An excavator moving to a new site, a grader going in for repairs, a combine harvester heading to the next farm or a broken-down truck that cannot be towed on its wheels: these go on a lowbed. Lowbed transport uses a trailer with a deck close to the road, so tall and heavy machines stay under bridge heights and load safely by ramp. Heavy and wide loads may need permits and escorts. This page covers trailer types, permits, loading and what goes into a quote. Send one free request and lowbed transport companies will quote you directly, with no obligation.
Types of lowbed trailer
- Fixed-neck lowbed: loaded over rear ramps. Common for excavators, loaders, rollers and tractors.
- Detachable-neck (front loader) lowbed: the neck comes off so machines drive on from the front. Suits very long or low machines.
- Step-deck or semi-lowbed: a higher deck for lighter plant, containers and vehicles that do not need the extra height.
- Extendable and multi-axle lowbeds: for long items and very heavy loads, spreading the mass over more axles.
A small machine or a single vehicle may fit on a heavy-duty rollback instead.
Permits and abnormal loads
Loads that are too wide, high, long or heavy for normal road limits count as abnormal loads. Ask whether a permit is needed for your machine and route, and whether escort vehicles are required. The transport company normally arranges this, but it takes time, so give the exact machine model, dimensions and mass early. Some routes limit when abnormal loads may travel, and bridges, overhead cables and toll plazas can force a longer route.
Loading and site access
Tell the company about access at both ends: the width of gates, the turning space, soft ground, overhead lines and whether the machine can drive itself onto the trailer. A machine that does not run needs winching or a crane. The load must be chained down at rated points, with buckets and booms lowered and loose attachments removed or secured separately.
What drives the cost
Lowbed transport is quoted per job, usually based on the distance, the machine's mass and size, the trailer type, any permits and escorts, waiting time at site and any crane or winching. Return trips with an empty trailer are often charged, so a move that matches another job can cost less. Ask for a written quote that lists permits, escorts and waiting time separately. For broken-down trucks see truck towing.
What to include in your request
- Machine type, model, mass and dimensions
- Collection and delivery addresses
- Access, gates and ground at each site
- Whether the machine runs and drives
- Dates and any time windows
Lowbed Transport for different clients
- Motorists and families: a classic truck, tractor or project vehicle that cannot go on a car carrier
- Company fleets and rental firms: broken-down delivery trucks and buses moved to the service agent
- Truckers, buses and logistics: truck tractors and trailers with failed drivelines moved to the workshop
- Farmers and 4x4 owners: tractors, harvesters and implements moved between farms and dealers at harvest
- Dealers, panel beaters and workshops: dealers delivering new and used heavy machinery and trucks to buyers
- Construction, mining and plant hire: excavators, loaders, graders and rollers moved between construction and mine sites
- Caravan, boat and bike owners: large boats and motorhomes too tall or heavy for a normal trailer
- Municipalities, estates and schools: municipal graders, refuse trucks and generators moved between depots
Frequently asked questions
How much does lowbed transport cost?
Do I need a permit to move an excavator on a lowbed?
Can a lowbed carry a broken-down truck?
Do you own lowbed trucks?
Lowbed Transport by province and city
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Krugersdorp
- Randfontein
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Kempton Park
- Alberton
- Vanderbijlpark
- Vereeniging
- Durban
- Pinetown
- Pietermaritzburg
- Richards Bay
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- East London
- Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Mthatha
- Cape Town
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- George
- Worcester
- eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rustenburg
- Brits
- Klerksdorp
- Potchefstroom
- Mahikeng
- Polokwane
- Tzaneen
- Kimberley
- Upington
- Bloemfontein
- Welkom
- Sasolburg