What is Low Bed Semi Trailer?How to Select Lowboy Truck ...

Introduction of Low Bed Trailer

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I. What is a low flatbed semi-trailer?

Low flatbed semi-trailers are often used to transport heavy items like tractors, buses, special-purpose vehicles, rail vehicles, mining machinery, forestry machinery, and agricultural machinery such as excavators, loaders, pavers, and cranes. Compared to container semi-trailers usually used by SUNSKY TRAILER, which transport containers via skeletal semitrailers, low flatbed semi-trailers have a lower center of gravity. This delivers better stability and safety and facilitates the transportation of tall goods.

When loading machinery onto a low bed semi-trailer, it typically enters from the rear end. Machinery can either be moved onto the low bed trailer directly or have its wheels removed before being fixed onto the trailer's platform.

II. Structure of Low Bed Semitrailer

Low bed semi trailers generally use concave beam-type frames. The front part of this frame is the gooseneck, connecting with the traction saddle at the front end and the semi-trailer at the rear. The middle section is the cargo platform, the lowest part of the frame, and the rear section holds the wheel frame, including the wheels.

III. Body Assembly for Low Bed Semitrailers

1. Jack

While jack use is familiar to low bed and fence semi-trailer owners, attention should be paid to several key points to avoid accidents:

• Insert the support bar on the jack arm into the groove of the fixed support point to secure the jack.
• Ensure the jack top is in the specified support position to avoid damage or accidents.
• Support the jack foot on a hard surface. If the ground is soft, use wooden blocks rather than placing it directly on the soft ground.
• Lift the jack slowly and maintain vehicle balance during the process.

2. Transmission Shaft

The transmission shaft transmits power to the wheel device. It uses a patterned constant-speed universal joint, sealed with a rubber sleeve. If the casing is damaged, debris can enter the universal joint's joint, wearing the drive shaft and affecting its lifespan.

3. Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial for extending the service life of any vehicle.

4. Seat Belt

Seat belt use should not be overlooked as it can be a life-saving device in emergencies.

IV. Low Bed Semitrailer Features

The low bed semi trailer is widely used for transporting various machinery and equipment, large objects, highway construction equipment, large tanks, power plant equipment, and steel. Its lower center of gravity ensures higher stability during transport.

• Series low bed semi-trailers come in flat plate type, concave beam type, and tire-exposed type structures. They use either straight or gooseneck-type longitudinal beams, resulting in high rigidity and strength.
• The cargo platform's main plane is low to ensure transportation stability, suitable for carrying construction machinery, large equipment, and steel.
• Three-axis balanced mechanisms ensure even stress distribution between the front and rear axles, enhancing balance during transit.

Specifications of Low Bed Semi Trailers

• Two Axles: 9m, 11m, 12m, 13m
• Three Axles: 9.5m, 11m, 13m, 13.75m
• Tires: 8.25-20 wire x8 for two axles; 8.25-20 steel wire tire x12 for three axles.

VI. SUNSKY Production of Low Flatbed Trailers

SUNSKY TRAILER manufactures various low bed trailers, including 10m, 12m, and 13m low bed semi-trailers, lightweight hollow beam hook machine low bed trailers, and tire-exposed types, offering these with flexible designs per user requirements. Advanced computer-aided design software ensures optimization and robustness. The frame's low platform provides ample loading space and a low center of gravity for safe transit.

VII. Suspension System of Low Bed Semitrailer

1. Rigid Suspension

Rigid suspension systems clamp the contact wire on the trailer bar, keeping it at the same height and eliminating the need for chain suspension bearing cables. This design offers high stability, low maintenance, and reduced mechanical stress.

2. Flexible Suspension

Flexible suspension systems on fuel tank trailers and LPG tanker trailers provide better damping at higher speeds as compared to rigid suspension systems. They do so by not connecting the left and right wheels, which enhances the comfort and stability of the vehicle.

VIII. How to Keep Cargo Stable on a Low Bed Trailer

Ensuring cargo stability on a low bed trailer involves:

• Increasing the base size: Adjust the support base to ensure wider base contact points and greater stability.
• Increasing friction: Use surfaces with higher frictional resistance to prevent sliding.
• Lowering the center of gravity: Transport items in a position where the center of gravity is low to enhance stability.
• Slowing down: Reduced speed helps maintain load stability during transit.
• Training: Driver training can help in handling loads more efficiently and safely.

IX. Driving Skills of Low Flatbed Semi-Trailers

Common issues like vehicle deviation occur primarily due to non-uniform axle measurements. Detecting and adjusting this involves parking on level ground, measuring distances accurately from the traction pin, and adjusting tie rods to correct deviations.

1. Start in first gear and avoid using semi-clutch to prevent clutch plate damage.
2. Increase the throttle as needed, while considering the wheel differences.
3. Utilize the vehicle's braking system appropriately.
4. When reversing, turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction of where you want to go to align the trailer correctly.
5. Choose wider intersections to facilitate easier turns.
6. Secure the semi-trailer with blocks before separating it from the tractor, and lower the auxiliary support frame to the ground.
7. Re-combine the tractor and trailer by reversing the separation process.

X. Transmission and Clutch Failure Troubleshooting for Low Bed Semitrailers

Transmission issues often arise from interlocking device failures, excessive wear on the gear lever, or broken positioning pins. Solutions involve diagnosing and addressing specific component issues, checking clutch pedal travel, and ensuring a smooth hydraulic system operation by expelling any air present in the lines.

To remedy these issues:

• Check and adjust the free travel of the clutch pedal.
• Ensure the hydraulic system is clear of air bubbles.
• Stop pipeline leaks using tape if necessary.

XI. Regulatory Focus on Low Bed Transport Trailers in China

Chinese regulations require that low bed semitrailers with gooseneck connections follow specific standards. However, practical deviations and extensive use of flat plates have led to regulatory scrutiny, aiming to address issues of fair competition and market order disruption caused by oversized and overburdened trailers.

XII. Lightweight Low Bed Semi Trailers: Market Trends

Light semi trailers offer significant advantages, including higher payloads and better economic benefits due to weight savings. This trend is crucial for modern transport logistics, providing a competitive edge in efficiency and cost savings. SUNSKY's light low bed semi trailers exemplify this trend, integrating high-tech innovations to progressively replace traditional heavier counterparts.

The lightweight design not only offers operational benefits but is also expected to influence future industry standards and market preferences. "In the current economic environment," SUNSKY's boss comments, "growth remains challenging due to rising raw material and fuel costs; however, innovation in light semi-trailer design provides a promising path forward."

Semi-trailers, including tipper semi-trailers, are vital to China's freight transport industry, responding to increased logistics demands. Lightweight models are not only a trend but necessary for market competitiveness, and SUNSKY aims to lead this evolution with high-quality, cost-effective products.

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