By Troy Geisler, vice president of sales and marketing, Talbert Manufacturing
When selling your customers a lowboy trailer, there are many considerations to walk them through to ensure they select the best option for their business. Purchasing the wrong one can not only cost them in the long term, but it may also have an immediate impact if they are unable to use it to haul the necessary equipment, leading to an unhappy customer for you. It’s important for you as the dealer to have a thorough understanding of lowboy trailers so that you can help your customer avoid trailer failures in the future.
Talbert Manufacturing offers a wide range of heavy haul solutions, including a series of lowboy trailer models with a removable gooseneck that is available in either a hydraulic or mechanical configuration. While most contractors choose hydraulic goosenecks for ease of use, there may be some situations where a mechanical gooseneck is preferred. Knowing both will allow you to clearly communicate the features and advantages of each option to your customer.
One of the main benefits a hydraulic gooseneck trailer offers is its ability to quickly attach and detach to save on downtime and labor costs. Hydraulic goosenecks also utilize a series of hydraulic cylinders to safely and easily lower and lift the deck when the trailer is attached to the truck while maintaining a low center of gravity when the loaded equipment is particularly tall. Additionally, if an operator knows there will be rough terrain or overhead clearances during transport, the front deck height of the hydraulic gooseneck can be adjusted to accommodate its surroundings. Hydraulic gooseneck trailers also offer enhanced safety for the operator, as the neck can be raised to allow the truck’s fifth wheel to attach without requiring the main deck to be lifted.
Operations can further optimize their hydraulic gooseneck trailer by adding additional shims for weight distribution. Hydraulic goosenecks are available in Talbert Manufacturing’s double drop series, which are available with an 18-inch loaded deck height to ensure ample clearance and stability for tall loads and air suspension to provide maximum control over the load, as well as the lowboy series, which has a weight capacity of up to 110,000 pounds.
Mechanical goosenecks are lighter weight than hydraulic goosenecks, however, they take more time to attach and detach. They are also a lower cost than hydraulic goosenecks and require less maintenance. Mechanical goosenecks utilize front rollers and truck ramps to connect and disconnect. These are best suited for longer-distance trucking companies, where the load will be on the truck for several days and unloading will occur on smooth, hard surfaces.
Whether you help your customer determine if a hydraulic or mechanical gooseneck trailer is best for their operation, by analyzing requirements and ensuring safe weight distribution, axle loads, and load positioning, heavy-haul trailers are continuing to provide the safety and efficiency they need to successfully haul their equipment.
To learn more about Talbert Manufacturing’s specialized heavy-haul solutions, visit www.talbertmfg.com.