Platform floats carry the heaviest, widest and most awkward oversize loads — transformers, large mining modules and wide plant that needs a flat, full-width deck.
Built for mass and width
A platform float is a wide, flat-deck multi-axle trailer designed for loads that are both heavy and over-dimensional. Where a low loader runs out of deck or axle capacity, the platform float takes over — typically with three or more axles, sometimes with a steerable rear group to negotiate tight SEQ roundabouts and site entrances.
Axle lines and load spreading
A platform float carries mass by spreading it across many axles — three, four, six or more — so each axle group stays within legal mass limits and within the rating of every bridge and pavement structure on the route. The more axles, the heavier the load we can move legally. For the heaviest transformers and mining modules we run multi-axle combinations with a jeep dolly and steerable rear together.
Steerable rear and jeep dollies
For loads over about 80 tonnes we add a jeep dolly at the front and may run a steerable rear to keep the prime mover and trailer within axle-mass limits and to manage swept path. This is the configuration we plan for transformer transport, large mining equipment transport and heavy precast concrete transport.
Bridge and pavement ratings
Over-mass moves on a platform float require the load's axle weights checked against every bridge and pavement structure on the route. Where a structure is under-rated we revise the route — sometimes a long detour to avoid one bridge. This is the engineering step that gates most large platform float moves, and it's why lead time matters more than equipment.
Swept path and site access
A long, wide platform float combination has a large swept path. We survey the route for tight roundabouts, narrow bridges and site entrance geometry — particularly at the Port of Brisbane, substation entries, and mine gates west of Toowoomba. A steerable rear helps, but some turns still mean a detour or a traffic-managed move.
Permit, pilot and route survey
Platform float loads are almost always oversize and often OSOM. Expect NHVR access permits, a route survey, and a pilot escort plan — frequently two or more pilots and, for the largest moves, a police escort or traffic management plan. Lead time matters: we book permits early and confirm corridor access with port and mine gate scheduling.
Where we run them
Platform float work concentrates on the Port of Brisbane (imported transformers and mining modules), the Yatala–Brisbane industrial corridor, and outbound moves to western power and mining sites via Toowoomba and the Warrego Highway.
What we move on a platform float
Distribution and power transformers, substation buildings and switchgear, large mining modules and haul-truck bodies, heavy precast and bridge segments, and wide plant that exceeds a low loader's deck. If it's heavy, wide and awkward, a platform float is usually the answer.
Frequently asked questions
What weight needs a platform float?
Typically from about 60 tonnes up — transformers, mining modules, large precast and wide plant. Below that a low loader often suffices. We confirm the combination against your load's weight and dimensions when you request a quote.
What's a steerable rear and why does it matter?
A steerable rear axle group lets the back of a long, wide combination track through tight SEQ roundabouts and site entrances that a fixed-axle trailer can't negotiate. It's standard on the larger platform float moves.
Do platform float moves need a police escort?
The largest often do, plus a multi-pilot plan and traffic management. We coordinate QPS and align with port, substation or mine gate scheduling where required.
How much lead time does a platform float move need?
Permits and bridge assessments can take days to weeks. We book early and confirm corridor access with the Port of Brisbane and western mine and power sites via Toowoomba and the Warrego Highway.
How do I get a quote?
Send the load weight and dimensions, the pickup and the delivery destination. We'll engineer the float combination, plan permits and escorts and give you 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 platform floats
Tell us the load, the dimensions and the pickup-to-delivery route. We'll confirm whether a platform floats is the right trailer, plan the permit and pilot, and give you a free quote.