Flatbed trucks

Modern realities show us how dependent many areas of the world around us are on specialized equipment. In supply and replenishment, transportation, construction, flatbed trucks turn out to be indispensable. With a lighter trailer, these vehicles are much easier to load/unload, and due to their lighter weight, they have a greater tonnage for transportation.

What are flatbed trucks?

First, they should be distinguished by tonnage. Flatbed trucks for sale are presented in various load classes, because almost any drop side truck can serve as a chassis for this type of equipment. According to their carrying capacity, they can be divided into three categories:

• low-tonnage - up to 3 tons;
• medium-tonnage - from 3 to 7 tons;
• large-capacity - from 7 t.

Cars of different carrying capacity, respectively, are designed to transport different types of cargo, including bulky ones. An open body type and a lower side height make cargo transportation the most unsafe, so the carrier must take care of the correct and reliable fastening of the cargo on the platform.

Secondly, the presence of additional manipulators. For ease of operation and safe transportation of cargo, the drop side truck can be retrofitted, for example, with a hydraulic body lift or a crane. The presence of this facilitates the loading and unloading of heavy loads. The control is carried out by the driver from the cab. Combining a truck crane and a drop side truck, this technique saves time and money for loading and unloading operations.

Thirdly, the possibility of installing an awning. Often, owners use a rubberized awning. Some owners use a removable frame with an awning for flatbed trucks, thus trying to save on the purchase of specialized equipment for a tarpaulin truck, which is based on an onboard body type on which a frame covered with an awning is installed. The advantage of such a body is lightness. Unlike all-metal and other body types, the awning does not make the structure heavier, so the carrying capacity of such a vehicle is higher. There are side and curtain awnings. Cargo in such vehicles is protected from the effects of precipitation and dust. There are options for a tented body with both rear and vertical and side unloading.

Fourth, buying a new or used drop side truck. With a new car, there will be much less unforeseen problems, since a used one in exchange for possible problems boasts a lower price.

You can buy flatbed trucks of famous brands MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and other ones on our marketplace Autoline. Hundreds of ads for sale from verified private sellers and official dealers are available.

What to pay attention to?

The choice of a flatbed truck depends on several factors:

• The type of cargo being transported, its mass, volume and other characteristics
• Transportation distances
• Depending on weather conditions
• Terrain features, including topography and road quality
• Budget.
• Possibility of buying a new or used drop side truck

If the car's performance is greatly inflated relative to the amount of cargo, you will endure extra fuel and maintenance costs. In this case, the technique will not pay for itself. However, it is not worth buying a car close to the mass of cargo. The flatbed truck should have a small margin in terms of carrying capacity so that the nodes do not work for wear.

If you are thinking about buying this type of commercial vehicle, then the autoline.uk marketplace is the best place, as there is a wide range of new and used flatbed trucks for sale. The accounts of all sellers are carefully checked, which allows you to create a reliable marketplace for tens of thousands of users.