What is lowboy trailer transport? When you’re considering your transportation options, you might be confused by the variety and scope of hauling. Lowboy trailers are also known as lowbed trailers: their decks are lower to the ground than other types of trailers. This makes them suitable for transporting certain types of heavy loads, like construction machinery and more.
Here’s an overview of what’s involved in lowboy hauling, and when you might choose this type of transportation.
Lowboy trailers
Lowboy trailers have been around since the early 1920s. Over the following decades, the design changed slightly: instead of being rear-loading trailers only, they were changed to allow for front loading. This allowed haulers to change the types of loads that could be transported on lowboy trailers. It also meant that lowboy trailers no longer required ramps for loading.
Today, lowboy trailers include hydraulic lifting and lowering systems, detachable goosenecks and air brakes. This makes them available for towing from a number of different vehicles.
While the dimensions and capacity of a lowboy trailer can vary, depending on the manufacturer, you can generally expect to see a well size between 24 and 29.6 feet long. They should carry up to 80,000 pounds (depending on their axle number, which can range from two to eight). They’ll usually come with a double drop configuration with a 10-foot front deck and a 9-foot rear deck. Their height capacity ranges between 8.5 and 10 feet, and their width goes up to 8.5 feet.
In the United States, lowboy trailers are often used to haul construction, mining, excavation, farming and other types of heavy equipment.
Advantages of lowboy trailer transport
There are plenty of reasons you might choose lowboy trailer transport. Here are some of the most common:
Ease of loading: The goosenecks, low height and hydraulic improvements make lowboy trailers easier to load. Since you won’t need ramps, it’s fast and easy to load up your heavy equipment or cargo and send it on its way.
Can haul heavy equipment: Thanks to the low height, you can haul large pieces of heavy equipment (up to 80,000 pounds). This is an ideal choice for transporting heavy machinery.
Can haul oversized cargo: The low profile also makes it possible to haul oversized cargo across the country—especially in areas with height restrictions.
Improved stability: Since lowboy trailers are built low to the ground, they have a lower center of gravity. This makes them more stable during the transportation process.
Improved safety: Finally, lowboy trailers use high-strength materials to ensure they can handle heavy, oversized loads. You can rest assured that your loads—and the drivers—will remain safe during transportation.
Now that you know what’s involved in lowboy trailer hauling, you can make an educated decision for your next transportation needs. They’re a versatile choice with plenty of benefits.
If you already own lowboy trailers, you’ll inevitable need maintenance and repairs. Bailey Heavy Equipment Repair, Inc. can help. Call us today to learn more about our services, including heavy vehicle and trailer repair.
Routine tractor maintenance is the best way to keep your tractor out of the repair shop while ensuring it’s capable of handling your everyday needs. But do you know what that maintenance entails or when it should be performed? If not, keep reading.
This post will cover everything you need to know about tractor maintenance:
Tire pressure: Running a tractor with low tire pressure increases wear and tear and decreases fuel efficiency. Be sure to check your tire pressure before starting it up for the day, and add air if the tires are below the recommended levels.
Air filters: Your air filters can be the difference between a working engine and one that’s destroyed by contaminants like dirt, sand and even manure. These filters get dirty and should be changed every 500 hours. If you notice a loss in power or if your tractor is smoking, replace them sooner.
Fuel filters: Your fuel filters also go a long way in protecting your engine from dangerous contaminants by preventing debris from entering the fuel itself. We also recommend replacing these filters every 500 hours or so.
Hydraulic systems: Built-in hydraulic systems are essential for running front loaders and other equipment. Be sure to check the hydraulic lines every 200 hours, and change the hydraulic oil every 500 hours. You’ll also want to make a habit of periodically inspecting the hydraulic-oil level and topping it off if necessary.
Engine oil: Speaking of oil, you can’t forget about your engine oil. Prevent the need for tractor repairs by changing your oil and oil filter every 200 hours.
Coolant: Just like your motor oil, the engine coolant collects contaminants as time goes on. This debris causes great wear and tear on your coolant system and can result in premature breakdowns. Flush the coolant system, and fill it with new coolant every two years to eliminate the contaminants.
Belts: Pretty much every aspect of your tractor relies on a belt to keep it operating. These belts are built to last, but they will wear down over time due to high heat and friction. We advise checking your belts periodically for any signs of cracking or glazing. Replace them right away if you notice anything out of the ordinary.
Hoses: Coolant hoses and hydraulic lines are also hardy, but they are other components that will also eventually fail. Failing hoses and lines lead to leaks and subsequent repairs. Check the hoses periodically for any signs of damage, and replace them at least every two years.
Paint touch-ups: You may notice a few rust spots while you’re tuning up your tractor. Don’t ignore these! Rust only gets worse with time and can result in more than mere cosmetic issues. Touch up your paint as needed to prevent rust and corrosion.
Does your tractor need help?
Whether you need some professional maintenance performed or reliable tractor repairs, come to Bailey Heavy Equipment Repair, Inc. Our wide range of services ensures your tractor runs its best all year long. Call today to schedule your appointment.
Moving heavy-duty machinery from point A to B is never easy, especially if the equipment is broken and needs to get to a repair shop. After all, it’s not like you can just drive bulldozers or other construction equipment down the street to its destination.
Heavy hauling often requires a lowboy—a semi trailer that sits low on the ground with a weight capacity of 40,000 pounds. As experts in lowboy hauling, we put together this post with some helpful lowboy hauling tips.
Understand the scope of the job
Our first tip is to understand the scope of the project before you start anything else. Knowing the load dimensions, load weight and travel distance makes planning the logistics much easier and helps guarantee your equipment will make it to the destination in one piece.
Select the proper trailer
Not all heavy-hauling trips can be accomplished with the same semi trailer. A lowboy trailer is often the best bet for most heavy machinery, but this isn’t always the case. The cargo you’re transporting and the road conditions are just a few of the factors that affect the type of trailer you choose to haul your load.
Obtain the appropriate permitting
Now that you have your heavy-load dimensions, have selected the trailer and know the route, you can start gathering the proper permits for the haul. You’ll likely need an oversized trucking permit, and you may need multiple permits if you’re traveling through multiple counties or states. This process can take a while, so apply for these permits ASAP.
Map your route
One of the most important lowboy hauling tips is to plan your route far ahead of time. Failing to map your route and account for things like rush hour or poor road conditions can lead to delivery delays and impact the total cost of your haul.
It’s not a bad idea to have a backup route in mind just in case something goes wrong with your first plan.
Plan your pickup and drop-off
Your pickup and drop-off locations are just as important as the roads you’ll be driving down. Heavy machinery often requires the use of cranes, forklifts or other heavy machinery to load and unload the equipment. Ensure your pickup and drop-off locations have enough space to accommodate your needs. Additionally, make sure you’ll have the staff available to assist with the pickup and drop-off.
Work with a trusted heavy-haul trucking company
Do your research to find a reputable heavy-load hauling partner. When you work with an experienced team, you can rest easy knowing your gear will make it to its destination safely and on time. A few things to look for include industry experience, high-quality lowboy equipment and a company’s commitment to safety.
For the best heavy-load hauling, look no further than Bailey Heavy Equipment Repair, Inc. We have all of the right equipment and years of experience to safely move your equipment wherever it needs to go. Plus, our mechanics can make any necessary repairs to keep your business up and running.
Moving heavy-duty machinery from point A to B is never easy, especially if the equipment is broken and needs to get to a repair shop. After all, it’s not like you can just drive bulldozers or other construction equipment down the street to its destination.
Heavy hauling often requires a lowboy—a semi trailer that sits low on the ground with a weight capacity of 40,000 pounds. As experts in lowboy hauling, we put together this post with some helpful lowboy hauling tips.
Understand the scope of the job
Our first tip is to understand the scope of the project before you start anything else. Knowing the load dimensions, load weight and travel distance makes planning the logistics much easier and helps guarantee your equipment will make it to the destination in one piece.
Select the proper trailer
Not all heavy-hauling trips can be accomplished with the same semi trailer. A lowboy trailer is often the best bet for most heavy machinery, but this isn’t always the case. The cargo you’re transporting and the road conditions are just a few of the factors that affect the type of trailer you choose to haul your load.
Obtain the appropriate permitting
Now that you have your heavy-load dimensions, have selected the trailer and know the route, you can start gathering the proper permits for the haul. You’ll likely need an oversized trucking permit, and you may need multiple permits if you’re traveling through multiple counties or states. This process can take a while, so apply for these permits ASAP.
Map your route
One of the most important lowboy hauling tips is to plan your route far ahead of time. Failing to map your route and account for things like rush hour or poor road conditions can lead to delivery delays and impact the total cost of your haul.
It’s not a bad idea to have a backup route in mind just in case something goes wrong with your first plan.
Plan your pickup and drop-off
Your pickup and drop-off locations are just as important as the roads you’ll be driving down. Heavy machinery often requires the use of cranes, forklifts or other heavy machinery to load and unload the equipment. Ensure your pickup and drop-off locations have enough space to accommodate your needs. Additionally, make sure you’ll have the staff available to assist with the pickup and drop-off.
Work with a trusted heavy-haul trucking company
Do your research to find a reputable heavy-load hauling partner. When you work with an experienced team, you can rest easy knowing your gear will make it to its destination safely and on time. A few things to look for include industry experience, high-quality lowboy equipment and a company’s commitment to safety.
For the best heavy-load hauling, look no further than Bailey Heavy Equipment Repair, Inc. We have all of the right equipment and years of experience to safely move your equipment wherever it needs to go. Plus, our mechanics can make any necessary repairs to keep your business up and running.
Are you new to garbage truck maintenance? These vehicles require regular upkeep for optimal operation, and utility vehicle repair poses some challenges that are unique to this type of truck. To keep your vehicles in top shape, use the following tips on garbage truck maintenance.
Develop a preventive maintenance program
Regular servicing is key to garbage truck maintenance. Set up a program that involves regular inspections, servicing and repairs. Determine the frequency of maintenance and stick to this schedule. For example, you may want to schedule general garbage truck maintenance every 150 or 300 miles and more extensive maintenance every 2,500 to 3,000 miles.
Create a preventative maintenance checklist
Your checklist should include a full range of inspections to cover all the systems and prevent the need for future utility vehicle repair. Be sure to include oil changes, filter changes, cooling system inspections, electrical system inspections, tire rotations, exhaust system inspections, lighting checkups, brake system inspections and more. For a complete list of garbage truck maintenance items, contact your local experts who specialize in heavy equipment repair.
Equip drivers for reporting
Drivers must complete daily inspections as part of proper garbage truck maintenance. Provide each driver with an appropriate checklist for this inspection. It should include vehicle safety systems, the truck’s interior and body, as well as other miscellaneous items such as the radio.
Perform body maintenance
The engine and other system components are not the only parts to consider for garbage truck maintenance. Be sure to keep the body in top operating condition as well. These trucks can take a beating during daily use, which puts stress on systems such as forks, rollers, pins and other moving parts of the body. Check for any cracking or other wear in metal components and make appropriate body repairs as soon as possible.
Maintain the hydraulic system
This system is essential for garbage truck performance. Inspect these parts regularly for leaks or other issues. If any problems are noted, take the truck to an experienced mechanic immediately for utility vehicle repair.
Check emissions
Emissions inspections can prevent more extensive utility vehicle repairs. Be proactive about checking emissions systems to avoid future problems. Partner with a trusted mechanic to check the emissions systems regularly.
Maintain brakes and tires
Garbage trucks require frequent stopping, so check brake systems regularly for wear and tear. Inspect tires every day for proper pressure and healthy tread depths.
Keep it clean
Clean trucks regularly, both inside and out. This will prevent debris build-up, which can interfere with truck operation. It will also keep your brand image high and help boost driver morale.
Your local truck experts
Want more tips on garbage truck maintenance? Contact the team at Bailey Heavy Equipment Repair, Inc. We specialize in utility equipment, trucks and other heavy-duty machinery. We offer on-site repair, line boring services, welding, machining, hose assemblies, steel sales and other machine products. Give us a call today with any questions about utility vehicle repair. We look forward to helping you keep your fleet in optimal condition.
