5 Things to Watch For When Buying a Step Deck Trailer

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Over the last ten years, step deck trailers have increased in popularity in the trucking industry. You might be asking, what makes a step deck trailer different from other flatbed trailers? The step deck trailer has all the same versatility as a flatbed trailer; however, it has a lowered deck to accommodate for a taller cargo height. The key difference between the flatbed trailer and the step deck, or even the double-drop flatbed trailer, is the maximum height of the cargo that can be transported. Hence, step deck trailers are generally used for hauling over-sized freight that is taller than 10 feet. In most cases, step deck trailers haul tanks, cars, construction equipment, trucks and forklifts, as well as many other items. Step deck trailers are constructed in a way that help operators safely complete pickups and deliveries while loading, unloading, and transporting oversized loads.

Here are some helpful tips that can help make the buying process easier when choosing a step deck trailer that is right for you.

1. Complete an Inspection of the Trailer's Floor & Body

It would seem logical to do inspection of the trailer's floor, but not all buyers pay close enough attention to this part. Often, dealers will polish the floor. This can give the illusion of a newer floor and mask any damages or imperfections that can be harder to see simply by taking a quick look over. Decades prior, trailer manufacturers were producing the platform of the trailer differently. The constructed the trailers floor out a combination of natural wood and synthetic wood and 25%- 30% of the step deck trailers that were being manufactured were made with extruded aluminum. Since then, trailer manufacturers have made substantial improvements selecting the materials used to construct trailers such as aluminum floors rather than wood. It is a lighter weight that allows operators to haul heavier loads, On the down side, aluminum floors are more difficult to replace as they can bend and crack. Wood is more durable and easier to repair.

Inspect the body to ensure the side panels and door operation to ensure there is no damage and the door is functioning properly.

2.

 

Check the Tires & Brakes

Trailer tires can experience failure mainly from overloading. Overloading a trailer can result into an excessive heat in the sidewall and tread, which can lead to degradation/blowout. Under-inflation can also cause trailer tire failure. It is important to check for bulges, cracks, or irregular wear patters to the tires. The tread should not be worn less than 2/32&#;. Occasionally, these tire imperfections can go unnoticed at a glimpse, so be sure to take a detailed inspection. Check the rims for damage and look for any missing or loose lug nuts.

Next, check for air leaks in the brakes by simply applying your foot to the brakes and releasing. Don&#;t forget to check the brake drum and motor condition as well.

3. Test Mechanical & Electrical Functions

Check the mechanical functions by inspecting the operation of the parking brake, service brake, and hydraulic operation. While you are testing out the mechanical functions, it is a good idea to inspect the electrical functions such as the ABS fault codes, interior & exterior lights, lenses, reflectors, conspicuity tape, and the tractor trailer cable connections.

4. Inspect the Frame & Fifth Wheel

You may need to crouch down or even lay on your back to see below the trailer to inspect the frame and fifth wheel. You want to check the fifth wheel king pin for any wear or damage. Take note of any cracks or damage to the frame and cross member. You will also want to inspect the hitch and pulling devices.

5. Suspension System

Checking the suspension system should be a priority when it comes to inspecting the trailer. To start, check for loose wheel bearings or leaks in wheel seals. Then, check oil level and the condition in the hubs.

These are just a few things to look at when you are inspecting a trailer. If you feel underqualified, bring your mechanic with you to help do a more thorough inspection. That may help bring peace of mind with you as you make your investment. For more tips, promotions, or updates, follow us on Facebook or subscribe to our mailing list.

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Everything You Need to Know About Landoll Trailer Transport

If you&#;ve ever seen a hydraulic trailer that can adjust its inclination to create an angled design to load a piece of equipment, then the chances are that you&#;ve seen a Landoll trailer. These trailers offer a super-easy means of loading oversized and over-dimensional loads that would otherwise require separate ramps to load. For instance, it is challenging to load wheeled cargo on a flatbed trailer because accessing the trailer bed requires specific loading equipment, such as ramps and forklifts. Landoll trailers solve that problem by providing high-capacity trailers that can be inclined at an angle (through a combination system of moving undercarriage a a trailer tilt levers) &#; allowing transport professionals to load the cargo quickly.

If you&#;re interested in learning more about Landoll Trailers, then you&#;re at the right place. This article will discuss a brief history and story behind Landoll trailers, some positive aspects of Landoll trailer technology, and the various types of Landoll trailers.

A Brief History of Landoll Trailers

Landoll Corporation is a globally renowned manufacturing company specializing in producing high-quality, affordable, and custom trailers, farm equipment, forklifts, and OEM replacement parts and equipment.

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It all started in , when a bigwig tractor company came to Don Landoll, the founder and manager of Landoll Corp., to help them design and create a chisel plow based on a dual toolbar concept it had. The partnership was a success. As years passed, most manufacturers were unable to meet the quantity and quality demand of chisel plows. That compelled the companies, such as Case, to turn to Landoll to help them produce top-tier, performance chisel plows.

After interacting with experienced sales and distributors in the industry, he managed to expand his business. After the encroachment of new farm equipment manufacturers in the industry during the 80s, the sector became more competitive. He started his journey of trailer manufacturing when he helped FMC Corp, a company that sold the kind of trailers used in the rear of military planes to load aluminum containers.

That&#;s where he learned the skills of designing and building custom trailers for applications in various industries, including cargo shipping and recovery, construction, loading equipment, and storage containers. Today, Landoll Corporation boasts a vast dealer network in North America and Europe.

Advantages of Transporting Heavy Equipment Using Landoll Trailers

Landoll custom trailers are the ideal choice when you need to move oversized and overweight cargo. They feature hydraulic systems that allow logistics and shipping professionals to tilt the trailer bed for hassle-free cargo loading from the rear.

Additionally, you can deploy Landoll trailers when shipping loads that are complex and out of the norm because they feature the same positive attributes as removable gooseneck trailers. You can adjust their ground clearance, and they also have extended lengths, enabling you to transport cargo seamlessly. A unique aspect of Landoll trailers is that they feature an undercarriage roller system. That gives them the capacity to carry more weight than a standard RGN trailer on different terrains. Typically, Landoll trailers can handle loads that measure 5-60 tons in weight, 48-74 ft. (length), 11.5 ft. (height), and 8.5 ft. (width). With such specs and dimensions, Landoll trailers offer the most suitable trailer systems for hauling superloads and significantly heavy equipment like bulldozers, large excavators, articulated dump trucks, and many more. Combine that with their exceptional weight distribution capacity, and you can be sure that the load will stably &#;sit&#; on the trailer for safe transportation.

Types of Landoll Trailers

When you invest in Landoll trailers, you simply invest in its differentiating feature: the undercarriage roller system. Whichever type of model of Landoll trailer you purchase; you can guarantee a higher weight-carrying capacity. The roller system rides evenly on two or three axles, evenly distributing the cargo weight to the axles. As a result, they can carry larger equipment and cargo than RGN trailers.

The following are types of Landoll trailers:

&#; Detachable Gooseneck Trailers &#; These trailers feature two or three axles and are commonly used in transporting agricultural equipment. Shippers can also add a fourth axle to withstand even larger loads.

&#; Bottom-Dump Trailers &#; These trailers feature a dumper with a bottom that can instantly open and release the load. These trailers are used in construction and mining sites to move and dump soil.

&#; Traveling-Tail Trailers &#; Shipping companies use traveling-tail trailers to easily load cargo from the rear end. They feature adjustable tails that can be tilted 15-ft.-long tails that can tilt to an angle of 11 degrees. They alleviate the need to use separate ramps.

Others include:

&#; Non-Hydraulic Fixed Gooseneck Landoll Trailer with Four-Beam Trailer Design
Rollback Carriers

&#; Utility Tag Landoll Trailers (10,000-14,000 lb. Capacity)

&#; Industrial Tag Landoll Trailer (Designed with A Lower Deck Height and Pierced Main Beams)

Landoll trailers have revolutionized the shipping industry. While people were previously limited to transport the heaviest cargo and superloads using RGN trailers, Landoll trailers allow heavy freight transporters to move even heavier loads, thanks to their undercarriage roller system.

Transport Your Equipment With A Landoll Trailer now!

Step 1:

Fill Out Quote Form

Fill out the short & easy quote form.

Step 2:

Speak With An Agent

We&#;ll pick up your heavy equipment or vehicle.

Step 3:

Get Transported On Time

We deliver on time so you can get back to work.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Hydraulic Modular Trailer.