Lowboy Trailers: Applications, Industries, Key Specifications, and How to Choose the Right Model (2025 Updated)

Lowboy Trailers—also known as low bed trailers or lowboy semi trailers—are essential equipment in heavy-duty transportation. Their ultra-low deck height and strong load capacity make them ideal for moving oversized and heavy machinery.
This article explores where Lowboy Trailers are used, which industries rely on them, the key specifications to consider, and how to select the best model for your business.

1. What Is a Lowboy Trailer?

A Lowboy Trailer is a specialized semi-trailer with a lower deck height than standard trailers.
It is designed to transport heavy, tall, or oversized cargo that exceeds height limits on regular flatbed trailers.

Typical Uses:

Heavy machinery
Mining equipment
Construction vehicles
Oversized industrial components

2. Application Scenarios of Lowboy Trailers

Lowboy trailers play an important role in industries where equipment is large, tall, or extremely heavy. Below are the main application scenarios:

2.1 Construction Industry

Lowboy trailers are widely used to transport:

Excavators
Bulldozers
Loaders
Pavers
Road rollers
Cranes

Construction sites depend on Lowboy Trailers for efficient relocation of machinery from one project to another.

2.2 Mining Industry

The mining sector requires trailers capable of transporting heavy and high-value mining equipment:

Dump trucks
Drilling rigs
Crushers
Mining loaders
Off-road machinery

Lowboy trailers provide stability and a low center of gravity, making them safer for off-road and heavy loads.

2.3 Energy & Power Industry

Used for moving:

Transformers
Turbine components
Wind power equipment
Substation machinery

Some energy equipment is extremely tall and requires low deck height to stay within legal transport limits.

2.4 Industrial Manufacturing

Factories often need to transport:

CNC machining centers
Injection molding machines
Press machines
Industrial tanks

These machines are heavy and bulky—perfect for a Lowboy Trailer.

2.5 Infrastructure & Engineering Projects

Infrastructure projects involve transporting large components such as:

Bridge beams
Precast concrete parts
Tunnels and shield components

Lowboy trailers ensure safe and stable delivery of oversized engineering materials.

3. Key Specifications for Lowboy Trailers

Understanding the technical parameters helps buyers select the correct configuration.

3.1 Load Capacity (40–120 Tons)

Lowboy trailers are available in different tonnage levels:

40–60 tons: Standard construction equipment
60–80 tons: Larger excavators, loaders, machines
80–120 tons: Mining machinery & oversized industrial loads

More capacity requires stronger steel and reinforced beams.

3.2 Axle Configuration

Common options:

2 axles → Light/medium equipment
3 axles → Standard heavy machinery
4 axles → Super-heavy industrial loads
Multi-axle options → Specialized large projects

Axle number directly affects weight distribution and legal compliance.

3.3 Deck Height & Length

Deck Height: 500–900 mm
Length: 10–17 meters

A lower deck height allows higher cargo to pass legally under bridges and tunnels.

3.4 Gooseneck Type

Fixed Gooseneck (FG)
Detachable Gooseneck (RGN) – Most convenient for loading heavy machinery
Mechanical / Hydraulic Gooseneck

Detachable goosenecks are recommended for large machinery.

3.5 Ramp Types

Choose based on cargo loading requirements:

Mechanical ramps
Hydraulic ramps
Detachable ramps

Hydraulic ramps offer smoother, safer loading.

3.6 Material & Frame Strength

Typical materials include:

High-strength steel Q345B
High-performance steel T700

Stronger materials = higher load capacity + longer service life.

4. How to Choose the Right Lowboy Trailer

Selecting the right Lowboy Trailer requires understanding your transportation needs, cargo type, and budget.

4.1 Identify the Weight and Dimensions of Your Cargo

This is the most important step.
Ask yourself:

How heavy is the largest machine you will transport?
What is the height and width?
Do you need extra-long deck space?

Choose tonnage and size based on your heaviest machinery, not your average load.

4.2 Confirm Local Transportation Regulations

Different countries have different limits for:

Maximum height
Maximum axle load
Maximum total length

Lowboy trailers help meet height requirements, but axle rules still apply.

4.3 Choose the Correct Gooseneck and Ramp Type

Excavators / loaders → Hydraulic ramps
Large mining machines → Detachable gooseneck
General construction → Mechanical ramps (cost-effective)

4.4 Select the Right Axle Number

Heavier cargo = More axles.
If you frequently transport heavy machines, consider 3–4 axles.

4.5 Consider Maintenance & Durability

Look for:

Certified welding
Reinforced main beams
Strong suspension system
Good-quality tires and braking system

These factors directly affect safety and service life.

4.6 Work With a Reliable Manufacturer

Choose manufacturers with:

Long-term production experience
CE/ISO certifications
Strong after-sales support
Ability to customize trailer designs

This ensures safety, compliance, and long-term reliability.

5. Price Range of Lowboy Trailers (FOB China)

Pricing depends on tonnage, axles, steel grade, and configuration.

Typical price range:

40–60 ton Lowboy Trailer: $9,500 – $13,500
60–80 ton Lowboy Trailer: $12,500 – $16,500
80–120 ton Lowboy Trailer: $15,500 – $22,000

Detachable gooseneck models cost more due to complex structure.

Conclusion

Lowboy Trailers are essential for transporting heavy machinery, mining equipment, industrial machines, and oversized cargo.
Understanding your cargo size, weight, industry needs, axle rules, and structural requirements will help you choose the best lowboy trailer for your business.

A properly selected Lowboy Trailer improves:

Transportation efficiency
Safety
Cost control
Project flexibility