‘Low Loader’ has become a generic phrase in the heavy goods vehicle industry to describe a whole variety of low deck trailers. A low loader trailer is also referred to as semi low-loader, step frame, plant trailer or machinery carrier. The stepped down deck and smaller wheels on these types of trailers provides a lower deck than a standard flat/platform trailer. This gives the option to drive vehicles directly onto the deck via attached hydraulic or detachable ramps. Standard flat/platform trailers must be loaded via a loading platform or forklift or crane. These trailers are often called ‘low loaders’ as they are lower than the trailers a particular operator usually uses. But they are not the lowest.

We use the term to describe the lowest possible trailers on our fleet that run only inches from the ground. These trailers have detachable necks, also known as removable necks,  to let loads or heavy plant drive on at the lowest possible height. Low loaders also allow tall loads to be transported closer to the ground providing extra bridge clearance than other trailers.

Low loader, or lowloader trailer, is a name used for trailers with a main deck height lower than the height of the trailer’s rear wheels. The deck of a low loader trailer has two steps in it: one from the upper deck above the tractor unit’s fifth wheel, and one from the rear deck above the trailer’s wheels.

The lower decks of our three axle low loaders stand at 420mm and are good for up to a 50-tonne payload. Two axle low loaders stand at 300mm.

Low loaders tend to be built with twin beams and removable floor sections, to enable loads to sit between the beams. Where the burden of a low loader trailer can be craned onto the trailer no practical problem is presented by the higher deck section over the rear wheels of the trailer. However, self-propelled machines cannot be driven onto the trailer, as they could be onto a flat or step frame trailer, using ramps. To overcome this problem, some low loader trailers are built with a detachable neck. The upper deck and neck of the low loader trailer can be unpinned and disconnected from the body of the trailer, driven away on the fifth wheel of the tractor unit. Self-propelled machines, such as road graders, combine harvesters, or cranes, can then be driven directly onto the lower deck of the low loader trailer. A low loader trailer may or may not have the ability to extend in length.

All of the ‘proper’ removable neck low loaders on our hire and rental fleet are manufactured by Broshuis. The high quality of their manufacturing, technical innovation and ease of use makes Broshuis low loaders a perfect choice for us. We have worked with Broshuis for many, many years now and in that time gained much experience in the operation, service, and repair of their trailers. We also rent out and sell, service, repair, refurbish and test low-loaders. Broshuis also make plant and machinery carrier semi low loader HGV trailers along with Dennison, SDC and Montracon. Examples from of all these manufacturers of low loaders are represented on our expanding hire fleet.