Low Loaders and Other Heavy Haulage Equipment: Comparing the Pros and Cons

Heavy hauling sounds like a dangerous and complicated operation, but it doesn’t have to be if you have the right heavy equipment haulage. All different types of loads need to be transported from point A to point B, and that’s why heavy haulage equipment is vital.

One of the best and most versatile forms of heavy haulage equipment is the low loader. This article takes a closer look at the pros and cons of low loaders versus other forms of heavy haulage trailers. 

Understanding low loaders

Also known as over-sized load trailers, low loaders feature a low-profile tray and adjustable ramps to make loading and unloading easier and safer. They are perfectly designed for transporting equipment like bulldozers, excavators, prefabricated homes, and other large and bulky objects.

With low-slung beds, low-loaders can transport heavy and oversized items with minimal effort. When hauling bulky items, low loaders are a more cost-effective option too. As the trailer can be towed by either a truck or tractor, this presents greater flexibility, depending on the transportation task and the terrain.

Comparison with flatbed trailers

Flatbed trailers are commonly used for open-air transportation, and they’re capable of hauling a broad variety of freight. With easy loading and unloading capabilities, flatbed trailers do have their advantages, but they also have their cons as well.

Some of the advantages are that flatbed trailers are very common and easy to find. They also offer versatility for a variety of different load types. The main downside is the weight and size limitations placed on what can be transported on flatbed trailers. Low loaders can haul larger and heavier loads.

Comparison with step-deck trailers

The step-deck trailer, also commonly known as a drop-deck trailer, has both an upper and lower deck. This enables the step-deck trailer to transport tall loads efficiently and safely. This form of trailer is simple and easy to use.

Due to their capacity to handle tall loads, there are fewer height restrictions when using a step-deck trailer. While equipment height is an advantage, one disadvantage is the shorter lower deck can limit load length. Unlike low loaders, the tray can’t be tilted, and machinery cannot be driven onto the deck. Therefore, loading equipment such as a crane is required.

Comparison with lowboy trailers

Also known as a double-drop trailer, the lowboy trailer features two drops below the gooseneck and the rear wheels. This makes the lowboy trailer ideal for both tall and heavy loads.

Lowboys can haul trailer modules and extremely heavy loads safely, which is one of the biggest advantages of this type of trailer. However, they are less common than other haulage trailers like the low loader. They are usually more expensive to purchase or hire. The short well on the trailer also limits module and equipment length.

Comparison with RGNs (Removable Gooseneck Trailers)

Unlike the lowboy trailer above, RGNs have a removable gooseneck at the front of the trailer. This forms a ramp for easy loading and unloading, much like the low loader in that way. It has a low deck height for hauling taller freight and has a high weight limit.

The major concern with this type of trailer in comparison to a low loader is that of cost. RGNs are far more expensive. They also require experienced and expert drivers and handlers to operate them efficiently and safely.

Comparison with hydraulic trailers

Hydraulic carrier trailers, also known as floats, are a specialised type of trailer. They possess the ability to move the deck up and down, to load and unload equipment and modules. Floats are designed for certain types of items that could be damaged when loaded and unloaded by a crane. These include wood-framed modular structures and similar less robust loads.

Possibly the biggest advantage of this form of trailer is you don’t need cranes or forklifts for loading and unloading. You also don’t need to hire experts to operate them. However, floats are generally more expensive to own, hire, and operate. Because they are such a specialised piece of equipment, they can also be much harder to source.

Safety considerations for low loaders

You need to take into consideration the following safety protocols when using low-loader trailers. Let’s cover the most important ones.

1. Before transporting, always ensure the load is properly secured. Heavy equipment should be tied down with ropes or straps to prevent movement or slippage while in transit.
2. The tyres of the trailer and the truck should be in excellent condition and inflated to the recommended levels of pressure. Misaligned or worn tyres are a major hazard when hauling heavy loads. They can cause an accident or cause the trailer to sway.
3. Are all connections between the low loader trailer and the truck properly secured? You won’t want any risk of the trailer becoming disengaged from the truck while in transit.
4. Ascertain that the low loader is not overloaded and that the weight and height limits are within regulations.
5. Become familiar with the route before hauling a heavy and oversized load on a low loader. This ensures arrival at your destination safely and with no disruptions.

Transport your heavy load efficiently and safely

Reef Group is your premier transportation company in Perth. Our fleet consists of low loaders and other trailers specially designed for hauling heavy and oversized loads. Contact us today to discuss your project and we’ll provide the ultimate heavy haulage solution.