When you arrive on the job site, you want to get right to work, whether that means digging trenches for an onsite system, excavating for a foundation, or clearing the site and installing a driveway. It’s irritating to watch productivity drop because, for example, a narrow, steep trailer ramp makes it hard to unload equipment.
Here is a sampling of trailers built for high productivity at the site and excellent performance on the road. They offer features such as lower-angle and wider ramps and soft-landing tilt beds that make it easier, faster and safer to load and unload machines. They also provide more security, convenience and versatility.
Landscaping unit
The Landscaper WT2 combination trailer from Haulmark Industries functions as a flatbed and enclosed trailer. Available in 16-, 18- and 20-foot flatbed configurations, it also offers more than four feet of lockable enclosed storage up front. The space has a 12-volt interior light, and the door is 32 by 72 inches. Wide, independent rear ramps allow contractors to leave one down and the other locked upright.
Other features include two 12-volt rear loading lights, a split 4-foot rear ramp door, a treated pine deck, heavy-gauge side rails, electric brakes and a tandem 3,500-pound axle configuration (GVWR 7,000 pounds). 800/348-7530; www. haulmark.com.
Versatile dump trailer
The CT1414HD dump trailer from Trail-et Inc. doubles as an equipment hauler. With a GVWR of 15,580 pounds and a payload/dump capacity of 11,200 pounds, it has mechanical levers that enable the operator to open the tailgate from the side, out of harm’s way, during dumping. The two-in-one tailgate opens from the bottom and can be used as a spreader, while a barn-door configuration allows full access for equipment.
Double-acting hydraulic cylinders promote stability and tilt the bed up to 45 degrees for dumping. Can easily and safely drive equipment off the 27-inch-high deck using 6-inch storable cleated ramps. The box is made of 11-gauge high-strength steel with a powder-coat finish. Inside dimensions are 24 inches high, 80 inches wide and 14 feet long. 800/344-1326; www.big-lug.com.
Drop-deck tilt trailer
The T-12T drop-deck tilt trailer from Towmaster Inc. is designed for small contractors who don’t want to deal with ramps. The tandem wide-axle trailer is available in lengths from 10 to 16 feet and is 8 feet 6 inches wide. It is designed for skid-steers and other machines with low clearance.
Built on a heavy-duty, high-tensile-strength steel frame, it carries up to 12,000 pounds and tilts 10, 11 or 12 degrees, depending on the deck length. A tilt-cushion cylinder prevents the tilted deck from slamming down. The deck is 21 1/2 inches high when empty and is made of 2-inch oak boards. The unit has a one-piece tongue and mainframe, electric brakes, knife-edge approach plate and a single-lever, twin-latch system that firmly secures the deck to the frame. 800/462-4517; www.towmaster.com.
Tilt-bed trailer
Designed to carry crawler dozers and mid-size excavators, the 24-foot-long R24215TB tilt- bed trailer from Redi Haul Trailers Inc., is available in payloads from 18,600 to 35,200 pounds. The trailer deck, 8 feet 6 inches wide, is made of 2-inch bolted oak. The deck tilts up to 15 degrees, and dual-tilt cushion damper cylinders provide a soft, smooth landing while loading equipment.
The dual-axle trailer can be built in two configurations: a full 24-foot tilt bed, or a 20-foot tilt bed with 4-foot stationary deck. The trailer has either electric or air brakes, tapered and pivoting approach ramps, a 3-inch adjustable-height pintle eye, and a 12,000-pound drop-leg landing jack. GVWR ranges from 25,000 to 43,650 pounds. 800/533-0382; www.redihaul.com.
Dually flatbed
The Ruff Neck tandem dually flatbed trailer from Titan Trailer Manufacturing Inc. carries a backhoe, skid-steer or small excavator on a 24-foot deck made of no-splice pretreated pine boards mounted on a 10-inch steel I-beam frame. It has a 20,000-pound payload capacity; a 2 5/16-inch gooseneck ball coupler; and electric brakes.
It can be ordered with one of three optional backends: a Wide Glide flatbed with a 6-foot tail and extra-wide 6-foot-long ramps, a 5- or 6-foot combo dovetail with stand-up ramps, or a 4-foot dovetail backend with two slide-in ramps. 866/294-4514; www.titantrailer.com.
Stable on the road
The 6-foot-wide Tote Wagon from Wells Cargo Inc. delivers reliable road stability with an independent rubber torsion suspension. It has LED stop, tail and turn lights; extruded aluminum bottom trim with an anodized finish; double rear doors; smooth exterior sidewalls and a seamless aluminum roof; extruded anodized aluminum roof cove with a drip rail; and weather-protected Smartwire technology.
The body is available in lengths from 10 to 16 feet. The platform height is 18 or 19 inches, depending on the model. The unit weighs from 990 to 1,735 pounds empty; its GVWR ranges from 2,990 to 7,700 pounds. Its average payload capacity varies from 1,590 to 6,085 pounds. 800/348-7553; www.wellscargo.com.
Skid loader trailer
The LMC 1610 heavy-duty skid loader trailer from Lane Trailer Manufacturing Co. has a frame of 6-inch steel C-channel and fenders of 10-inch-wide steel C-channel, welded to the frame. Models are available in 16- to 20-foot lengths and load capacities from 10,000 to 14,000 pounds.
Each of the unit’s 6-foot spring-assist ramps includes a weigh pad that transfers the weight of equipment being loaded, reducing stress on the tongue and the tow vehicle. The trailer has electric brakes on both axles and front header panels. An optional gooseneck hitch and full-width ramp are available. 515/233-1150; www. lanetrailers.com.
Deck-over trailer
The Air Tilt deck-over trailer from Felling Trailers Inc. uses air pressure to tilt the bed. Air power from the tow vehicle inflates two air bags that lift the bed. To lower it, air is released at a controlled rate. With optional ramps, the 24-foot-long, 8-foot 6-inch-wide unit can achieve load angles down to 7 degrees for low-clearance equipment.
An air-latch system lets operators lock and unlock the deck with the flip of a switch. The axles are located farther back than on conventional trailers, increasing towing capability and balance. The trailer comes in load capacities of 40,000 and 50,000 pounds. The deck height is about 32 inches when loaded. 888/335-5464; www.felling.com.
Cargo trailer
The UXT cargo trailer from United Trailers is available in lengths from 12 feet, 9 inches to 36-foot tag units. With a GVWR of 7,000 to 24,000 pounds and lightweight steel unibody construction, the aluminum-clad trailer has two, 3,500-pound rubber torsion brake axles, electric brakes on both axles, double-swing rear doors with camlock and a side door 24 or 32 inches wide, depending on trailer length.
The interior height offers ample headroom at 6 feet 8 inches, and the exterior is 8 feet 6 inches wide and 8 feet 7 inches tall. The 3/4-inch plywood floor is 24 inches high and the hitch is 18 inches high. 800/637-2592; www.united-trailers.com.
