Type of trailer

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For the item of furniture, see Lowboy

A lowboy (low-loader in British English, low-bed in western Canada and South Africa or float in Australia and eastern Canada) is a semi-trailer with two drops in deck height: one right after the gooseneck and one right before the wheels. This allows the deck to be extremely low compared with other trailers. It offers the ability to carry legal loads up to 12 ft (3.66 m) tall, which other trailers cannot. Lowboys are used to haul heavy equipment such as bulldozers and large industrial equipment.

History

The first lowboy trailer was invented in the s; it featured a riveted gooseneck and solid rubber tires. The first detachable gooseneck trailer, referred to as an RGN (Removable goose neck), was invented in .[1]

Types

The lowboy trailer comes in several types,[2] for a wide range of tasks. Some types are:

• Fixed gooseneck (FGN): allows a longer deck length and has the lightest weight. These are lower trailers than normal, with low-profile tires, usually with drop ramps in the rear to facilitate loading of equipment, but are not actually considered "lowboys". The neck is arched in such a way that, when lowered, it becomes a ramp, thus allowing the front tires of equipment to be pulled onto the deck.

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• Fixed-neck: the neck is fixed to trailers; offers the lightest weight, but sacrifices the ability to detach and load over the front
• Hydraulic detachable gooseneck (hydraulic RGN or HRGN)): fastest and easiest to detach, at the expense of weight and deck length. It is the most common and versatile of lowboy trailers; the gooseneck is detached using large hydraulic cylinders to raise and lower the trailer and a small cylinder shores the neck to the truck, removing the neck so a large piece of equipment can be driven over the front onto the deck of the trailer for transport. The hydraulics can be run from the truck auxiliary or from a pony motor mounted in the neck of the trailer.

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• Mechanically-detachable gooseneck (mechanical RGN or MRGN): while usually lighter than the hydraulic detachable gooseneck, users sacrifice ease and speed of detaching. Used for long specialty hauls.

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• Mechanical folding gooseneck (MFGN): The deck folds down to ground level to provide a ramp for trailer loading.

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Features

Lowboy trailer features include:

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Suspension types

• Spring ride: lowest cost; however, it has a rougher ride and adds more stress to the trailer
• Air-ride: smoother ride, adding to the life of the trailer frame. Air rides can also be adjusted for a higher or lower deck height.
• Hydraulic suspension: an oil-filled system, allowing wide variation of axle movement
• Independent suspension: a double wishbone, hydraulic suspension, which offers more stability, greater steering angle and more travel

Structural types

• Main structural steel type: mill rolled beams save money; although being around 4,000&#;6,000 lb (1,814&#;2,722 kg) heavier, they also reverse camber after a few years due to the much-lower strength of the main beams.
• T1 or A514 beams save weight and allow more versatile engineering of the trailer; they are cut to the highest-strength shape possible and welded together.

Gallery

See also

References

Exploring the Versatility of Low Bed Trailers

Introduction

When it comes to transporting heavy machinery and oversized cargo, the importance of specialized trailers cannot be overstated. Low bed trailers, also known as lowboy trailers, are a crucial component of the transportation industry. These trailers are designed to handle the transportation of exceptionally heavy and tall loads, making them an indispensable tool for various sectors, from construction to agriculture. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of trailers, exploring their design, advantages, and the industries that rely on them.

We have executed many transportation orders using various assets, in one instance we used a low bed trailer to transport a boiler from Hyderabad to Chennai. The cargo was covered with tarpaulin so it would not gather dust. Lashings were utilized so that the cargo didn&#;t slip. You can check out the image below.

Understanding Low Bed Trailers

Low bed trailers are a type of semi-trailer designed with a low deck height to accommodate oversized and heavy loads. They are characterized by a deck that is much closer to the ground than standard trailers, and this low clearance allows for the transportation of tall and bulky items. These trailers typically have multiple axles, which distribute the weight of the cargo evenly and reduce the stress on the truck and road.

Key Features and Advantages

1. Deck Height: The low deck height is the defining feature of low bed trailers. It enables the transportation of taller loads, such as construction equipment, industrial machinery, and even large vehicles. This design minimizes the need for dismantling or modifying the cargo, saving time and labor costs.
2. Payload Capacity: These trailers are engineered to handle massive payloads. The weight distribution and multiple axles allow them to transport cargo that might be too heavy for standard trailers. They are especially useful in industries like construction, where heavy equipment like bulldozers and cranes need to be moved.
3. Versatility: These trailers can be customized to accommodate various types of cargo. Detachable goosenecks, ramps, and extendable decks are some of the features that make these trailers versatile for different applications.
4. Stability: The low center of gravity offered by these trailers enhances stability during transportation. This is essential when carrying tall, heavy, or irregularly shaped loads, as it reduces the risk of tipping.
5. Safety: These trailers often come equipped with safety features like load-securing mechanisms and lighting systems. These features help ensure the cargo reaches its destination without incident.

Industries That Rely on Low Bed Trailers

1. Construction: Construction companies use these trailers to transport heavy construction equipment, such as excavators, bulldozers, cranes, and concrete mixers. The ability to transport these machines intact and securely is a significant advantage in the construction industry.
2. Agriculture: Farmers and agricultural businesses use these trailers to transport oversized farming equipment, including tractors, combine harvesters, and other machinery. This helps improve efficiency and productivity during planting and harvest seasons.
3. Mining: The mining industry often relies on these trailers to move heavy mining equipment, such as large trucks, excavators, and drills. These trailers play a crucial role in keeping mining operations running smoothly.
4. Energy Sector: These trailers are used to transport components of wind turbines, power plant equipment, and transformers in the energy sector. Specialized transport capabilities are essential in the development and maintenance of energy infrastructure.
5. Transportation of Boats and Aircraft: These trailers are often used for the transport of boats, yachts, and aircraft components. Their low clearance makes loading and unloading these oversized and valuable assets more manageable.

Conclusion

These trailers are a remarkable innovation in the transportation industry. Their low deck height, high payload capacity, versatility, and safety features make them indispensable for a wide range of industries. Whether it&#;s construction, agriculture, mining, or energy, these trailers play a crucial role in the transportation of heavy and oversized cargo, contributing to the efficiency and success of these sectors. As industries continue to evolve, the importance of these specialized trailers is likely to remain undiminished. Here is a video of a low bed trailer. You can check out our post about semi low bed trailers here.