Find the Best Low Loader Suppliers Near You

Low loader hire rates vary from state to state across Australia. They typically cost from $165 to $215 plus GST. There are variables that affect the hire cost including wet or dry hire, difficulty of the load in regards to oversized cargo, and more.

See more about low loader hire here.

The primary purpose of a low loader is to transport heavy and oversized loads that cannot be easily moved by conventional trailers due to their height or weight. Low loaders are particularly useful in industries such as construction, mining, agriculture, and heavy machinery where moving large equipment like excavators, bulldozers and cranes is a regular requirement.

The unique design of low loaders, with a lower deck height, allows for the safe and legal transport of tall items under bridges and through tunnels. Thanks to its design, transporting heavy machinery on low loaders reduces the risk of accidents and ensuring compliance with road transport regulations.

You're most likely to ground a low loader when transitioning between surfaces of different elevations, such as driveway ramps, uneven road crossings or areas with pronounced road camber.

Additionally, uneven terrains, off-road conditions and steep inclines can increase the risk of grounding. It's crucial to be familiar with the clearance of the specific low loader you’ll use and to assess potential grounding spots in advance.

A low loader's weight varies depending on its design and specifications. In Australia, most standard low loaders can handle loads between 20 to 40 tonnes.

However, specialised low loaders, designed for extremely heavy machinery and equipment, can carry over 100 tonnes. Refer to the manufacturer's specifications and abide by the road weight limit regulations.

A low loader, which is often called a lowboy in some regions, is a trailer with a deck that sits significantly lower to the ground than other trailers. This design is ideal for transporting tall or heavy machinery.

On the other hand, a flatbed has a flat, levelled bed with no sides or roof, making it versatile for carrying a wide range of cargo, including large or irregularly shaped ones. The primary distinction is the deck height relative to the ground.

If a vehicle, including its load, exceeds a width of 2.5 meters, it's generally considered an 'oversized load'. An attendant or pilot vehicle is typically necessary for loads between 2.5 metres and 3.5 metres wide.

When the width exceeds 3.5 meters, two pilot vehicles (one in front and one at the rear) might be necessary, especially in densely populated areas. Rules can vary between states and territories, so always check local regulations.

In Australia, overhang regulations for trucks are pivotal for road safety and efficiency. Each state and territory has set guidelines to prevent hazards from excessive overhangs. It's vital for operators to understand these rules, especially when traversing different states.

The table below should provide a quick overview of each state vehicle overhang regulations:

Remember, these rules might be subject to changes and there might be additional considerations based on the specific type of truck, the load being transported, and other factors. Always consult with local transportation authorities or agencies to get the most accurate and up-to-date information.

The terms 'low bed' and 'low loader' are often used interchangeably to describe the same type of trailer designed for hauling heavy or oversized loads. However, 'low loader' is the more commonly used term in many regions, including Australia and the UK, while "low bed" might be more frequently used in other areas. Regardless of the terminology, both refer to trailers with a low deck height, enabling the transport of tall or heavy items that exceed standard height restrictions.

Low loaders come in various sizes and configurations to accommodate different types of loads. The size of a low loader is typically described in terms of its deck length, width, and height. Deck lengths can range from about 6 metres for smaller models to over 20 metres for extendable versions, while deck heights are usually around 0.9 metres to 1 metre to keep the cargo low and stable. Widths can also vary, with some low loaders offering widening capabilities to handle wider loads.

The carrying capacity of a low loader depends on its design, size, and the number of axles. Standard low loaders can typically carry between 20 to 40 tonnes, but heavy-duty models designed for very heavy machinery or equipment can carry loads of 100 tonnes or more. The specific capacity of a low loader should always be checked against the weight of the intended cargo to ensure safe and legal transport.

The main difference between a low loader and a semi-trailer lies in their design and intended use. Low loaders are specialised trailers with a low deck height, specifically designed for transporting heavy and oversized loads. In contrast, semi-trailers are a more general type of trailer without the low deck feature, used for transporting a wide range of goods and materials that do not have the same height or weight restrictions as those carried by low loaders.

There are several types of low loaders, each designed for specific hauling needs:

• Standard Low Loaders: Ideal for general heavy equipment transport.
• Extendable Low Loaders: Feature extendable decks for extra-long loads.
• Drop Deck Low Loaders: Have a lower deck for taller items.
• Gooseneck Low Loaders: Include a removable gooseneck for easier loading.
• Widening Low Loaders: Can widen their decks to accommodate broader loads.
• Dolly Low Loaders: Use a dolly for additional support and capacity.

The deck height of a low loader, which is the height from the ground to the platform where the load is placed, typically ranges between 0.9 to 1.2 metres (about 3 to 4 feet). This low deck height is a defining characteristic of low loaders, allowing them to carry tall loads without exceeding height restrictions on roads and under bridges. The specific deck height can vary depending on the model and manufacturer, and some low loaders may offer adjustable height features to accommodate different types of cargo and transport requirements.