Low Flatbed Semi-Trailers

Main Types

Low flatbed semi trailers are mainly divided into two kinds based on the structure:

Fixed Low Flatbed Semi Trailer

• Features: The main cargo platform of the trailer is immovable unit, which is simple, sturdy, and durable.

• Advantages: Low manufacturing cost, good load-bearing stability and easy to maintenance.

• Main Applications: It is primarily used for transporting regular shapes goods with slightly unusual width and height, such as containers, large machinery, and boilers.

Gooseneck Low Flatbed Semi-Trailers (or Recessed Beam Low Flatbeds)

• Features: This is the most common type. The section connecting to the tractor (the gooseneck) arches upwards like a "swan's neck", which significantly lowering the main cargo platform.

• Advantages: The ultra-low cargo platform height is its main advantage, which effectively reducing the overall transport height and facilitating passage over bridges and culverts, and also improving the convenience loading and unloading of stability.

• Applications: It is the most versatile type; most construction machinery and heavy equipment are transported using this type.

Width Variable Low Flatbed Semi Trailer

• Features: The width of the loading platform can be extended hydraulically or mechanically to widen the loading platform.

• Advantages: Which solves the problem of insufficient width of standard flatbeds, enabling the transport of extremely large cargo.

• Applications: Large wind turbine blades, tunnel boring machines, large tanks, and other over wide cargo.

Features

• High-Strength Beams: Longitudinal and transverse beams are made of high-strength steel which ensure no deformation under concentrated loads.

• Multi-Axle Design: To distribute weight and meet regulatory requirements for axle load, low flatbeds are equipped with multiple axles (commonly 3 or more) typically, and may even employ hydraulic lift axles. When unloaded or lightly loaded, some part of the axle can be raised to reduce tire wear and fuel consumption.

• More lashing points: The platform is equiped with sturdy pull rings or holes for securing cargo with wire ropes, chains, straps, and other tools.

• Ladders Optional : Many low-bed trailers are equipped with detachable ladders (slopes at the rear of the platform) to facilitate the loading and unloading of tracked or tire-equipped machinery.

Wide Application

• Common Applicable Environments and Transported Goods Low-flatbed semi-trailers are an important link in national economic construction, commonly used in the following fields:

• Engineering Construction and Mining: Transporting excavators, loaders, road rollers, bulldozers, tunnel boring machines, mining equipment, etc.

• Power and Energy Construction: Transporting large equipment such as wind turbine blades, towers, transformers, gas turbines, boilers, etc.

• Manufacturing and Chemical Industry: Transporting large molds, reaction vessels, tanks, pressure vessels, etc.

• Infrastructure Construction and Logistics: Transporting prefabricated bridges, steel structural components, large containers (special containers), etc.

• Military and Emergency: Transporting tanks, armored vehicles, and emergency rescue vehicles, etc.

Tips:

• Despite its powerful functions, operating a low-bed semi-trailer also requires a high level of following professional expertise:

• Compliance and Legality: Transporting oversized or overweight cargo requires obtaining an "Oversized Transport Vehicle Permit" from the traffic management department in advance, and must adhere to the prescribed time, route, and speed. A guide vehicle may be necessary in some cases.

• Suitable Loading: The Cargo must be placed in a suitable position to ensure even weight distribution across all axles.

• Securely fixed Laying: Secure laying is crucial for safe transport. Professional laying tools and methods must be used to ensure the cargo does not shift during emergency braking or turning.

• Professional Driving: Drivers need professional training, that have extensive experience and the ability to anticipate road conditions and react appropriately.