The technology of today’s heavy load transportation industry continues to revolutionize the way transportation and construction companies deliver over-sized loads. Low-loader trailers are among the most versatile and effective tools of efficient transportation of heavy loads in the market, and with innovative axle-widening technology, their potential applications extend even further.
But what is it about axle-widening low-loader transporters that sets them apart from standard low loaders? What variations exist, and what recent innovations have enabled them to carry heavy loads with incredible efficiency and durability?
Below the Loader: Exploring Low Loader Transporter Trailers
Low loaders are the perfect solution for moving the over-sized plant, machinery and equipment used in industrial, construction and mining applications (to name a few). Enabling long-distance, weight-restricted transportation, businesses all over Australia and New Zealand can transport buildings, bridges, cranes and excavators safely and efficiently.
However, standard low loaders are limited in the size and weight of the loads they can legally and practically carry.
That’s where innovations in axle and deck widening have revolutionised the transportation industry. Paired with double-acting hydraulic suspension, independent axle lifting, and electronic steering systems, low loaders can now safely move larger and heavier loads over even the most difficult terrain.
Bigger is always better
Through a combination of multiple axles and a deck that can be extended as well as widened, low loaders achieve a significantly bigger surface area, effectively supporting larger and heavier loads.
The exact length, width and weight bearing capacity is determined by transport laws in individual countries.
The history of Low Loaders: From standard to expanded
Low loader transport trailers were first introduced in the 1920’s, with the first model being a flatbed trailer towed behind a truck.
The trailers became longer and wider over time but were still limited in size and could only handle smaller loads, which limited the types of machinery they could transport.
Further down the track, axle-widening technology was developed, allowing trailers to become significantly wider and more stable. While a standard low loader is limited to 2.5m, an axle-widening loader can expand to 3.5m when fully open.
TRT’s own Dave Carden was a significant innovator in this field, developing many of the features and principles still used to this day.
Examining the Technology Behind Axle-Widening Low Loaders
The technology behind these trailers is complex and a key factor in the success of low-loader transporter trailer use.
Strength and lightness
TRT’s axle-widening trailers are built with Hi Tensile Construction and use AR450 Deck Sheet to get both strength and lightness.
Hydraulic Suspension
Double acting hydraulic suspension provides increased stability over single acting design and can lift any axle with no mechanical pinning required.
Steering axle
The steering axle widens with the deck resulting in increased stability and as well as increased manoeuvrability, less tyre wear, better fuel consumption & reduced chassis stress.
TRT’s axle-widening low loaders also use widening stools to lift all wheels during widening, to protect the ground surface. They deploy at the touch of a lever, lifting all wheels off the ground when widening in order to reduce tyre wear and prevent damage to Bitumen surfaces.
“Fitting the widening stool to my new quad has made a real difference” say Chris Robinson of CJ Robinson Earthmoving, Coffs Harbour, NSW, “We can widen the quad without damaging newly sealed roads, our customers really like that!”
Options for every application
TRT’s trailers also come with optional steering axles, single or bi-fold ramps, auto grease system, conveyor belt deck coverings, stainless steel protectors (load restraints) and a hydraulic winch.
Widening the Load: Exploring the Benefits of Axle-Widening Low Loader Trailers
There are many reasons to consider an axle-widening low loader trailer for your next purchase. As an example, TRT Rows of 8 low loaders are designed with our trademark key features
- Hydraulic compensating “live” gooseneck to maintain traction on the drivers.
- Fabricated in grade 80 high-tensile steel for maximum strength with low tare weight.
- Deeper than normal coaming rail that reduces deflection when the trailer is loaded
- Axles set through deep chassis rails to give lowest deck height on the market.
- Double acting TIDD® hydraulic suspension, allows you to lift any axle.
- Brake chambers are mounted directly on the axle suspension for consistent brake performance throughout
Maximum Load Capacity – TRT built a Quad Axle Widening Low loader for the CR Taylor Ltd fleet in Gisborne. The Quad has a spaced group of axles to give maximum load capacity.
This means that under permit the Quad axle group is calculated as 2 trailer groups rather than 1 Quad group with conventional spaced axles as seen on a standard built Quad.
Manoeuvrability – The Quad used in the example above is fitted with 17.5 BPW axles, with the rear a BPW LL series self-steering axle for manoeuvrability.
The steer axle works in castor mode and is locked automatically when reversing.
A two stage double acting steering tie rod widens the axle to suit the deck width. The trailers deck widens on its axles from 2.5m closed out to 3.5m open, with three intermediate positions available.
The main deck length is 10.5m with provision for a 20′ container at 2.5m wide. On TIDD hydraulic suspension, axles are able to be lifted individually which helps the operator when servicing or changing tyres.
Increased payload capacity – One of the main reasons to choose an axle-widening low loader trailer is increased payload capacity.
In 2017, TRT designed and manufactured a Widening 8 Line Platform Trailer for Mactrans Heavy Haulage Pty Ltd (Mactrans), from Queensland, Australia. The features of this trailer have been designed to make the transport of equipment, from 70 – 120 tonne, more efficient.
Improved stability – Another big advantage of axle-widening low loader trailers is the improved stability that they offer. This is thanks to the fact that the weight is spread evenly over a larger surface area, which minimises the risk of tipping or instability.
Improved Safety – Using an axle-widening low loader trailer also increases safety. This is because the wider axle makes the trailer more stable, which reduces the risk of the load toppling over. It also means that the trailer is less likely to jackknife, which can be dangerous.
However, TRT go beyond the obvious safety benefits by adding remote control. The trailer functions are all operated using a remote control, including widening, lifting and lowering, ramps, and the widening stools.
This adds additional safety by allowing the operator to manage the operation of the trailer safely. When the widening stool is deployed all tyres are lifted off the ground, this allows the trailer to widen easily, with no damage to the surface of the road.
“I really enjoy the practicality of the trailer. It allows me to multitask and cart what I need, and is well designed for easy control,” Buck Buchanan, Haul Dog Transport Services.
Increased durability – When you invest in an axle-widening low loader trailer, you can rest assured that your investment will last for many years to come. These trailers are built to withstand the rigours of heavy-duty use, so you can be sure that they won’t let you down when you need them the most.
Cost-effective – Last but not least, axle-widening low loader trailers represent a very cost-effective solution for those looking to transport heavy goods. Thanks to their increased payload capacity and durability, these trailers will save you money in the long run, making them a wise investment for any business.
Smoother ride – Another advantage of axle-widening low loader trailers is that they offer a smoother ride for both the driver and the load. This is because the wider axle helps to distribute the weight of the load more evenly, which reduces the amount of bouncing and jarring that can occur when the trailer is being towed.
Wear and tear – Using an axle-widening low loader trailer can also help to reduce wear and tear. This is because the wider axle distributes the weight of the load more evenly, which means that there is less force exerted on the trailer’s suspension and tires. This can help to extend the life of the trailer and reduce maintenance costs.
Electronic Steering System
TRT’s ESS or Electronic Steering System package provides the optimum steering geometry no matter what the length, empty or loaded.
In 2017 TRT started research and development on the idea/concept of electronically steered trailers. From there it has developed into the GEN4 software/system that is the trademark of our current ESS Trailers Today.
ESS stands for electronic steering system. This is not a new concept; it has been used in the construction/design of mobile and all-terrain cranes and SPMTs (Self-Propelled Modular Transporters) since the 1990s.
How ESS Works
The system offers redundancies and backups for each of its key features. Essentially the trailer’s computer system is detecting the offset angle created as the truck turns either left or right. These angle changes are picked up by encoders which are simply mechanical cogs connected to the slew ring mounted to the trailers skid plate.
These signals are sent to transducers which are housed within the steering ram of each axle leg. The signal tells the transducer where the hydraulic cylinder needs to displace the oil to achieve the correct angle demanded by the truck. This happens simultaneously, resulting in near-perfect steering geometry as the truck moves from A to B and onsite manoeuvring.
ESS PLATFORM TRAILERS
TRT ESS Platform Trailers offer all axle steering up to 45° from the centre. TRT manufactures a diverse range of lead trailers with optional ESS Quick Connect Modules to take your trailer right out to 14 lines.
ESS HOUSE TRAILERS
TRT ESS House Trailers offer steering up to 35 degrees on either side of straight ahead. TRT manufactures a diverse range of house trailers with optional ESS Quick Connect Modules for extended loads.
Variations on Low Loader Trailers
TRT low loader and drop deck trailers are well known for quality manufacturing, robust construction and fit-for-purpose design, with a range of sizes, functions, and innovative options.
Tri Axle (3×4)
Ideal for heavy equipment with payloads around 30t or 40t with dolly.
There are 3×4 low loader options to suit your payloads and operating environment:
- Axle widening
- Deck widening
- Widening with 1 rear steer
- Extendable length
- Fixed width
- Mid tipping deck
Quads (4×4)
Most popular option for heavy equipment – up to 50t or 65t with dolly.
4 axle trailer options are ideal for a range of plant and equipment payloads up to 67 tonnes with a dolly. Low Loaders are fabricated from Grade 80 high tensile steel for strength, yet minimising the tare weight without compromising the capability.
With deep chassis, coaming rail and hydraulic suspension, and other innovative design features from TRT, we manufacture these trailers for the long haul.
- Tri-Axle Low Loader 3×4: Ideal for heavy equipment with payloads around 30t or 40t with dolly.
- Quad Axle 4×4: Most popular option for heavy equipment – up to 50t or 65t with dolly.
- Dolly 2×4 Options: Increase the payload of your low loader with TRT’s dolly options
Rows of 8
Full range of options for heavy plant & machinery haulage.
- 2 Rows of 8 (2×8): For payloads of 30t or less!
- 3 Rows of 8 (3×8): For payloads around 42t
- 4 Rows of 8 (4×8): For payloads up to 52t
- 5 Rows of 8 (5×8): For payloads up to 60t
- Dolly: Increase payloads with a 2×8 dolly!
- Minesite Trailers: Designed for mining equipment transport.
Platform Trailers
Fixed platforms & the new innovative modular platforms.
TRT ESS Platform Trailers offer all axle steering up to 45° from the centre. 2×8 right out to 14×8 axle lines are available. These configurations consists of a lead trailer, multiple quick connect ess axle modules, deck inserts, ramp module, lightbars, and bumper extensions. This enables operators to quickly and efficiently increase fixed deck length upwards of 40m.
Dollies
Increase your payloads! 2×4 and 2×8 options available.
Fabricated from High tensile steel to keep the tare weight to a minimum, TRT dollies are designed to increase your payloads to provide greater versatility when moving plant and equipment. There are a number of options that TRT has available.
- 2×4 Dolly
- 2×8 Dolly – Fixed Width
- 2×8 Dolly – with Widening
- Crane Dolly
About TRT
TRT are leaders in low loader and trailer innovation. From Bluetooth® steering capability and the latest electronic steering systems, to our world-first modular platform trailer designs, we deliver a high-quality trailer, manufactured in-house and built for the long haul!
Low loaders are available in a range of axle configurations, models, features, and options.
Our trailer design and engineering experts will help you determine the right low loader size and configuration for your operation, and for the payloads you need to transport in the future.
