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Load levelers, also known as load equalizers or deck levelers, are essential tools for anyone involved in the transportation industry. These devices help distribute the weight of cargo evenly across the trailer, preventing damage to the cargo and ensuring safe and efficient transportation.
What is a Step Deck Trailer?
A step deck trailer, also known as a drop deck trailer or lowboy, is a type of flatbed trailer that has a lower deck for transporting taller loads. The lower deck allows for more clearance height, making it easier to transport taller cargo such as heavy machinery, vehicles, and equipment.
Why Use Load Levelers for Step Deck Trailers?
Step deck trailers are often used to transport heavy loads that require a lower center of gravity. However, simply loading the cargo onto the trailer is not enough to ensure safe transportation. The weight distribution of the cargo needs to be carefully managed to prevent damage to the cargo and the trailer.
Load levelers are used to distribute the weight of the cargo evenly across the trailer. By doing so, load levelers prevent excessive weight from being concentrated on certain parts of the trailer, which can cause damage or even result in a trailer tipping over.
How Do Load Levelers Work?
Load levelers work by adjusting the height of the cargo on the trailer. Most load levelers are hydraulic or pneumatic, and they use a mechanism to adjust the height of the cargo as needed.
The load leveler is typically attached to the trailer and is operated from the ground. The operator can adjust the height of the load using a remote control or a hand pump, depending on the type of load leveler.
Benefits of Using Load Levelers for Step Deck Trailers
Using load levelers for step deck trailers has several benefits:
- Prevents damage to the cargo and the trailer
- Reduces the risk of accidents caused by uneven weight distribution
- Improves fuel efficiency by reducing the overall weight of the trailer
- Increases the lifespan of the trailer by reducing wear and tear on the suspension system
- Saves time and money by reducing the need for repairs and maintenance
Types of Load Levelers
There are several types of load levelers available for step deck trailers:
- Hydraulic load levelers: These use hydraulic pressure to adjust the height of the load. They are typically more expensive but are faster and easier to operate.
- Pneumatic load levelers: These use compressed air to adjust the height of the load. They are less expensive but require more maintenance and can be slower to operate.
- Mechanical load levelers: These use a mechanical mechanism to adjust the height of the load. They are the least expensive but require the most maintenance and can be the slowest to operate.
Choosing the Right Load Leveler
Choosing the right load leveler for your step deck trailer depends on several factors:
- The type of cargo you will be transporting
- The weight of the cargo
- The size and weight of your trailer
- Your budget
It is important to choose a load leveler that can handle the weight and size of your cargo, as well as the weight and size of your trailer.
Conclusion
Load levelers are essential tools for anyone involved in the transportation industry. They help distribute the weight of cargo evenly across the trailer, preventing damage to the cargo and ensuring safe and efficient transportation. By choosing the right load leveler for your step deck trailer, you can improve the safety, efficiency, and lifespan of your trailer, as well as save time and money on repairs and maintenance.