A Quick Guide To Buying Plant Trailers For Commercial Use
Plant trailers are a special type of trailer that is used to haul equipment often found in a plant, such as backhoes, bobcats and forklifts. Because of what they haul and how they're used, it's important to choose the right type for your company if you need to consistently move plant equipment. Each type of trailer will have its own features that you may need. Consider a quick guide to choosing a plant trailer for your company.
1. Note if you need a lip or edge
If you'll be hauling equipment on wheels, it's good to choose a plant trailer with a lip or edge. If the equipment is on skids, it's much less likely to tip while being transported, and you may not need a trailer with a lip or edge. Most models with a lip or edge are more expensive than flatbed models, so note if you should invest in this extra feature. If you plan on hauling equipment with either wheels, it's best to have a lip around your plant trailer for added protection when taking curves or turning.
2. Check the front clearance of the trailer
If you'll be hauling any type of equipment with a front bucket, you'll need to note the front clearance of the trailer before you purchase it. Forklifts typically allow their forks to tilt up and be out of the way, but even when buckets and other equipment on the arm of a crane or backhoe are folded up and out the way, they still need quite a bit of clearance around the front. If you'll be hauling any type of equipment with an arm or bucket, choose a plant trailer with a longer front hitch for maximum clearance.
3. Check your vehicle's tow capacity
It's easy to think you should choose the largest and sturdiest plant trailer to haul your equipment, but you need to check the weight of the trailer itself against the towing capacity of your vehicle. The equipment you'll be hauling will be heavy enough, so the trailer will need to be able to support that weight, but your truck will also need to be able to haul those combined weights. While checking the capacity of the trailer, note its weight, the weight of the equipment you'll be hauling and your vehicle's towing capacity together and ensure you purchase a trailer that's light enough for you to tow with equipment on its back.
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