Three trailer types move most of the plant in South Africa, and buyers mix the names up. Here is the difference and when each one earns its keep.
Lowboy (fixed neck)
A low deck between the gooseneck and the rear axles. The machine is loaded from the rear over ramps or from the side. Cheapest of the three for a given tonnage, fewer moving parts, and the deck height suits tall loads under bridge limits. Downside: loading a tracked machine over rear ramps needs space and a careful operator.
RGN (removable gooseneck)
The neck detaches, the front of the deck drops to the ground and the machine drives straight on. This is what you want for excavators, dozers and anything tracked or low-clearance. Hydraulic necks (with a pony motor) detach in minutes; mechanical necks need the tractor to help. Our lowboy and RGN listings state well length, rated payload and whether a pony motor is fitted.
Beavertail and hydraulic tail
A sloped rear section, often with a hydraulic tail that lowers to the ground, so wheeled machines (TLBs, rollers, graders) drive up without separate ramps. Faster loading than a lowboy, less deck height than an RGN for very tall loads. Good for plant-hire fleets that load and unload many times a day.
Numbers that matter
- Rated payload against your heaviest machine, with margin for attachments and mud.
- Well length against the machine footprint including the bucket in its travel position.
- Deck height for abnormal-load permits and bridges on your routes.
- Suspension: air-ride protects the load and the road on long hauls; spring is simpler to maintain.
- Axles: tandem for 35 ton, tri-axle or a flip axle for 40 to 60 ton.
Heavy trailers are delivered to your site by low-bed transport. Send the ref and your town and we quote it as one line.
Written at the yard. Questions about a specific unit? Send the ref on WhatsApp +27 (0)63 224 1065 or see the stock list.