Do you ever wonder how to carry tremendous weight? Let us say over 150 tons? We know that it is not easy to imagine, but there is. They are called lowboy trailer or low bed trailer. Some know them as floor lowered trailer or flat loading trailer.
Whatever the name be, these trailers are a lovely vehicle. The low-profile welded semi-trailers stand out thanks to their straight or angled lowering platform and their low curb weight!
Construction contractors can transport excavators, wheel loaders, pavers, and other heavy-duty construction equipment in the utmost comfort and safety. Thanks to the free pivot, the semi-trailer adapts to two or three-axle tractor vehicles! Do you want to know How does a lowboy trailer work? Well, read through.
What is a Low Bed (Low Boy) semi-trailer?
It is known as a low platform trailer. We refer to a tool that helps us transport, or as the name implies, to tow heavy objects easily, thanks to its unique shape. The first lowboy was used in . This type of trailer is suitable for heavy and large loads.
A lowboy semi-trailer is also known as a low bed, bottom loader, drop deck, etc. Lowboy trailers are used to transport long distance or short distance equipment, or heavy transport. The improved I-beam makes the trailer extremely strong and durable, suitable for heavy traffic. The low floor height is quite small, which means low gravity and makes the whole trailer reasonably stable.
The low trailer could be tailored to design such as 2 axle, 3 axles or 4 axle or tarden axle to suit different payload. The width and height of the platform can also be changed. The lower the center of gravity, the more excellent stability and security, the transport of goods and the most substantial high-capacity air obstacles.
Characteristics
Here are some points that make lowboys an indispensable tool for the transportation and construction industry:
One of the traits that differentiate low platform trailers is the height of the trailer bed. Unlike a standard platform, whose height is uniform over 60 to 62 inches, a flat platform has two upper sections, along with a medium-low zone. The middle part of a low platform can only be 22 to 24 inches tall.
Most low-platform trailers have a hydraulic system that operates a hydraulic piston that lifts the container to engage the trailer unit after it has been loaded.
All lowboy is towed by a truck.
Suspension, most lowboy trailers have a hydraulic system that operates a hydraulic piston that lifts the trailer to engage once it has been loaded.
All have air brakes.
Variety; there are two-axle trailers with 8 tires, while large vans have three axles with 12 tires. There are also some exclusive heavy-duty trailers with for shafts and there are even large volume trailers with more than 4 axles. All lowboys have air brakes.
Load capacity, low bed trailers support from 10 tons to 100 tons of cargo, and in some lowboy, the gooseneck has a full turning radius to accommodate a double screw tractor.
In some lowboy, the gooseneck has a turning radius to accommodate a double screw tractor.
Safety, the mainframe of the trailer is constructed of high tensile strength material that is up to 38% stronger than steel on other trailers.
How does a lowboy trailer work?
Low bed trailers, better known by their English name &#;lowboy,&#; are distinctive elements for the transport of containers, equipment and heavy machinery Thanks to a series of characteristics that make them unique.
The vehicles are available in configurations from 2 to 8 axles, which can be lifted or swiveled, controlled automatically depending on the angle of the fifth wheel and manually using an independent wired or radio remote control. Especially for the needs of transporting various types of wheeled vehicles, passenger cars, vans, trailers, agricultural machines. Thanks to the hydraulic adjustment of the extension and tilt of horizontal platforms, the length of the set and the increase in the loading area of the rear load drawer, this set can be quickly adapted to the type of transported load. The maximum length of the collection is 18.6 m. The loading tread is covered with perforated sheets, which ensures the possibility of securing the amount in every place and gives proper anti-slip properties. Thanks to the use of a separate hydraulic aggregate mounted on the semi-trailer, the need for a semi-trailer tractor with a hydraulic outlet is eliminated, which makes the operation of the semi-trailer effortless.
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In Cranes Trailers and Equipment, we have a wide range of industrial cranes, trailers, platforms, and special lifting equipment to meet the different lifting, assembly and transport requirements of companies and individuals.
One of the critical issues for us related to low-loader transport is safety. It is essential not only to efficiently and safely load the transported goods and secure them against any displacement during transport. The security of employees handling such traffic is equally important, which is why high-quality materials are used in the production of semi-trailers and low-loader trailers, and the surfaces are covered with appropriate, non-slip materials, e.g., a special waterproof plywood or sheet.
Many goods transported in oversized transport are undersized, which is why low-loader carrier allows you to adjust the length and width of the semi-trailer (trailer) to the dimensions of the transported load.
There are kits for varied loads, from construction machinery with a recessed load deck and demountable semi-trailer components, to the transport of powerful loaders (widened and extended).
Final verdict
Specialized vehicles for oversized transport are continually evolving. Their possibilities are amazing. Every year, many vehicles reach their customers, from the simplest ones to the most complex, modular cars. After setting up the right equipment, the carrier will handle any problematic load; a large construction machine, agricultural, aircraft, wind turbine propeller, bridge span or the entire tram depot or railway locomotive. Low loader semi-trailers are specialist equipment. These lowboy vehicles make the work easy and straightforward.
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Due to the various lowboy trailers, dimensions can vary from trailer to trailer. Although they may differ, there are maximum dimensions that all lowboys must adhere to. These include:
You might need a lowboy if you want to move freight that exceeds the height or weight restrictions with other available trailers. Thanks to their variety and special features, lowboy trailers can accommodate shippers with unique shipping needs. Lowboy trailers specialize in hauling taller-than-usual freight, partly because of their double-deck feature. This lowered deck allows for improved stability while adding a few extra feet of clearance.
The max height of a lowboy, trailer included, is 14 feet, allowing lowboy trailers to transport heavy, bulky, and oversized freight across the country. If you frequent auctions or enjoy buying and selling large equipment, you should become familiar with lowboy trailers and their abilities. Heavy machinery and oversized loads like tractors, combines, and dump trucks are just a few examples of lowboy trailer freight.
While there are many reasons to use a lowboy trailer, there are also many situations where using a different trailer type will be best for your freight. If you want to ship home furnishings, non-perishables, electronics, or dry goods, you should consider using a dry van. Perishables are best shipped using a refrigerated (reefer) trailer. If you are unsure which trailer to use, call FreightCenter. One of our trusted call agents to assist you in finding the best trailer for your freight. FreightCenter is a leader in Third-Party Logistics, ensuring our customers receive the best carrier at the lowest rate for shipments.
The number one advantage of using a lowboy trailer is the vast number of oversized items they can transport. Every highway has height restrictions for cargo, and lowboy trailers help ensure shipments remain within these restrictions. The configuration of these trailers also allows shippers to transport heavy items safely and, in some cases, easily. The lowered deck on a lowboy trailer allows for a more stable ride and center of gravity for your shipment. Tall and heavy items are at the forefront of lowboy trailer shipments. But these trailers also offer an essential width advantage to bulky, oversized items.
A few disadvantages to consider when considering a lowboy include availability, volatile costs, and shipment volume. How available a lowboy is in your location can lower or raise costs. And like other freight shipping methods, lowboy trailers are subject to rising costs. These costs will also be affected by how much of the trailer your shipment will take up. All these factors should be weighed when deciding how to ship your freight.
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