Low loaders carry the bulk of Brisbane's oversize plant movements — excavators, dozers, graders and over-height items that won't clear a standard deck.
Why a low loader
A low loader drops the deck to roughly 600–800mm off the road, which does two things at once: it keeps the load's centre of gravity low for stability, and it holds the overall loaded height down so the combination can clear bridges that a flat-top trailer can't. In Brisbane that second point matters more than people expect — the Gateway Motorway viaducts, the Ipswich Motorway overpasses and the inner-city rail bridges all post clearances that rule out a high-deck trailer for anything over about 4.3 metres. For most earthmoving and construction plant moving within SEQ, a low loader is the first trailer we reach for.
Deck height and centre of gravity
The lower the deck, the lower the load's centre of gravity — and the less the load shifts on corners, ramps and roundabout entries. That matters for tracked plant with a high cab and for items with a narrow footprint. A low deck also reduces ramp angle during loading, which is critical for machines with low ground clearance or long tracks that would ground out on a steeper ramp.
Detachable gooseneck and tracked plant
A detachable-gooseneck (D-neck) low loader unhooks the front neck so the deck drops to ground level and a machine can drive or be winched straight on. That's essential for tracked excavators, dozers and loaders that can't climb a steep ramp, and for items with no ramp capability at all. Fixed-neck low loaders are lighter and simpler and suit wheeled plant that can drive on under its own power.
Configurations we run
We plan moves on fixed-deck and detachable-gooseneck low loaders in two- and three-axle layouts. Two-axle units cover the bulk of mid-size plant — 20 to 40-tonne excavators, graders, skid steers. Three-axle units take the heavier end — 45 to 60-tonne excavators and larger dozers. For machines beyond that we move to a platform float or add a jinker.
Axle mass and when we add a jinker
Every axle group has a legal mass limit. When a heavy machine concentrates weight over a short deck, the rear axle group can exceed its limit even though the total payload is within the trailer's rating. Adding a jinker — a rear auxiliary axle group — spreads the load across more axles and brings the combination back within mass limits. It's the difference between a legal move and one that can't travel at all.
Brisbane bridge clearances and corridors
Loaded height is what most often routes a low loader move. We plan around the posted clearances on the Gateway Motorway viaducts, the Ipswich Motorway overpasses, the Story Bridge and Captain Cook Bridge approaches, and the rail bridges through Acacia Ridge and Salisbury. When a route is tight on clearance we either drop to a lower-deck trailer or detour via a higher-clearance corridor — the Logan Motorway and the Port of Brisbane access roads generally give more headroom than the inner-city viaducts.
Permit and escort triggers
A low loader move becomes oversize when width exceeds 2.5m, when overall loaded height pushes past 4.3m, or when rear overhang is significant. Width between 2.5m and 3.5m usually needs a permit and may need one pilot; beyond 3.5m the escort and NHVR access requirements step up. We assess each load against the route before quoting — the same machine can be a permit-only move on one route and a two-pilot move on another.
What we move on a low loader
Excavators (20–60 tonne), dozers, graders, wheel loaders, skid steers, backhoes, compactors, pavers, small cranes, telehandlers, and over-height items that won't clear a flat-top. If it's earthmoving or construction plant and it rolls or crawls, a low loader is usually the answer.
When we escalate to a platform float
Once a machine pushes past about 60 tonnes, or the load is both heavy and wide, a low loader runs out of deck and axle capacity. That's where we move to a platform float — a wide, flat, multi-axle deck built for mass and width together. We'll tell you straight up which trailer your load needs when you request a quote.
SEQ operating notes
Low loader work in Brisbane concentrates on the Acacia Ridge–Richlands industrial strip, the Port of Brisbane pre-cleared area, the Yatala enterprise corridor, and site deliveries across the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Ipswich. We avoid school-zone hours and the Gateway Motorway peak (6:30–9:00am, 3:30–6:30pm) for over-dimensional moves where possible, and we plan port pickups around vessel discharge and pre-cleared cargo windows.
Frequently asked questions
What size excavator fits a low loader?
Two-axle low loaders handle 20–40 tonne excavators; three-axle units take 45–60 tonne machines. Beyond that we move to a platform float or add a jinker. We confirm the trailer against your machine's operating weight and dimensions when you request a quote.
Does a low loader move need a permit?
When width exceeds 2.5m, loaded height pushes past 4.3m, or rear overhang is significant, yes. Width 2.5–3.5m usually needs a permit and may need one pilot; over 3.5m the escort and NHVR access requirements step up.
What's a detachable gooseneck and when do I need one?
A detachable gooseneck drops the deck to ground level so tracked machines can drive or winch straight on. You need it for tracked excavators, dozers and loaders that can't climb a steep ramp, or items with no ramp capability.
How does loaded height affect the route?
Most low loader moves are routed by height, not weight. We plan around posted clearances on the Gateway and Ipswich Motorway viaducts, the Story and Captain Cook Bridge approaches, and inner-city rail bridges. Where clearance is tight we drop to a lower deck or detour via a higher-clearance corridor.
How do I get a quote?
Send the machine or load dimensions and weight, and the pickup-to-delivery route. We'll confirm the low loader configuration, permit plan and a free quote. Call 0489 953 607 or use the quote form.
Specifications are indicative only and not a guarantee of any particular unit's capacity. Final trailer selection is assessed per load.
Plan your move on a low loaders
Tell us the load, the dimensions and the pickup-to-delivery route. We'll confirm whether a low loaders is the right trailer, plan the permit and pilot, and give you a free quote.