9 hours ago
The Evolution of Lowboy Trailer Design
Lowboy trailers have long been the backbone of heavy equipment transport, especially for excavators, dozers, and other tracked machines. Their low deck height allows for legal transport of tall machinery without exceeding height restrictions. Over the decades, manufacturers like Fontaine, Trail King, and Etnyre have refined trailer designs to improve loading efficiency, weight distribution, and operator safety.
Two dominant styles have emerged for hauling track hoes: the Removable Gooseneck (RGN) and the Folding Gooseneck. Each offers distinct advantages depending on terrain, budget, and loading frequency.
Terminology Notes
RGN trailers are favored for their versatility and ease of loading. The gooseneck detaches hydraulically or manually, allowing the front of the trailer to drop to ground level. This design eliminates the need for ramps and provides a shallow loading angle, ideal for machines with low ground clearance.
Benefits include:
Folding Gooseneck Trailers and Their Strengths
Folding goosenecks are mechanically simpler and often lighter than RGNs. The front of the trailer folds down using hydraulic cylinders or manual pins, creating a ramp for loading. These trailers are popular in regions with flat terrain and for operators who prefer fewer hydraulic components.
Advantages include:
Key Considerations When Buying Used
When purchasing a used trailer for hauling a track hoe:
Operational Tips and Safety Practices
To ensure safe and efficient loading:
Manufacturer Trends and Market Insights
Manufacturers have responded to operator feedback by introducing hybrid designs, such as hydraulic folding goosenecks with detachable ramps. These trailers combine the simplicity of folding systems with the flexibility of RGNs. Sales of lowboy trailers in North America exceeded 25,000 units annually by 2020, with RGNs accounting for nearly 60% of heavy equipment hauls.
In recent years, aluminum deck inserts and modular axle configurations have become popular, allowing operators to customize trailers for specific machines and routes.
Operator Anecdotes and Field Wisdom
A retired operator in British Columbia recalled hauling a 30-ton excavator on a folding gooseneck during a snowstorm. The ramp iced over, causing the machine to slide. After that incident, his crew switched to RGNs with traction mats and never looked back.
In Argentina, a mining team used an RGN to transport a long-reach excavator through mountainous terrain. The shallow loading angle and secure deck allowed them to navigate switchbacks without shifting the load.
Conclusion
Choosing between an RGN and a folding gooseneck trailer depends on your equipment, terrain, and hauling frequency. RGNs offer superior loading safety and flexibility, while folding goosenecks provide simplicity and cost savings. When buying used, thorough inspection and compatibility checks are essential. With the right trailer and loading practices, transporting a track hoe becomes a routine task—not a risky gamble.
Lowboy trailers have long been the backbone of heavy equipment transport, especially for excavators, dozers, and other tracked machines. Their low deck height allows for legal transport of tall machinery without exceeding height restrictions. Over the decades, manufacturers like Fontaine, Trail King, and Etnyre have refined trailer designs to improve loading efficiency, weight distribution, and operator safety.
Two dominant styles have emerged for hauling track hoes: the Removable Gooseneck (RGN) and the Folding Gooseneck. Each offers distinct advantages depending on terrain, budget, and loading frequency.
Terminology Notes
- RGN (Removable Gooseneck): A trailer with a detachable front section that allows equipment to be driven on from the front.
- Folding Gooseneck: A trailer with a hinged front that folds down to create a ramp for loading.
- Track Hoe: A common term for a hydraulic excavator with steel tracks.
- Kingpin: The pivot point that connects the trailer to the fifth wheel of the truck.
RGN trailers are favored for their versatility and ease of loading. The gooseneck detaches hydraulically or manually, allowing the front of the trailer to drop to ground level. This design eliminates the need for ramps and provides a shallow loading angle, ideal for machines with low ground clearance.
Benefits include:
- Safer loading for long-reach excavators
- No need for external ramps or blocks
- Easier access in confined spaces
- Better weight distribution across axles
Folding Gooseneck Trailers and Their Strengths
Folding goosenecks are mechanically simpler and often lighter than RGNs. The front of the trailer folds down using hydraulic cylinders or manual pins, creating a ramp for loading. These trailers are popular in regions with flat terrain and for operators who prefer fewer hydraulic components.
Advantages include:
- Lower purchase and maintenance cost
- Fewer hydraulic failure points
- Faster setup for short hauls
- Lighter tare weight for better fuel efficiency
Key Considerations When Buying Used
When purchasing a used trailer for hauling a track hoe:
- Inspect the gooseneck hinge or latch mechanism for wear
- Check hydraulic lines and cylinders for leaks or corrosion
- Measure deck height and ramp angle compatibility with your machine
- Verify load rating and axle spacing for legal compliance
- Look for signs of frame fatigue or weld cracks near stress points
Operational Tips and Safety Practices
To ensure safe and efficient loading:
- Always load on level ground with wheel chocks and outriggers deployed
- Use spotters and mirrors to guide the machine onto the deck
- Secure the excavator with rated chains and binders at four points
- Check DOT regulations for overwidth or overweight permits
- Inspect tires, brakes, and lights before each haul
Manufacturer Trends and Market Insights
Manufacturers have responded to operator feedback by introducing hybrid designs, such as hydraulic folding goosenecks with detachable ramps. These trailers combine the simplicity of folding systems with the flexibility of RGNs. Sales of lowboy trailers in North America exceeded 25,000 units annually by 2020, with RGNs accounting for nearly 60% of heavy equipment hauls.
In recent years, aluminum deck inserts and modular axle configurations have become popular, allowing operators to customize trailers for specific machines and routes.
Operator Anecdotes and Field Wisdom
A retired operator in British Columbia recalled hauling a 30-ton excavator on a folding gooseneck during a snowstorm. The ramp iced over, causing the machine to slide. After that incident, his crew switched to RGNs with traction mats and never looked back.
In Argentina, a mining team used an RGN to transport a long-reach excavator through mountainous terrain. The shallow loading angle and secure deck allowed them to navigate switchbacks without shifting the load.
Conclusion
Choosing between an RGN and a folding gooseneck trailer depends on your equipment, terrain, and hauling frequency. RGNs offer superior loading safety and flexibility, while folding goosenecks provide simplicity and cost savings. When buying used, thorough inspection and compatibility checks are essential. With the right trailer and loading practices, transporting a track hoe becomes a routine task—not a risky gamble.
