Today, the world of trailers used in transportation has enormously grown.
View Details There are quite a number of inventions that have come up and the design process has been vital in defining the expected performance of a trailer at the end of the day.
When buying a lowboy/low bed trailer, there are quite a number of factors to consider and the design and specs of the trailer should be one of these considerations.
Lowbed trailers have different capacities, such as 20 T/tons, 30 T/tons, 50 T/tons, 70 T/tons, 80 T/tons and 100 T/tons, 120 T/tons. Each type use different number of axles from 2, 3, 4 axles to 7, 8 axles.
A robust low bed trailer is very useful in many ways. When you get a good quality trailer, you will definitely have great work efficiency and good performance.
Ultimately, it helps you cut down on transportation costs and most importantly, enhance the safety of your operations.
How to Choose a Right Low Bed Trailer
Now that you have realized the need to have a low bed trailer, it is time to look at your operations and what you need to meet them. What type of cargo equipment do you have?
How much are you willing to spend on the low bed trailer and what strength considerations are you looking forward to achieve? You will need great stability and maneuverability for your low bed trailer.
Low Bed Trailer Ultimate Guide – What is a Lowboy/Lowbed Trailer?
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Know the common capacity, dimensions and specs of low bed / lowboy trailer
The lowboy / low bed trailers have many models includes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 axles and different capacities. The maximum load can be up to 120 tons. A larger number of axles means that the low bed trailer has a higher loading capacity.
you can learn the detailed parameters, dimensions, capacity of the trailer in this section.
30 T Low bed Trailer
Rated Load
20T-30T
Tare Weight
9.5 T/tons
King Pin
JOST brand 2.0 or 3.5 inch
(bolted or welded type)
Main Beam
Height:450mm-580mm
Side Beam
16mm-30mm “I” Steel
Tire Specifications
1200R20, 8.25R20, 1100R20
No. Of the Tires
8
Axle Brand
FUWA (BPW optional)
No. Of the Axles
2
Axle-load
13 T/tons
Suspension
Mechanical, air suspension
Outside Dimensions (LxWxH)
10000-15000X 2800-3600X1500-3000 (mm)
Material of the Main Beam
Q345 manganese plates, automatic submerged arc welded
Brake System
ABS (optional)
Brake Air Chamber
Four double and two single chambers
Ladder
Manually operated or Hydraulic type
50 T Low bed Trailer
Rated Load
40T-50T
Tare Weight
10 T/tons
King Pin
JOST brand 2.0 or 3.5 inch
(bolted or welded type)
Main Beam
Height:450mm-580mm
Side Beam
16mm-30mm “I” Steel
Tire Specifications
1200R20, 8.25R20, 1100R20
No. Of the Tires
12
Axle Brand
FUWA (BPW optional)
No. Of the Axles
3
Axle-load
13 T/tons
Suspension
Mechanical, air suspension
Outside Dimensions (LxWxH)
10000-15000X 2800-3600X1500-3000 (mm)
Material of the Main Beam
Q345 or Q460 manganese plates, automatic submerged arc welded
Brake System
ABS (optional)
Brake Air Chamber
Four double and two single chambers
Ladder
Manually operated or Hydraulic type
80 T Low bed Trailer
Rated Load
60, 70, 80T
Tare Weight
11 T/tons
King Pin
JOST brand 2.0 or 3.5 inch
(bolted or welded type)
Main Beam
Height:450mm-580mm
Side Beam
16mm-30mm “I” Steel
Tire Specifications
1200R20, 8.25R20, 1100R20
No. Of the Tires
16
Axle Brand
FUWA (BPW optional)
No. Of the Axles
4 or 3 axle-lines
Axle-load
13, 16 T/tons
Suspension
Mechanical, air suspension
Outside Dimensions (LxWxH)
10000-15000X 2800-3600X1500-3000 (mm)
Material of the Main Beam
Q460, Q550, Q690 manganese plates, automatic submerged arc welded
Brake System
ABS (optional)
Brake Air Chamber
Four double and two single chambers
Ladder
Manually operated or Hydraulic type
100 T Low bed Trailer
Rated Load
90, 100, 110T
Tare Weight
12 T/tons
King Pin
JOST brand 2.0 or 3.5 inch
(bolted or welded type)
Main Beam
Height:450mm-580mm
Side Beam
16mm-30mm “I” Steel
Tire Specifications
1200R20, 8.25R20, 1100R20
No. Of the Tires
16
Axle Brand
FUWA (BPW optional)
No. Of the Axles
5 or 3 axle-lines
Axle-load
13, 16 T/tons
Suspension
Mechanical, air suspension
Outside Dimensions (LxWxH)
10000-15000X 2800-3600X1500-3000 (mm)
Material of the Main Beam
Q460, Q550, Q690 manganese plates, automatic submerged arc welded
Brake System
ABS (optional)
Brake Air Chamber
Four double and two single chambers
Ladder
Manually operated or Hydraulic type
For more information, please visit AUTONE.
The quality of what you are purchasing comes in as a very important consideration too. Assess the quality of the construction and the type and source of accessories for your equipment.
Next section is detailed information of how to choose the best low bed trailer for your operations.
1. Consider your Cargo Equipment
It is important to choose a low bed trailer based on your cargo equipment. The choice must be the right type for your business. After knowing the weight of your cargo, you can now choose between the Axle-lines model and the common axle model.
Different axle configurations carry different cargo equipment. For your trailer to be more efficient, the weight should be evenly supported and distributed over the trailer.
Therefore, you should know how your cargo equipment will be loaded on your trailer and then choose the design that matches it.
What Is Axle-Line Model?
The Axle-line low bed trailer has two short axles side by side in each row.
This model design can reduce the length of the trailer. Ideally, a 2 axle-line is equal to the common 4 axles low bed trailer. However, it is shorter and expensive at the same time.
2. Cost versus Performance
Are you torn between what you have to spend and the trailer performances you anticipate? Well, there are a number of options to consider.
You can choose between these two based on the material used for constructing the trailer, the type of cargo platform for the low bed trailer and the type of trailer designs available in the market.
Low bed trailer come in different construction materials. You can choose carbon steel and high-strength steel. For carbon steel, it is easy to process and highly affordable.
However, it is important to consider the weight of your cargo. Ideally, overweight cargo needs high-strength steel trailer. In Frigid Zone, most trailers used there are made of high-strength steel.
This ensures good strength in the low temperature conditions. Steel is arguably the most common used material in engineering around the globe.
Most metal constructions are made of steel and there is a reason for that. Well, more than steel being a cheap material to produce, there are other useful properties that make it the number one choice in trailer constructions.
It is important for you to know the different grades of steel available in the market. Manufacturers may consider using a low grade to cut on their production cost and compromise on your trailer quality.
Therefore, ensure that it’s the correct grade of carbon steel high-strength steel. This will give you a lightweight construction without a compromise on the strength requirements.
This will be a cost-saving experience for you.
The cargo platform is also something important to consider. A lower cargo platform is usually more expensive than the other options. Again, it is difficult to work with but provides you with a more stable and safe application.
If you are dealing with heavy weight cargo, it is important to have a lower cargo platform in place. A stable construction enhances the safety of your operations.
At this point, you can’t compromise by going for a cheaper trailer construction that does not meet this requirement. However, you may go for any other cargo platform if you won’t need to carry heavy weight cargo.
You can also make a choice between removable/folding gooseneck and common low bed trailer. If you don’t need to load from the front of trailers, the common one is a good choice for you.
However, you will need the removable/folding gooseneck low bed trailer for complex operations. If you will be working on rugged terrains, you need a low bed trailer that can be stable in such conditions.
They are the best option to keep your trailer from rolling over.
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3. Safety Features of Low Bed Trailer
What safety features are included in your choice of low bed trailer? Along with other factors of cargo weight and rugged nature of the terrain where your operations will be carried out, will the trailer guarantee safe operations?
This is a very important consideration to make. As a safety precaution, check on the crash barrier. See whether it has enough strength to absorb impact.
You should also confirm whether the front overhang and rear overhang (axle position) is reasonable and good enough to a point where it can prevent your cargo from falling over.
Are there other accessories to fix the cargo on the trailer? This is a very useful safety check. You will be sure that your cargo will be in good position during transportation.
See whether there is a load binder and how well it is designed to keep the cargo intact after it is loaded. Does your trailer come with heavy-duty chains perfectly designed to control cargo and enhance efficiency during tie down applications?
There are different grades of load binders and you must establish the ones suitable for your application. Remember that there are some load binders that are cannot be used for overhead fitting.
Should you need binders for applications that require extra strength, check for that too because there are options available.
There are also specialized load binders that can withstand environmental hazards such as excessive heat and chemicals. Choose between these options based on the environment and the type of cargo you will be handling.
If you need some customization to be done on your load binders, that option is still available. Adjustable and standard load binders can be designed for configuration in various ways to make sure that they meet you lifting needs.
4. Rational Design
Your low bed trailer doesn’t have to be too complex to deliver. All you need is a reasonable design that can function in a manner that suits your operations.
For instance, you can reduce the weight of your trailer by choosing the stripped down design of a low bed trailer. There is a guarantee of increased strength in key position.
More than that, it can produce lower cargo platform to fit the height restriction when you transport an over height cargo.
Remember that there are rules and regulations that govern the trailer industry and therefore, all your choices must meet these considerations.
Your rationale should be based on weight, size and height requirements. Should your cargo need more height, then the stripped down design can give you some options.
There are different types of cargo that can be loaded on a low bed trailer. If you need a trailer for to fit different load requirements, choose the most versatile option to cater for all without any constraints.
5. Manufacture Quality
Check on the quality of welding done on the trailer. Good quality welding can guarantee strength to your low bed trailer structure. The welding joints contribute a lot to the fatigue resistance of your low bed trailer.
The sharp geometry created by welding joints largely reduces the fatigue resistance of that section when compared to the base material.
There are residual stresses that get introduced during welding as a result of the heat used during the process. However, there is a way that these stresses can be minimized. You can tell by observing the quality of weld on the trailer framework.
Your focus on fatigue resistance should not only be based on the micro-structures of the base material, its hardness and the heat affected zones.
Actually, the main cause of weakening occurring in welds is due to defects and local stress concentration.
Ask about the post-treatment methods used for the welded sections as an effort to reduce the residual stresses and enhance the weld geometry.
The transition radius and weld angle should be smooth if your trailer will be able to retrieve good fatigue resistance.
Standard practices for trailer applications consider welding distortions very critical than the static weld strength. This type of distortion can be minimized by maintaining the heat as low as possible.
Check to ensure that the cross sectional region of the weld is minimized. Conventionally, the parts to be welded should be clamped and pre-bend to compensate for the anticipated shrinking and get rid of irregular root gaps.
The welding should be symmetrical with optimized throat thickness for all fillet welds. Again, the welding should be done from the rigid regions towards the loose ends.
The cutting of the plates should also be done at a high precision. The quality of all cut edges is also an important consideration to enhance high quality fatigue resistance.
Different methods used in cutting lead to different edge qualities. When cutting is done using laser, the edges tend to be better than those cut using mechanical methods.
All cutting should be made in a way to achieve good fatigue strength. The only way to achieve mechanically cut edges with good fatigue resistance is if the visual defects like cracks were first removed.
There are contemporary thermal processes used for cutting metal such as laser and high definition plasma. These usually produce edges that result in good fatigue resistance.
Basically, laser, plasma and mechanical gas cutting abilities to resist fatigue ranks in that order with laser cut-edges having the best fatigue resistance.
Manufacturers place start and stop-positions in low stress regions in an effort to deal with fatigue issues. Another way to produce a positive effect on the issue of fatigue resistance is to blast the steel structure.
Therefore, substantiate whether this was done.
Confirm whether the accessories are from a reputable brand and quality. Through research, you should be able to establish the quality of every accessory that comes with your low bed trailer.
This is a sure way of having confidence with your equipment and an assurance of efficient operations.
The Bottom Line
A lot comes in your choice of a high-performing low bed trailer and the design is one factor that can determine the performance of the trailer you have chosen.
This low bed trailer buying guide provides useful information on how design affects the performance characteristics of your equipment. The axle configuration is an important feature that determines the type of cargo you can take.
In that case, there are such types as the axle-lines and other common axle models to choose from based on your cargo requirements.
A lot basically rides on the design decision. You can’t just pick any type of trailer. The manufacturing can be done to quite a number of specifications and therefore, you will have to research well prior to making a decision.
Each design comes with various options of the raw materials to be used. Every material choice has its own capabilities and properties that define the performance characteristics of the trailer.
Still, there are a lot of considerations based on the load requirements and geographical application. The designer also factors in different top speed needs. That means, you should know the speeds at which you need your cargo transported.
There will be hundreds of different axle configurations to choose from. These are particularly founded on the type of loads to be used for each of the configuration.
When buying a low bed trailer, you must have this objective in mind – to choose the ideal trailer that will be suited to take up your specific loads.
To choose the right trailer, it is important to understand the design configuration of what you need. A good design of a low bed trailer should meet all the requirements of an excellent trailer in general.
It should be one that does not need high maintenance otherwise it will not be a feasible option considering trailer applications.
More than that, the design should provide you with the greatest lifespan and provide you with a very high return on investment.
Reference:
Low Bed Trailer Ultimate Guide – Solve Your Problems About Lowboy Trailers
The Difference between Removable Gooseneck Trailer and Folding Gooseneck Trailer
Lowboy (trailer)
The article focuses on lowbed trailers vs flatbed trailers, including the following aspects: definition, types, history, applications, features and maintenance. After reading this article, I hope you can make a better choice between lowbeds and flatbeds.
1. Definition
1.1 low bed trailer types
There many types of lowbed trailers, such as hydraulic low bed trailer, detachable lowbed trailer, dual line axle lowbed trailer, extendable lowbed trailer, modular trailer. Lowbed trailer is mainly used to transport non-detachable objects, such as excavators, harvesters, loaders, forklifts and other special vehicles which are not easy to move by themselves. Generally, lowbed trailer is with two ladders at the head or tail, which can help excavators and other equipment to go to the lowbed trailer.
low bed trailer for sale
1.1.1 Ordinary lowbed trailer
Ordinary lowbed trailers can be loaded from 20 tons to 200 tons, and are generally with 2 axles, 3 axles, 4 axles, and up to 10 axles. (More about lowbed trailer)
width of low bed trailer: 2500mm,
1.1.2 Extendable low bed trailer
The most popular extendable lowbed trailer is 3 axles 60 tons. Meanwhile, we also produce 2-5 axles, maximum loading 120 ton detachable lowbed trailer. (2/3/4 axle removable lowbed trailer)
1.1.3 Dual lane axles low bed trailers
Most lowbed trailers are dual line axles low bed trailers, and usually the ramps are at the rear, while the detachable lowbed trailer is loaded at the front.
1.1.4 Extendable low bed trailer
Extendable lowbed trailer is often used to transport cargo with different lengths more conveniently.
1.1.5 modular trailer
Modular trailer, also called hydraulic modular trailer, or SPMT for short, is particularly suitable for the overall transport of drilling platforms, offshore modules, modular plants (petrochemical smelting, etc.), power station construction, ro-ro loading onto and off ships, chemical. It is a large work piece logistics transport equipment with driving system, helpful for some oversized and extra-long goods that cannot be disassembled for transport.
1.1 what are the different types of flatbed trailers
Flatbed semi trailer is one of the commonest means of transportation, which can be used to transport containers, as well as bulk goods. Sometimes, flatbed semi trailer can be used as side wall trailer, fence trailer, a double flatbed trailer.
1.1.1 flatbed semi trailer
Flatbed trailer is available in 20ft, 40ft, 45ft, and 2/3/4 axles. Different configurations depend on the cargo transported (3/4 axle and different type of flatbed trailer)
Manufacturer Panda Mech 40 ft flatbed container semi truck trailer Axles 3 axles, BPW/SAF/FUWA Brand Dimensions/size 12500×2500×1500 mm Capacity 70 ton Weight 7-9 ton Twist lock 8-12 sets Material Main beams Q345B, upper flange:14mm, middle:8mm, down:16mm King Pin 2 inch or 3.5 inch JOST Brand Chassis 3mm,4mm,6mm, carbon steel or aluminum alloy Suspension Mechanical, airbag suspension Tire 11.00R20, 12.00R20,12R22.5, 385/65R22.5 Triangle/Hankook/ Bridgestone brand
1.1.2 side wall trailer
Sidewall trailer is a flatbed trailer surrounded by additional baffles. The application is basically the same as flatbed semi trailer, drop side trailer can be used to transport some slightly higher cargo.
1.1.3 fence semi trailer
Fence semi trailer is higher, mainly used to transport cattle, pigs, livestock, poultry etc.
4 axle fence semi trailer
1.1.4 A double flatbed trailer
A double flatbed trailer is a triangle in the front, and two flatbed can work together.
A double flatbed trailer
1.1.5 Flatbed trailer with headboard
Flatbed trailer with frontborad is designed to carry and heavy items. It has a board in the front, which can protece the tractor in case of emergency braking. Flatbed trailer with front board is typically used to transport large cargo, such as: construction materials and bulk cargo. It’s often used in the construction industry.
Different of High bed trailer vs low bed trailer
The difference between High bed trailer and low bed trailer mainly lies in the working platform and purpose. High bed trailer is also called flatbed trailer, flatbed truck trailer. Its platform height is 1500mm, while the lowbed trailer’s platform height is between 100-1200mm. In terms of purpose, the high bed trailer is mainly used to transport cargo, while the lowbed trailer is mainly used to transport construction machinery. Common high bed trailer has 20ft, 3 axle 40ft, 45ft, low bed trailer has 3 axle, 4 axle, 5 axle, 6 axle, 50ton, 60 ton, 80 ton, The maximum load is 200 ton.
2. History
Lowbed trailer
The lowbed trailer was invented in 1920, mainly using riveted gooseneck and solid rubber tires, but the lowbed trailer could only be loaded from the rear. In 1950, the lowbed trailer was improved, with higher loading capacity and easier loading of equipment.
Detachable lowbed trailer was invented in 1958, referred to as RGN. It can be loaded from the front. Ramp is not necessary and loading work is more convenient.
Flatbed semi trailer
The first flatbed semi trailer was born in 1914, with a relatively simple structure and poor loading capacity. As the flatbed semi trailer was constantly updated, the configuration was upgraded and the loading capacity became more and more powerful.
3. Applications
What does lowboy trailer used for?
Lowbed trailer is mainly used for transporting excavators, harvesters, loaders, forklifts and other heavy equipment.
What does flatbed semi trailer used for?
Flatbed semi trailer is mainly used for transporting containers, construction materials, bulk goods, lumber, steel coils, etc., including any cargo that does not fit in an enclosed trailer.
4. Feature
Flatbed semi trailer
1. Easier loading and unloading
Flatbed semi trailer is more spacious to operate, so both loading and unloading are more convenient. Cargoes can be loaded and unloaded from all sides of flatbed semi trailer, and the cargoes can be packed well to ensure safety.
2. Different sizes for different transportation
Flatbed semi trailer is available to be made longer or shorter according to customer’s demand. For example, if transport iron bars, the extended flatbed semi trailer is perfect for this purpose.
3. Transporting heavy materials.
Flatbed trailers is with high carrying capacity. Flatbed trailers can haul any cargo, from tractors, military equipment, construction materials to containers.
Lowbed trailer
1. Stability
Lowbed trailer is more stable because it has a lower center of gravity, so it is safer in the transportation process.
2. Large space
Lowbed trailer has more space and can be used to load cargo with heavier weight.
3. Suitable for countries with height limit
Lowbed trailer is lower, so it is suitable for some countries with strict height limit.
5. How to load and unload semi trailer
For flatbed semi trailer, generally forklift or frontal crane is needed to load or unload, while for lowbed trailer, generally workers drive the equipment through the track directly onto the lowbed trailer.
6. Maintenance
The maintenance of flatbed trailer and lowbed trailer is same.
1. Check the tires.
The tire pressure should be checked monthly at room temperature. If it is significantly lower than normal, it should be added immediately.
2. Check the oil level of the clutch master cylinder.
When the clutch oil level is between the high and low levels, it is normal. If it is below the standard line, the master cylinder or cylinder cup may be damaged. When the engine is running, it will be difficult or impossible to shift gears. Please go to the nearest service station immediately.
3. Maintenance and inspection of semi-trailer battery
Check whether the semi-trailer battery is firmly fixed. Electrolyte should be between the upper and lower limits, and electrolyte or distilled water should be added to the high voltage line immediately if it is very close to the offline. Keep the positive and negative cables of the semi-trailer battery in good contact, and keep the semi-trailer battery clean and dry.
4. Check the brake fluid level.
If the brake fluid is also between the high and low levels, it is normal. If the brake fluid is near or below the lower limit, it means the system may be leaking or the brake shoes are excessively worn. You should have this repaired immediately at a service station.
5. Check the ABS brake valve
If you have an ABS brake valve installed remember to check it frequently. Follow the maintenance instructions and the principle of the ABS brake valve.
How to use the ABS system
Whether air pressure control or hydraulic control method is adopted, the controller in the ABS system, through the analysis of the signal sent by the sensor, gives reasonable orders to the braking system, ensuring the stability and safety of the trailer in the emergency braking. After the emergency braking, when the wheels of the semi-trailer are clamping, the ABS system will start the pressure regulating valve to control the pressure in each brake hose and intelligently adjust the internal pressure according to the force of the body. So the wheels, tires and road are in the balance of force, preventing the body from rolling over and avoiding accidents.
7. Which is the best choice
We need to know the local laws, weight limits, height limits and the cargo that we need to transport. Then we can choose between low bed trailers and flatbed trailers.
But the easiest way: tell us what you need to transport, and we’ll give you the best advice.
Summrise:
Different between lowbed trailer and flatbed trailer is end. Flatbed trailers and lowbed trailers have many similarities and differences, mainly in the goods to be transported and classification. We can choose according to the cargo what we need to transport, local height, and weight limits.
Faq
What is lowbed
Lowbed trailer usually adopt an open beam (or sound type) frame. The front section of the whole structure likes swan-neck (swan-neck front section of the traction pin is connected with the traction saddle on the traction car, and the swan-neck rear end is associated with the semi-trailer frame), and the middle section is the cargo platform (the lowest part of the frame), and the back end is the wheel frame (including wheels).
Difference between low bed and flatbed trailer
The purpose of flatbed trailers and low bed trailers are very different. The flatbed trailer is mainly used to transport cargo, while the low bed trailer is mainly used to transport construction machinery. Meanwhile, in terms of design, the flat of flatbed trailer has the same height, while the flat of low bed trailer has a lower middle, and its flat design is generally high and low.
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