023 920 05119 info@arbanks.co.uk

Lowloader Hire – Heavy Load & Abnormal Load Transport

Easily move large or heavy loads with our reliable lowloader hire service. Designed for transporting oversized equipment and machinery, our lowloaders ensure a smooth and efficient journey.

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Explore our Lowloader Hire Service; our team is skilled in managing the transportation of loads of all shapes and sizes, so whatever you need to move, we can help.

Our Vehicles

We have a number of articulated semi lowloaders on our fleet that can be utilised to move heavy, wide or tall loads, in line with customers’ specific requirements, and with a maximum weight capacity of 40 tonnes. Our heavy haulage tractor units are paired with specialist wafer deck trailers to meet customers’ needs, whatever these may be.

Articulated semi lowloaders are ideal for transporting loads that exceed typical height and weight limits. Wafer deck trailers feature a unique design; a hinged connection between the tractor and the trailer, allowing for greater flexibility and manoeuvrability, which is particularly advantageous in tight driving conditions.

The "semi" aspect refers to the trailer partially resting on the tractor, distributing the load weight effectively. Semi lowloaders are lower to the ground compared to standard trailers, enhancing stability and making loading easier, especially for abnormal loads of all types, from construction equipment to high generator units. Their adaptability makes them invaluable for heavy-duty transport tasks.

Lowloader transporting a digger vehicle
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Speak To Our Team About Lowloader Hire

Telephone Number: 023 9200 5119 / 07891 984933

Email Address: operations@arbanks.co.uk

Client Testimonial

"Excellent Service from Start to Finish!

A R Banks were incredibly helpful throughout the entire process. We had a tricky Hiab delivery, and they handled it seamlessly, making everything smooth for us and ensuring a successful delivery to our customer.

Their pricing was very competitive, and I don’t think you’d find better value for money with such outstanding customer service at this price! We’ll definitely be using them again. Highly recommend!"

Sarah Bett

Lowloader lorry transporting a digger

Alternative Trailers

Our heavy haulage tractor units can also be teamed with low height extendable step frame trailers, which are ideal for heavy and oversized loads that require extra support and flexibility in handling. Key features of these trailers include:

Low profile: Its reduced distance from the ground compared to standard trailers means that it has a lower centre of gravity, which enhances stability during transport and is particularly beneficial for carrying tall items that might otherwise be prone to toppling or are at risk of exceeding height restrictions on roads.

Adjustable length: Extendable step frame trailers have a built-in mechanism that allows the length of the trailer to be adjusted according to the size of the load. This flexibility is crucial for transporting particularly long items such as construction materials, beams or industrial machinery. The ability to extend the trailer helps accommodate various load sizes securely and efficiently.

Dropped rear section: The “step frame” refers to the trailer design where the rear part of the trailer bed is lower than the front. This stepped design facilitates easier loading and unloading of heavy equipment and machinery, which can be driven or rolled onto the trailer from the rear. The step also allows for taller items to be situated closer to the ground, helping to maintain clearance under bridges and overpasses.

Additional Services

We can provide additional support services for abnormal loads including Route Surveys and Abnormal Load Escorting, which serve a specific purpose in ensuring the safe and efficient transport of goods.

Route Surveys

A Route Survey and Swept Path Analyst is a detailed assessment conducted to identify the safest, most efficient route for transporting large loads, minimising risks and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements. It involves:

  • Route selection: Choosing a path that can accommodate the size and weight of the load with minimal disruptions or modifications needed
  • Infrastructure analysis: Checking for adequate infrastructure along the route, such as roads, bridges, overpasses, to ensure they can support the load’s weight and dimensions.
  • Obstacle identification: Identifying potential obstacles along the route, such as narrow passages, low bridges, or tight turns that might require special handling or rerouting.
  • Permit requirements: Determining what permits are required for the chosen route, as oversized loads often need special permissions from various local, state, or federal authorities.
Abnormal Load Escorting

Abnormal Load Escorting involves the use of escort vehicles to accompany an oversized load during transport. It’s crucial for maintaining road safety, protecting the load and infrastructure, and ensuring that the transport operation complies with legal requirements. Escort vehicles perform several functions:

  • Safety communication: Escort vehicles help communicate the presence of an oversized load to other road users. This can involve signalling when the load is making wide turns, changing lanes or encountering obstacles.
  • Traffic management: Escort vehicles can help manage traffic around the oversized load, ensuring safe passage and minimising disruption.
  • Route clearance: They may go ahead of the load to ensure the route is clear of unexpected obstacles or to manage traffic control.
  • Emergency support: In case of any issues during transport, escort vehicles are on hand to provide immediate assistance and help resolve problems.

Safety First

  • All of our loader trailers are fitted with rear self-tracking or power steered axles to provide increased manoeuvrability.
  • Our lowloaders are equipped with specially-designed cycle safety systems, and we ensure all our drivers undertake additional training for Safe Urban Driving, which encompasses cycle safety.
  • Our lowloaders are fitted with fall protection and handrails to keep our driver/operators safe whilst moving on and off the vehicles.

Get in Touch Today

 Lowloader Hire FAQs

 

Our lowloaders have a maximum weight capacity of 40 tonnes. They are designed to handle oversized and heavy items, from construction machinery to industrial equipment.

All our lowloaders are fitted with rear self-tracking or power-steered axles to provide increased manoeuvrability. They also have specially-designed cycle safety systems and fall protection with handrails for driver/operator safety.

Yes, we can. Our team has extensive experience navigating tight access points and narrow roads. With skilled drivers and carefully selected vehicles, we can safely deliver your load even in challenging or restricted areas, ensuring it reaches its destination without issue.

We can provide additional support services for abnormal loads, including Route Surveys and Abnormal Load Escorting, to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.

When you hire one of our lowloaders, the cost covers the vehicle itself, a trained driver/operator, and all the essentials for a safe and smooth move, including loading, unloading, and basic securing equipment. If your project needs extra support, like abnormal load escorting, route surveys, or permits, these can be arranged for an additional cost.

The duration of transport depends on the size of the load, the distance to be covered, and any route or access considerations. Our team will provide an estimated timeframe when we plan your move, ensuring it is safe, efficient, and suited to your project’s requirements.

Yes. Abnormal Load Escorting involves escort vehicles to communicate the presence of the oversized load, manage traffic, ensure route clearance, and provide emergency support if needed. Route Surveys identify the safest and most efficient path for transporting the load.

Please speak to our team to discuss insurance and liability for your specific load. We can advise on the best approach to ensure your goods are protected during transport.