When it comes to buying trailers, customers have the advantage of so much variety. Indeed, there are trailers that will be better suited for a specific purpose, and others that offer all-around versatility. Box trailers for example have multiple uses, and in bigger heavy-duty variants find their mark in all things mining. They have ample space, are easy to load and tow and are well-built both for the road or the bush. A sound general-purpose trailer. If you’re hauling machinery to your worksite, this and other equipment might be better served with plant trailers or scissor lifts. And when carrying large quantities of earth for sampling, a trailer equipped with hydraulic tipping can speed things up. These are just some of the instances of mining trailers, used both in small and large scale mining operations.
Box Trailers
Box trailers are the traditional trailer choice for a wide variety of professions. They’re practical, affordable and can be specced with the features that you’ll use most. For mining purposes, tandem axle box trailers are the ones most customers go for. They’re sturdy, featuring a reinforced chassis made of galvanised steel, so will haul anything you load with ease. The tandem axle bears a high loading weight, up to 3 tons, and can be optioned with rocker suspension for better weight distribution and easier rolling along uneven terrain. Electric brakes can also help with safety, and inspire confidence when towing. The sides are high enough to safely haul any load, so equipment and machinery are well catered to. These can be tied down to the welded tying points in the trailer bed. If you need a non-slip surface, there’s also the option of a checker plate aluminium floor.
So, good all-around standard specs. Extra include mesh wire cages for added protection, and things like ladder racks and swivel jockey wheels for versatility and easy handling. Aussie built box trailers include at least 3 years warranty, and some manufacturers offer roadside assistance if you get in trouble.
Hydraulic Tipping Trailers
These are some of the mining trailers that see a lot of use. They’re essentially heavy-duty box trailers with a tandem axle setup and fitted hydraulic ram. This allows you to easily haul large quantities of soil or earth, and unload it within a matter of seconds. Hydraulic tippers can be optioned to 3.5 tons and the arm has 4 stage operation and a minimum of 45 degrees tilt, allowing for safety, speed and convenience. The battery-powered plant is safely tucked in its own compartment right in front of the extra-long drawbar. Side and rear bars are reinforced throughout and heavy-duty latches allow you to lock the body. The rear crossbar is removable for easier loading and unloading.
Plant and Scissor Lift Trailers
Tandem axle plant and scissor lift trailers are more specialised mining trailers used to transport machinery to and within the mining site. This includes excavators, bobcats, loaders and scissor lifts. Standard trailers can haul weights of up to 4.5 tons, come in the same rugged build as other dual axle trailers, and have heavy-duty fold-down ramps for quick and safe loading.
Water Cartage Trailers
Water is a necessity anywhere, but especially in mining. With sites often located far from available water sources, water cartage trailers are a godsend. Larger units can carry up to 4000 litres contained in a puncture-proof polyethylene tank. The trailers are appointed with either petrol or diesel pumps and a range of hose reels. Other trailers used for mining purposes include universal flatbeds for transporting vehicles, enclosed trailers for crew and safeguarding expensive equipment and higher spec off-roading trailers with sturdier build and uprated suspension.
Things to Consider Before Buying
When buying a trailer specifically for mining purposes, there are a few things to consider:
- What you will be hauling or transporting. Getting the trailer for your intended purpose will save you time and money in the long run. Think of the features you need when transporting equipment, like floor bed constructions, high sides and tying points to ensure that any machinery makes it to the worksite unscathed. If you’re worried about the weather or theft, then consider an enclosed trailer as an alternative. Also consider side fenders for added protection, especially off-road and in rural areas. List all the features you need, and get them at the point of sale.
- The weight of your cargo. Trailers can be optioned in various axle setups to handle different loads. Smaller and simpler trailers come in single axle setups, whereas for more serious applications go for a tandem axle trailer. This will also have better suspension. If your job is off-road, then a heavy-duty off-road trailer with bigger wheels, a longer drawbar and a tougher build is what you’ll need.
- The vehicle doing the hauling. There’s no use buying the biggest trailer if you don’t have the right means to tow it. Bigger and gruntier utes can haul up to 3.5 tons, but you’ll need something with more pull for bigger mining trailers rated over that weight.
- Price – Mining trailers are available from a handful of trailer builders nationwide. Think of the type, size and extras you need in a trailer and do some browsing before buying. Prices can vary among builders, but typically reflect differences in build and features. You can also customise the trailer to your needs and have it delivered.
