Bucket loader: Registration, uses and equipment
Find out about conditional registration, acceptable uses and equipment requirements for bucket loaders.
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.
| Condition | Code |
|---|---|
| Daylight / floodlit worksite use only (omitted if vehicle has headlights) | TD1 |
| Flashing amber beacon required and used when vehicle moving | SL1 |
| 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 OR | LO3 + free text |
| Use only within a defined road construction zone where a traffic control plan applies OR | LO5 |
| Use only for farming purposes | GO93 |
| 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) OR | OS1 |
| Oversize permit (route specific) | OS2 |
| If hydraulic steering fitted, steering failure warning device / sign required | SL99 |
| If hydraulic steering fitted, restricted to a maximum speed of 45km/h | SP45 |
Equipment requirements
To receive conditional registration you must ensure that the following equipment requirements are met.
| Equipment | Daylight/floodlit use | 24 hour use |
|---|---|---|
| Amber rotating beacon | Yes | Yes |
| Brake and turn lights | Yes | Yes |
| Headlights, tail and number plate lights | No | Yes |
| Rear reflectors or reflective tape | Yes | Yes |
| Side reflective tape | No | Yes |
| Rear vision mirror(s) | Yes | Yes |
| Horn | Yes | Yes |
Lighting
All lighting must be fitted as near as possible to the position specified in Schedule 2 of:
- Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2017 for light vehicles, or
- Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation (NSW).
Transport for NSW office use
| Code Type | Code |
|---|---|
| Vehicle shape | AGP 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 usage | PLNT or RDWK (RDWN if vehicle over 4.5 tonnes GVM) or PPG (PPGN if vehicle over 4.5y GVM) |