This is especially important if you have a big storage facility and want to use one type of machinery at different locations without the need to make up for it in numbers. Scissor lifts can be extremely useful even when it comes to using one at different sites. While renting a trailer to transport them is something you’d consider it isn’t as cost-effective as getting a scissor lift cargo trailer.

What is a Scissor Lift Trailer?

Although every trailer is essentially the same some offer unique functions that are suitable for the transit of certain equipment and loads. In the case of scissor lift trailers, this is the platform. The platform of a scissor lift trailer can elevate and go down to provide an easy way to load the machinery. Some come with a door that acts as a ramp when put down on the ground. Unlike an enclosed trailer, a scissor lift trailer doesn’t have a roof or sidewalls which is what allows them to tow machinery such as scissor lifts.

Just like any machinery, scissor lifts have their advantages with the most prominent ones being safety and productivity. Thanks to the rails on the platform that scissor lifts move up and down workers can stand on it without worrying about their safety. Since they can easily be moved from one place to another, especially with the help of a trailer, scissor lifts make for highly productive machinery.

How to Tow a Scissor Lift

Preparation

Since you can put scissor lifts on a trailer and move them from one place to another, it’s important to know how to do so safely. This starts even before you’ve loaded the scissor lift. In the preparation stage, you need to ensure that the wheels of the towing vehicle are chocked and tyre pressure is at an adequate level. You should also fill the vehicle with enough petrol, if needed and put a nose jack under the front of the trailer. The nose jack will prevent the trailer from tipping over when loading the scissor lift on it.

Loading

Talking about loading a scissor lift on a trailer, the first thing you need to do is put down the ramp(s) or lower down the platform of the trailer. With that done, slowly drive the scissor lift up the ramp(s)/ platform until you have it touching the bar found at the front section of the trailer.

Secure

1. With the scissor lift in place, secure it using straps and chains. Do this with four anchors with one at each corner of the scissor lift. You should also chock the scissor lift. Do this by making sure you have the scissor lift centre from side to side with wooden blocks placed behind each wheel.
2. The blocks should be secured by putting 10 cm screws so that they are firmly pressed against the wheels. Make sure to turn off the fuel apply of the scissor lift and disconnect its battery terminals too. Just remember to connect the terminals and open up the fuel supply once you get to your destination.

Driving

1. When towing a scissor lift you should always be aware of its size as well as its weight. When driving you should always keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front, this means leaving more space than usual as your braking and the braking of the person in front of you is not going to be the same. You have a heavy load at the back so sudden movement is not recommended.
2. You’ll want to predict traffic when towing a scissor lift. Therefore you should brake a lot earlier than you normally would and you should accelerate and decelerate slower too. You should drive below the speed limit to prevent the scissor lift and trailer from swaying which can be quite dangerous especially on rainy days.
3. You should also consider installing towing mirrors so that it’s easier for you to navigate through tight spaces as towing mirrors give you a wider field of view. Ensure that your ride is as smooth as possible unless you’re not driving on a bumpy road, as this way you will ensure you have a safe trip.

Unloading

Once you arrive at your destination unloading the trailer is going to start by putting the ramp or platform down on the ground. You should then remove the straps and/ or chains. As we mentioned before don’t forget to turn on the fuel supply and connect the battery terminals of the scissor lift. Then continue by removing the wooden blocks from the wheels. Once you’ve done all that just get in the scissor lift and then carefully drive back down the ramp/platform and you’re done.

The post Discover the Power of Scissor Lift Trailers: Easy Transport of Heavy Machinery from Site to Site appeared first on Sherlocks.com.au Blog.

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There are various technologies at play that make mining trailers far more capable than regular ones. The resources extracted from the earth are used in almost everything we see and use today, including trailers themselves. So in a way, trailers have helped create all kinds of everyday devices, because if it weren’t for trailers, the materials needed to make these items wouldn’t arrive where they’re needed to produce these devices.

What Does the Mining Industry Produce?

The mining industry of Australia is known for producing coal, and it is one of the largest reserves of high-quality thermal coal. This type of coal is used for generating electricity and steam, which thanks to rigid mining trailers gets to where it needs to be on time, ensuring everything runs as smoothly as possible.

Different Types of Mining Trailers

Scissor Lift

A scissor lift trailer comes with holding supports that go up and down by opening and closing, making a criss-cross pattern when doing so. Scissor lift trailers rely on hydraulics to lower and raise the trailer at an angle, which is handy when you want to unload easily. A scissor lift allows for a greater dumping capacity and it is a sustainable design that will last a long time.

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Enclosed

If you need a mining trailer to keep equipment and gear safe from the elements or from getting stolen, then you should consider making use of enclosed trailers. Enclosed mining trailers add a greater level of security since they also come with hitch locks and additional locks for the side and/or roof doors.

Flatbed

If you’re not worried about the elements and prying eyes as much and want to be able to load and unload a trailer easily, then go with a flatbed mining trailer. You can haul all kinds of heavy materials, as well as loads that have an awkward shape. You don’t need a loading dock to get stuff on a flatbed trailer. Plus, cleaning flatbed trailers is extremely easy and convenient, something that can go a long way when transporting dirty equipment and minerals.

Tandem

A tandem trailer comes with two trailer axles which help distribute the weight of the load better. Unlike a regular mining trailer, tandem trailers are better for carrying heavier loads since they come with quality suspension. Tandem trailers are more stable even at motorway speeds, and you’ll be able to replace a tyre without using a jack.

Tipper

Tipper trailers are similar to scissor lift trailers as they are also made to dump cargo easily, except tipper trailers don’t rely on the same mechanism as scissor lift trailers. They are easier to manage, simply because their mechanism allows them to get out of any cab and they don’t move as fast.

Source: pinterest.com

Mining Trailer Maintenance

Tyres

The first thing to check every week, not only when it comes to the truck but the trailer is the tyres. From all that towing around and working with heavy cargo, the pressure inside them can slowly start to decrease. Make sure to fill them up with air and to check for any wear and damage. Don’t forget to check for missing lug nuts too.

Lights

Brake lights are the most important safety feature on any trailer. Make sure to check them every day, as you never know when they can start to malfunction. Not having a brake light operational can make the difference between a life and death situation. Even if one brake light isn’t working, make sure to swap both lights with new ones to ensure peace of mind.

Lubrication

The undercarriage is exposed to all kinds of debris and it is the area where all the gears and fittings are found. To ensure everything works well, make sure to lubricate them to prevent any costly repairs in the future. The components you need to lubricate often are tie-rods, U-joints, as well as the plate of the fifth wheel, including its bushings.

Suspension

The suspension of the trailer is important as it ensures that the trailer doesn’t jump up and down, especially when driving on a bumpy road. To ensure that your cargo stays on the trailer, make sure to inspect the suspension for wear and tear. Also, if you happen to notice any cracked springs and hangers, or any missing bolts, make sure to bring your trailer to the nearest mechanic. It’s better to prevent any major issues before they even happen because if they do, you can end up spending a lot of money and time on fixing them.

The post Everything You Need to Know About Mining Trailers appeared first on Sherlocks.com.au Blog.

By using the right trailer, you can move your machines easily wherever they’re most needed. Machinery trailers can be very different, however, they are all based on the universal utility trailer, upgraded with a ramp and gear to secure the load and with features that suit a specific kind of machine.

Mower Trailers – Essential for People in the Farming or Landscaping Business

This is a fairly common need, especially for those involved in farming and landscaping. Taking a mower along is also required if you have a property that is some distance from your permanent residence. The many purpose-built mower trailers on the market are great for this.

Unlike a universal trailer, they have aluminium ramps or heavy-duty drop ramps created to make the loading and unloading as easy as possible. Depending on the exact measurements, mower trailers can even take more than one piece of equipment. So, you can load your push mower or ride-on mower as well as collect all the biomass and transport it away from the site.

We have a fairly sized market for this sort of equipment here in Australia. You can take advantage of the circumstances to design and order your custom configuration of a trailer.

The most usual type of trailer for moving mowers is the caged variety. It comes with a drop ramp at the back and a hot-dip galvanised frame to make it long-lasting. But you can add other useful features too.

Some prefer having a fully enclosed trailer with barn doors to make sure straw bales used for construction remain dry. Closed trailers are particularly handy for those that use ride-on mowers on a daily basis – they eliminate the need for unloading the machine into your shed at the end of the workday.

A heavily customised trailer can make for convenient and secure transport of small farm machinery. One can add many useful features to the trailer: jerrycan holders, spare wheel, toolboxes, drawbars, canopies, side steps – you name it.

These can also help secure the cargo. The most basic way to secure a mower during transport is to use ratchet straps to secure it to the corners of the trailer. Make sure the tension is equal because driving will cause a lot of vibration. Two additional straps to the front and the rear are optional.

How to Move a Scissor Lift with a Trailer

In some instances, scissor lifts don’t leave the warehouse for years on end. However, some blokes do maintenance work in an urban setting regularly. Setting up urban equipment, wiring or electric systems is often done at or above ceiling level. You might find yourself renting, buying or selling a scissor lift and transport can drive costs up.

These are just some of the scenarios in which you need to move a scissor lift in a trailer. And the most convenient way to do it would be to use a large universal trailer upgraded with a ramp. You can put your mower trailer to work as well – if you apply the appropriate precautions and secure the scissor lift. The only consideration of significance would be the actual size of the lift.

They can be heftier than your usual ride on mower so first run calculation as to the capacity of the trailer to take such beast. It’s not just the carrying capacity either. Heavy scissor lifts have to be secured with chains, nylon straps and come-along. If your trailer doesn’t have any of these, then you might need an upgrade or a new trailer altogether. Other than that, it’s practically the same – you need at least four anchor points to secure the machine once loaded onto the trailer.

What You Need to Know to Get a Forklift Across Safely

You already know that forklifts come with a variety of engine types that make them quite powerful machines, however, this often translates into more complex issues during transport. And you need to do some extra work apart from the obvious weight measurements.

Preparation of the forklift is paramount for safe transport with a trailer. For starters, the forks have to be lowered to the lowest possible position and to face forward. The best way to do this is to climb the trailer ramp in reverse gear.

Once there you need to make sure the fuel supply is shut off. Any splash of diesel during transit is a safety hazard you don’t want on your hands. If the forklift is fueled by batteries, disconnect them before transport. It helps prevent arching and it stops the engine of the machine from starting during transit.

We touched upon securing the machine to four anchor points. What is unique to transporting forklifts on a trailer though is the fact you need to choke the wheels. Placing wooden blocks in front of and behind the wheels is not enough, you need to fasten them to the trailer tray with screws.

Get the Trailer You Really Need

You can easily customise your trailer these days. So instead of going for what the market already has, you can go for the trailer you need. Australian trailer makers allow for a wide array of customisation options to choose from. Capacity alone goes from 750kg GVM to 4000kg GVM. Not to mention all of the contraptions you can add to make your trailer most suitable for the transportation of your equipment.

The post Trailers: Transport Farming and Warehouse Equipment With Ease appeared first on Sherlocks.com.au Blog.

Many factors are at play when you set out to buy a closed box trailer. The market is saturated with models and their vague short descriptions don’t help you either. So, if you are wondering what features to consider to ensure you get the right enclosed utility trailer, you might find the following buyer’s guide useful. 

Materials

The service life of the trailer depends on the materials put into making it. It’s weight also. Chief contenders here are aluminium and steel. Aluminium will decrease the overall weight of the trailer and does not rust. You need to make sure to do some maintenance from time to time (checking for cracks) and keep them clean.

Steel is a cheaper option, but it can add up some weight which can make towing it somewhat more difficult. If left unchecked, steel can rust and crack. On the other hand, you can pick a trailer made of galvanised steel (also known as no maintenance steel) which is superior to plain steel. Combined with a good quality baseline (like a checkered plate), it can serve you for a long time to come. 

Usually, the most durable and lightweight enclosed trailers on the market are a combination of an aluminium body and a galvanised steel chassis and frame. This way, you can get the best of both worlds.. 

Size

It is very likely that you already have the measurements of your ideal closed in utility trailer. It is a good place to start, but don’t expect that you will always find exactly what you ask for. Go for a manufacturer that offers several options for standardised size customisation of enclosed trailers, like 8 x 5, 9 x 5, 10 x 5, 10 x 6 and 12 x 6 sizes (in meters). 

When it comes to height, usually you can find either 1450 mm and 2000 mm versions. Just keep in mind that adding a square meter area to the inside has to be within the total carrying capacity of the trailer under load.

Construction Quality 

Look for a trailer maker that uses high-quality fittings because this will translate into a longer lifespan and fewer defects. This applies to heavy-duty stainless steel hinges, gas struts and flush mount locks. It also extends to sealed lift doors or windows. 

Buying an enclosed trailer that wasn’t crafted with much care will quickly make you search for the best industrial sealant to make it watertight. Go for retailers that can assure you that they are on top of their fabricating and sealing process. No one wants a leaking roof, not even in their utility trailer.

Outer Skin

There is a great deal of concern among prospective boxed trailer owners about the optimal outer skin width. The questions go along the lines of: Does the thickness of the outer skin matter? It depends. If you are looking for a cheap trailer that will be put to use occasionally – do get a trailer with a thin case. 

If your trailer comes attached to your workhorse and you intend to use it along with your everyday business, then go for a thicker outer skin. Thick skin is more durable and resists warping when exposed to extremes in temperature.

Shape

Some people prefer rounded roofs which doesn’t make much sense for small enclosed utility trailer. The round roof adds slight headroom space but it doesn’t affect towing gas economy by a lot. Speaking of which a lot of owners seem to argue over the efficiency of v-nose compared to flat nose trailers. The v-nose might be marginally more efficient, but not to a degree that should dictate your choice.

Colours

Sometimes appearance is important if you represent a business or a franchise. You should be mindful that not all of your colour wishes can be accommodated. You might be forced to select one of those that are available. Usually, these are basic colours like white, red, black, blue, green and silver. Some offer even more (up to 12) but this depends on the material for the trailer that you have already chosen in the first place. 

Also, consider the things that you will be transporting. White and light colours generally handle heat better than black and dark colours. If you’ll be transporting goods that should stay cool, then light-coloured options are definitely more suitable. 

Inside Compartments

The standard trailer is a simple enclosed box. While this is not your home or your tiny home and long term storage area is limited, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put some thought into it. If you have a specific business need (like adding a freezer or adding an extra hinge here and there) and your trailer maker is not up for customisation, you will have to do this on your own. Or look for another professional.

Security and Locks

You have to be sure that your goods are secured. Go for a trailer that has good doors and sturdy impenetrable finish. This, combined with impact-resistant walls (to a reasonable degree) will not only keep your loads safe but will also extend the utility life of your trailer.

The post Discover the Right Enclosed Trailer for Storage & Transportation appeared first on Sherlocks.com.au Blog.

The trucking industry plays a huge role for the Australian domestic growth. The low population density and the long distances between markets, makes the country to be highly dependent on using road freight services. The trucking industry is becoming very complex, and when speaking in numbers, it carries around ¾ of Australia’s domestic freight. Since there are different types of freights, for transportation of different loads, the companies use different types of trucks and trailers. There are different trailers, and each one is used for specific type of fright. The only thing all prime trailers must respect are the Australian codes and regulations. Let’s explore the most commonly used prime trailers in Australia starting with the double B trailers.

Prime Mover & Double B Trailer – A prime mover that pulls double B trailers behind is the most common combination you can see on the roads and highways all over Australia. These units are capable to carry very heavy loads with great cost-efficiency over long distances. The benefit of using double B trailers is that there are special routes throughout Australia which are constructed specifically for these trucks and trailers. A combination of prime mover and a double B trailer can be up to 26 m. Although it has some disadvantages, it is the best choice for transporting different types of loads.

Prime Mover & Multi-Combination Trailer Configuration – For extremely heavy or unusual loads, this combination works best. A prime mover can be joined with: double B trailers, triple B trailers and double trailer road trains, to form a multi-combination trailer. These units are colossal and cannot be seen on the public roads. They are not so cost-efficient, and they are used exclusively for freights that cannot be hauled by other prime mover-trailer combination.

Prime Mover & Low Loader – This combination is used for transportation of heavy earth-moving equipment, such as bulldozers, wheel loaders, excavators, etc. The deck height of the low loader is significantly lower when compared with any other trailer. This means that these vehicles can load machines from ground level. With carrying capacity of over 1000 tonnes, the low loader trailer is one of the most commonly used trailers in the trucking industry.

Prime Mover & Refrigerated Trailer – The combination of prime mover and refrigerated trailer is used for transportation of temperature-sensitive goods. The refrigerated trailer is more expensive option than other trailers, since it is equipped with a specific cooling unit that keeps the products inside at constant temperature. There are two refrigerated trailer types: chillers and freezers. The chillers keep the products in a semi-frozen condition, while the freezers are used to keep the products at a temperature below freezing.

The post Explore The Different Prime Mover-Trailer Combinations In Australia appeared first on Sherlocks.com.au Blog.