What is a lowbed?
A lowbed is a trailer designed with a low loading surface compared to traditional trailers, which helps in transporting tall and heavy equipment while reducing the overall height of the load.
It is widely used in projects such as contracting and construction, factories, energy, oil and gas, infrastructure, mining, and industrial projects..
The choice of lowbed does not depend solely on the weight of the equipment; the dimensions, center of gravity, loading method, weight distribution on the axles, and transport route must also be considered.
The most important types of lowbeds in Saudi Arabia
1. Standard lowbed
The standard lowbed is the option used to transport many heavy and medium equipment that can be loaded in a traditional manner using ramps.
It is available in different axle configurations depending on the weight of the load and transport requirements.
The standard lowbed is used to transport:
- Excavators.
- Loaders.
- Bulldozers.
- Construction equipment.
- Some cranes and heavy equipment.
- Machinery and equipment between project sites.
The appropriate number of axles is determined based on the weight of the equipment, its dimensions, and load distribution.
2. Low special lowbed
The special lowbed or Special Lowbed It is a low type of lowbed used when there is a need for a lower loading height or special specifications that exceed the usual use of a traditional lowbed.
It is suitable for some equipment and loads that need to reduce the overall height during transport, especially when the dimensions of the load affect the route and permit requirements.
Its uses include:
- equipment with high height.
- industrial equipment.
- generators and transformers.
- some heavy equipment with non-standard dimensions.
- loads that require a low loading surface.
The choice of this type depends on the dimensions of the load and the transport route, not just on the name of the equipment.
3. Hydraulic Lowbed
The hydraulic lowbed is a specialized type used for loads and sites that require greater control during the loading and unloading process.
One of its main features is the ability to handle some loading conditions that may be difficult using traditional ramps, in addition to the possibility of using it in tight spaces or with loads that require a more precise loading angle.
The hydraulic lowbed is used for transporting:
- heavy equipment.
- cranes and specialized equipment.
- generators and transformers.
- factory equipment.
- equipment with non-standard height or dimensions.
- loads that require a special loading method.
The appropriate configuration for the hydraulic lowbed is determined after knowing the weight of the load, its dimensions, and the loading and delivery locations.
4. Multi-Axle Lowbed
When the load is very heavy, you may need to use a lowbed that has a greater number of axles to distribute the weight appropriately.
This type is used in heavy transport projects and large loads that require careful study of weight distribution on the axles.
Examples of loads that may require multi-axle lowbeds include:
- large electrical transformers.
- massive industrial equipment.
- structures and construction components.
- very heavy equipment.
- some components of energy and infrastructure projects.
In these cases, the number of axles and the appropriate configuration are determined based on the weight of the load, its dimensions, and the requirements of the route and permits.
5. Extendable Lowbed
Extendable Lowbed Extendable Lowbed / Trailer designed for loads that require a loading length greater than the usual length of the trailer.
It can be used to transport long loads such as:
- steel structures.
- pipes.
- some industrial equipment.
- tanks.
- long construction pieces and components.
This type is characterized by greater flexibility in handling long loads, with the necessity of studying the overall dimensions and transport route before executing the trip.
6. Dolly and Multi-Axle Lowbed for Super Heavy Loads
In some heavy transport projects, the traditional lowbed is not sufficient due to the large weight of the load, and here multi-axle configurations or dollies are used to distribute the weight over a larger area and axles.
These configurations are used in major industrial and construction projects, such as transporting transformers, massive structures, and heavy components.
The final configuration is determined after studying:
- the weight of the load.
- the length, width, and height of the load.
- weight distribution.
- the required number of axles.
- road conditions.
- transport route.
- the necessary requirements and permits.
How do you choose the right type of lowbed?
Choosing the right lowbed starts with load data and not just the type of equipment.
Before requesting the lowbed, it is preferable to prepare the following information:
1. Equipment weight
Weight is one of the most important factors that determine the type of trailer and the number of axles required.
2. Equipment dimensions
It is necessary to know:
- length.
- width.
- height.
- the dimensions after placing the equipment on the lowbed.
3. Method of loading the equipment
Some equipment can be loaded onto the lowbed using ramps, while other loads may require lifting equipment or specialized hydraulic configurations.
4. Loading and delivery location
Site conditions play an important role in choosing the type of lowbed, especially if the loading site is narrow or has entrances, slopes, or obstacles.
5. Transport distance
Transport within the city differs from intercity transport, and long routes or routes with height or width restrictions require prior planning.
6. Permits and road requirements
If the load exceeds the allowed dimensions or weights, the trip may require special requirements and permits depending on the case and route.
The difference between regular, hydraulic, and special lowbeds
| Type | Primary use |
|---|---|
| Regular lowbed | Heavy equipment that can be loaded in the traditional way |
| Low special lowbed | Loads that require low loading height or special specifications |
| Hydraulic lowbed | Loads and locations that require greater control over loading and unloading |
| Multi-axle lowbed | Heavy loads that require greater weight distribution |
| Extendable lowbed | Long loads, structures, and industrial parts |
| Lowbed trailers | Very large loads that require multi-axle configurations |
Note: The appropriate lowbed cannot be determined based on weight alone; dimensions, load distribution, loading method, location, and transport route must also be considered.
What equipment can be transported by lowbed?
Lowbeds are used to transport a wide range of equipment and machinery, including:
- Excavators.
- Loaders.
- Bulldozers.
- Cranes.
- Lifters.
- Generators.
- Electrical transformers.
- factory equipment.
- Large agricultural equipment.
- Mining equipment.
- Industrial structures and components.
- Equipment used in infrastructure projects.
The type of lowbed required varies according to the specifications of each piece of equipment and transport conditions.
Transporting heavy equipment within Saudi Arabia
Heavy equipment transport operations require more than just providing a truck and a loading appointment. The process begins with assessing the load and selecting the appropriate configuration, then reviewing the route and transport requirements, and ensuring that the trip can be executed according to the allowed dimensions and weights.
The importance of planning increases when transporting equipment between cities or to industrial sites and major project locations, where access conditions, routes, and movement requirements may vary.
How do you request a lowbed to transport your equipment?
To obtain an accurate quote, it is preferable to send:
- Type of equipment.
- Weight.
- Length, width, and height.
- Loading city.
- Delivery city.
- Pictures of the equipment when available.
- Required transport date.
After reviewing this data, the type of lowbed and the most suitable configuration for the load and transport route can be determined.
Lowbed for transporting heavy equipment in Saudi Arabia
Provides Lobex Logistics Services transport solutions for heavy equipment and non-standard loads within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the possibility of coordinating different types of lowbeds according to the nature of the load and the transport route.
Whether you need to transport excavators, loaders, bulldozers, cranes, generators, transformers, or industrial equipment, determining the appropriate type of lowbed starts with knowing the weight and dimensions of the equipment and the loading and delivery locations.
Send your equipment data and transport route to get a suitable price quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of lowbed for heavy equipment?
There is no one type suitable for all equipment; the lowbed is chosen based on the weight of the equipment, its dimensions, the loading method, and the transport route.
When do I need a hydraulic lowbed?
When the load or loading location requires greater control over the loading and unloading angle, or when site conditions are not suitable for traditional loading.
What is the difference between a regular lowbed and a special lowbed?
The regular lowbed is suitable for many types of equipment that can be loaded in the traditional way, while the special lowbed is designed for certain loads that require a lower loading height or special specifications.
Can lowbeds be used to transport equipment between cities in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, lowbeds are used for transport between cities, industrial areas, and various projects, with the type of trailer and appropriate configuration determined based on the load and route.
What information is required to price the transport of equipment?
Type of equipment, its weight, dimensions, loading city, delivery city, and transport date, and it is preferable to attach pictures of the equipment when available.