if vehicle over 4.5y GVM)
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