The essence of the right tools in the construction industry cannot be overstated. Even the best concepts, the right building material, and a highly-skilled workforce will do little without the right tools. Heavy machinery is a must-have for handling some of the crucial tasks in your project. While some companies will spend considerable amounts getting the best machines for excavation, hauling waste, and material removal, most forget the transportation of their materials and equipment.
A transporter trailer should thus be among the first orders you make when buying construction machines. There are several trailers designed for transportation nowadays, but not all of them will suit your company. Since you will be transporting large and unevenly-shaped materials and machines, your best choice is an open deck trailer. The following are your available alternatives for open deck transportation.
Straight Flatbeds
The 48’ flatbed is the most common open deck trailer type. This trailer can be loaded from its sides using forklifts or above using a crane. A flatbed accommodates weights of 48000lbs-96000lbs. It can transport items less than 8’6’’ high since it sits approximately 4’8’’ off the ground. The extendable flatbed is a variation of the straight flatbed. It is an ideal choice for carrying extra-long items since it has lengths of 48’-80’. It is also called a trombone or stretch trailer.
Step Decks
This is also called a drop deck trailer. It has two deck levels though its overall length is the same as that of a flatbed. The upper deck of the trailer with lengths of 10’-13’ sits atop the tractor unit. The lower deck with lengths of 38’-40’ attaches to the tractor’s end and is only 3’3’’ above ground compared to the 4’8’’ of the standard flatbed. Step decks are thus often used for the transportation of cargo that is unusually tall and can be loaded from any side.
Removable Goosenecks
The gooseneck trailer is one of the most versatile ones. Its front is detachable allowing the trailer to drop on the ground. When on the ground, the trailer’s front is used as a ramp for the loading of large machinery direct onto the deck. Removable goosenecks have a 3-20 axle design making it possible to transport loads of up to 150000lbs.
Conestoga Trailer
This is ideal for cargo that will need protection from outdoor elements but cannot fit in containers and dry vans owing to its size. Conestoga trailers have a tarp-on-frame design where a tarp can be slid along the deck on rails to create a protective wall around your cargo. This way, the tarp does not rub against your delicate cargo, and the covering of the cargo is speedy. Though the weight limits of a Conestoga trailer are similar to that of a standard flat deck, it is impossible to load cargo that is wider or taller the tarp-on-frame.
Buying the above trailers might sound like a simple undertaking of looking for the cheapest choice. There are, however, several aspects to consider when purchasing heavy machines to guarantee they fit your construction needs. Discussing your best options with a knowledgeable and unbiased supplier is your best bet to getting the best equipment.
