Using a Tilt Deck Trailer for Heavy Modular Barge Transport

[MikePhua]

Landoll Tilt Deck Trailers and Their Unexpected Versatility
Landoll Corporation, founded in 1963 in Kansas, is known for manufacturing specialized transport trailers, including tilt deck models designed for hauling construction equipment, containers, and machinery. Their traveling axle trailers are particularly popular for their ability to load low-clearance equipment without ramps. These trailers feature hydraulic axles that slide forward or backward, allowing the deck to tilt and touch the ground for easy loading.
While Landoll never intended their tilt deck trailers to be used in marine applications, one creative crew repurposed one for a bridge repair job involving Flexi Floats—modular barges commonly used in temporary water crossings and floating platforms. The job required transporting a 40-foot barge section weighing approximately 38,000 lbs, which exceeded the lifting capacity of the crane on site.
Terminology Annotation
- Tilt Deck Trailer: A trailer with a pivoting deck that tilts for loading and unloading without ramps.
- Traveling Axle: A hydraulic axle system that moves along the trailer frame to adjust deck angle and load distribution.
- Flexi Float: A modular barge system used in temporary bridge construction and marine platforms.
- Axle Slider Rams: Hydraulic cylinders that move the axles on traveling axle trailers.
- Sea Can: Slang for a shipping container, often used in construction and logistics.
Creative Loading at the Boat Ramp
Faced with the challenge of moving a barge too heavy for the crane, the team used a boat ramp to float the Flexi Float into position. The Landoll trailer’s traveling axles were adjusted to keep them out of the water, minimizing corrosion and hydraulic exposure. Lights were unplugged to avoid electrical damage during immersion, and the barge was carefully winched onto the trailer deck.
This unconventional method worked surprisingly well. The trailer’s low deck height and tilting capability allowed the barge to be loaded without lifting, and the adjustable axles helped maintain balance during the operation. It was a textbook example of adapting equipment beyond its intended use.
Precautions and Lessons Learned
While the operation was successful, it highlighted the importance of understanding hydraulic systems and load dynamics. One technician warned that improper leveling of the deck before sliding the axles could severely damage the slider rams. In a separate incident, a driver bent the axle rams while retrieving a loaded sea can from uneven terrain. The lesson: always level the trailer before engaging hydraulic movement.
Recommended precautions include:

• Always verify deck angle before sliding axles
  
• Avoid operating slider rams under load or uneven pressure
  
• Inspect hydraulic lines and seals after water exposure
  
• Use wheel chocks and stabilizers when loading on inclined surfaces
  
• Disconnect electrical systems when submerging trailer components
  

Field Anecdotes and Practical Advice
A crew member recalled that his boom truck couldn’t lift the 38,000 lb barge section, forcing the team to improvise. By using the Landoll trailer and a boat ramp, they avoided delays and completed the job without additional equipment. Another operator emphasized the importance of knowing your trailer’s limits—not just in weight capacity, but in hydraulic behavior and structural stress.
In marine construction, modular barges are often moved using cranes or winches, but trailers offer a mobile alternative when water access is available. This approach is especially useful in remote areas where crane rental is cost-prohibitive or unavailable.
Conclusion
The Landoll tilt deck trailer proved to be more than just a tool for hauling machinery—it became a key player in a complex bridge repair operation involving heavy modular barges. With careful planning, hydraulic awareness, and a bit of ingenuity, the team turned a transportation challenge into a successful field solution. In the world of heavy equipment, versatility often comes from knowing how to bend the rules—without breaking the gear.