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If you’re in the transport industry and dealing with vehicles that can carry substantial amounts of cargo, you’ve likely researched trailers and stumbled upon the term low loader. But what is a low loader exactly? This text will provide you with all the answers. We’ll define it, review the different types and explain how to use it with your hired vehicle.
Table Of Contents
What Is A Low Loader?
A low loader is a semi-trailer with two drops in deck height, one from the upper deck and the other from the rear deck. It dates back to the 1920s, and its current design with a low deck makes it significantly more convenient to load heavy machinery and other items in the heavy goods vehicle. Low loaders may be used to carry cargo that exceeds the capacity of a tail lift.
The low loader is also known as a lowboy trailer.
Types Of Low Loaders
As we have various types of trucks, so do we have different trailers. Here is an overview of different low loader options on the market:
- Fixed gooseneck (FGN) low loader – As the name suggests, these low loader trailers feature a permanently attached gooseneck at the front of the trailer. They usually come with drop ramps and a lower deck that is closer to the ground. All these make loading and unloading cargo an easy task.
- Fixed neck low loader – This is a different trailer, but it has similarities with the FGN. These low loaders also feature a fixed neck at the front to provide stability for transporting construction equipment and heavy machinery. People often choose this option for its simplicity.
- Removable gooseneck (RGN) low loader – This is the most flexible option in the lineup, as its gooseneck can be detached from the front of the trailer. There are two detaching options: mechanically detachable or hydraulic detachable.
Choosing the right low loader and an affordable truck rental will bump your business up to another level, and SDVH is ready to help out with the latter.
Common Uses of Low Loader Trailers
Various industries use many different lorries to make their jobs simpler and more efficient. Regardless of lorry sizes, adding a low loader can make the transportation process significantly easier. Here is an overview of some popular uses of low loaders:
- Construction Industry – The deck height of a low-loader trailer makes it an essential tool for transporting construction equipment such as excavators, bulldozers and cranes. You can also use it to bring industrial equipment to construction sites.
- Energy sector – The large and irregular shape of heavy plant often transported by companies in this industry requires specialised transport equipment, and a low loader is the perfect solution.
- Agriculture – This industry often deals with oversized and heavy machinery, so having a low loader to facilitate the whole process of moving farm implements between different fields can be a true lifesaver.
- Mining industry – Low loaders can transport large mining equipment, such as large drills and excavators.
- Oil and gas industry industry – A lowboy trailer can be useful when moving large pipes and drilling equipment.
If you’re in any of these or a similar industry, our 44-tonne truck hire deals will make sure that your everyday transport task is as easy as can be.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Payload Capacity Of A Low Loader Trailer?
The payload capacity of a low loader trailer can be up to 80 tonnes (80,000 kg), depending on the specific model design, size and number of axles. Since low-loader trailers are produced so that they can carry heavy and oversized loads, you can expect a huge payload capacity, even with the smaller low-loader trailer. Make sure to do your research before opting for a specific one.
How Do You Load And Unload A Low Loader?
You load and unload a low loader in a few simple steps. Position the low loader trailer on a stable surface, and use your chosen equipment to load/unload the cargo and strap it down securely. Since a low loader trailer has a lower deck closer to the ground, you’ll have an easy time with any kind of cargo.
What Licence Is Required For Low Loaders?
The licence that’s required for low loaders is a valid operator’s licence and Driver CPC if they are used for commercial purposes. Low loader trailer is designed to transport heavy loads, combined with vehicles that have significant space to take them in. This means you’ll need proper training to get behind the wheels of such a robust vehicle.
Conclusion
You have your answer to the question, ‘What is a low loader?’. To be clear, low-loader trailers are designed to facilitate heavy cargo and machinery transport. These trailers are available in various designs to meet different commercial needs. Combined with an affordable hire deal, this equipment can help make cargo transport more effective.
