Low loader Low-Loaders

Frequently asked questions

• How much does a used low-loader cost?+

  Used low-loaders range from €18,000 + VAT (basic 2-axle European models 2010-2014) to €120,000 + VAT (extendable 5-axle recent Faymonville/Goldhofer with dolly). A 3-axle Doll/Nooteboom low-loader from 2016-2019 with hydraulic ramps and gooseneck is around €35,000-65,000. Extendable up to 30m platforms exceed €80,000. Coatrucks publishes ex-VAT prices with full specs.
• Doll, Faymonville, Goldhofer, Nooteboom: which brand to choose?+

  Doll (Germany) leader in modular extendable platforms and semi-low-loaders for construction. Faymonville (Belgium) reference in car-carriers and multi-axles for oversized loads. Goldhofer (Germany) specialist in heavy tonnage transport (>100t) with hydraulic modules. Nooteboom (Netherlands) excellent price-performance in mid-high range. All four have service networks in Spain with parts available.
• Extendable vs non-extendable low-loader: which to choose?+

  Extendable (up to 21-30m via telescoping or modules) for wind blades, beams, long cranes, precast concrete. Non-extendable for compact heavy machinery (30-50t excavators, dumpers, large wheels). Extendable is 30-50% more expensive but enables impossible jobs with fixed low-loader. For general construction transport: non-extendable. For special transport: extendable.
• How many axles do I need: 2, 3, 4 or 5?+

  2 axles: loads up to 28-32t (small excavator, loaders, mini-loaders). 3 axles: 35-45t loads, best-seller for mid-construction machinery (25-40t excavators, dumpers). 4 axles: 50-65t loads (tower cranes, large generators). 5+ axles and hydraulic modules: loads >70t and special transport (wind turbines, transformers, giant precast). More axles = better distribution but more kerb and permits.
• Machine carrier for excavators, cranes or wind blades: which setup?+

  20-40t excavators: 3-axle low-loader with hydraulic or piano ramps. Disassembled tower cranes: 3-4 axle extendable with long ramps. Wind blades (40-80m): special extendables blade-extender or dolly tow. Generators and transformers: Goldhofer/Faymonville hydraulic modules with interchangeable gooseneck. Each application has dedicated low-loader — ask us for info.
• What permits do I need for special transport?+

  In Spain, any transport exceeding 16.5m length, 2.55m width, 4m height or 40t weight requires special permit. Occasional permit (single trip) or generic (multiple trips/year). Loads >3m width require pilot car, >3.5m + Civil Guard. AETC permits for international oversize. Coatrucks advises on paperwork and knows carriers with homologated fleet for delivery with permits included.
• Low-bed vs standard lowboy: difference?+

  Low-bed (semi-low-loader): loading height 80-95cm from ground, for machinery fitting standard 4m height gauge. Standard low-loader: height 50-65cm, for tall machinery or 4.5m+ gauge that doesn't fit in low-bed. Lowboy/step-deck: intermediate stepped configuration. Choice depends on transported good's height and tunnels/bridges en route. Coatrucks stocks both setups.
• Hydraulic systems: ramps, gooseneck, steering axle, what are they?+

  Hydraulic ramps: motorized for loading machinery without separate plank. Hydraulic gooseneck: detachable front articulation so machine drives onto deck from front. Steering/electronic axles: auto-pivot when turning (Faymonville Combi-MAX, Goldhofer THP) for tight radii. Hydraulic suspension: individual axle height adjustment. More systems = more capability but more maintenance.
• Maintenance: Doll/SAF axles, suspension, brakes?+

  Doll, BPW or SAF axles: bearing service every 200,000 km, oil change every 500,000 km. Hydraulic suspension: annual pressure/leak check. Disc/drum brakes with ABS/EBS: pads by usage, discs every 4-6 years. Hydraulic systems: annual oil change + filters. Ramps: joint lubrication every 3 months. Coatrucks fully inspects the hydraulic system before delivery.
• How often does a low-loader need MOT?+

  In Spain, MOT (ITV) is annual on low-loaders/trailers from year one. They inspect chassis, axles, brakes on bench, suspension, lights, tyres, hydraulic ramps, lifting systems and king pin plate. For low-loaders with special equipment (hydraulic gooseneck, steering axles) they check the systems. Coatrucks delivers with passed MOT and current documentation.
• Do you deliver low-loaders anywhere in Spain and Europe?+

  Yes. Delivery across Spain from Lleida with dedicated tractor: Madrid (4h), Valencia (3h), Seville (8h), Barcelona (2h), Bilbao (5h), Málaga (9h). For Europe: France 24-48h, Portugal 24h, Italy 2-3 days, Germany 3-4 days. Low-loaders travel with our tractor or convoy. Request exact quote with any inquiry.
• Is there warranty and financing on used low-loaders?+

  Legal 1-year warranty to private buyer, contractual in B2B. Coatrucks offers full pre-delivery inspection as standard and optional extended mechanical warranty (including hydraulic system). Financing: BBVA Autorenting, Santander Consumer, BNP Paribas Leasing — 36-60 months, 20-30% deposit (low-loaders require higher deposit). Also operating leasing. Request simulation.