Low Loader Brisbane
Low loader plant transport across Brisbane and SEQ — the workhorse trailer for earthmoving plant and over-height loads, with our own trailers and drivers.
The low loader is the workhorse of Brisbane's oversize and plant transport market. Its low deck height — typically 600–800mm loaded — keeps the load's centre of gravity low and the overall height manageable, which is why it carries the bulk of the city's excavators, dozers, graders and over-height plant. A detachable gooseneck lets tracked machines load straight onto the deck without a ramp. For heavier machines we add a jinker or step up to a 3-axle. We provide low loader transport as a service — our own trailers, prime movers and drivers moving your plant and loads across SEQ. We don't dry-hire or rent trailers.
Why a low loader
A low loader drops the load close to the road, keeping the centre of gravity low and the overall height down. That matters in Brisbane where bridge clearances on the Gateway Motorway, Ipswich Motorway and inner-city viaducts can rule out a flat-top for anything over about 4.3 metres. For most earthmoving and construction plant moving within SEQ, a low loader is the right trailer — and the low deck is what lets over-height plant travel at all.
Fleet specs — deck height, length and payload ranges
Our low loaders run decks as low as 600–800mm loaded, in 2-axle and 3-axle layouts, in fixed-deck and detachable-gooseneck configurations. Indicative specs: a 2-axle low loader runs a deck around 12–13m with a payload up to roughly 25–30 tonnes; a 3-axle low loader runs a similar deck length with a payload in the 30–50 tonne band; a 3-axle with a jinker extends the payload spread for machines at the top of that band. Deck length can extend to around 16m on extendable decks for longer machines. Above 50 tonnes we step up to a platform float. These are specifications only — every move is quoted on the machine, the route and the permit. We pick the configuration against your machine's weight, width, height and length, not a default.
Detachable gooseneck and tracked loading
A detachable-gooseneck low loader drops the deck to ground level so a tracked machine can be driven or winched straight on — essential for tracked excavators, dozers and loaders that can't climb a ramp, and for machines with low ground clearance. The gooseneck reconnects for travel and the tie-down is engineered chain-and-tensioned to the machine's lift points. Wheeled machines can often drive on, but the low deck still matters for over-height items.
What moves on a low loader
Excavators (mini through 50-tonne+ mass excavators), dozers, graders, wheel loaders, skid steers, compactors and rollers, transportable buildings, over-height plant, and mid-weight precast and steel. For pure heavy mass — transformers, mining modules — we step you up to a platform float; for long loads — structural steel, long precast — to an extendable drop deck. The low loader is where most SEQ plant moves start.
Permit and escort triggers
A low loader move becomes oversize when width exceeds 2.5m, height pushes past 4.3m, or rear overhang is significant. Width 2.5–3.5m usually needs a Class 1 NHVR access permit and may need one pilot; beyond 3.5m the escort and access requirements step up. We classify the load, lodge the permit and size the pilot plan as part of the move — you give us the machine and the route, we handle the compliance.
SEQ operating notes
Low loader work in Brisbane peaks around the Acacia Ridge–Richlands industrial strip, the Port of Brisbane (imported plant), and the Yatala enterprise corridor, with outbound moves to Ipswich and Toowoomba. We avoid school-zone hours and the 6:30–9:00am and 3:30–6:30pm peaks for over-dimensional moves, and we plan port pickups around vessel discharge windows. Many civil sites need plant delivered outside working hours or through a specific heavy-vehicle entry.
Transport, not hire
We provide low loader transport as a complete service — the trailer, the prime mover, the driver, the permit and the pilot plan, all together. We don't dry-hire, rent or lease trailers, and we don't send a trailer out without our own crew. If you need a load moved in Brisbane or SEQ, we plan and run the move end to end.
Get it quoted
Send the machine or load dimensions and weight, and the pickup-to-delivery route. We'll confirm the low loader configuration, the permit plan and a free, no-obligation quote for your SEQ move. Call 0489 953 607 or use the quote form.
Frequently asked questions
Do you hire out low loaders?
No — we provide low loader transport as a service, with our own trailers, prime movers and drivers. We don't dry-hire, rent or lease trailers. If you need a load moved in Brisbane or SEQ, we plan and run the move end to end.
What loads suit a low loader?
Earthmoving and construction plant — excavators, dozers, graders, loaders, rollers — plus transportable buildings and over-height items. The low deck (600–800mm) keeps the centre of gravity low and overall height manageable.
What's a detachable gooseneck?
A gooseneck that detaches and drops the deck to ground level so a tracked machine can be driven or winched straight on — essential for tracked plant and machines with low ground clearance.
When do I need a 3-axle low loader?
For machines from about 30 tonnes up, or where a 2-axle would exceed axle mass limits. A 2-axle typically covers up to about 25–30 tonnes; above 50 tonnes we step up to a platform float or add a jinker. Final selection is assessed per load.
Does a low loader move need a permit?
When width exceeds 2.5m, height over 4.3m, or rear overhang is significant, yes — it becomes a Class 1 NHVR access permit. We handle the permit and pilot plan as part of the move.
What areas do you cover with low loader transport?
Brisbane and SEQ — the Acacia Ridge–Richlands industrial belt, the Port of Brisbane, Yatala, Ipswich, Toowoomba and the SEQ fringe. If your move is outside SEQ we'll tell you rather than overpromise.
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, no-obligation quote. Call 0489 953 607 or use the quote form.