What Is a Plant Trailer?
A plant trailer, also known as a machinery trailer, is a purpose-built trailer designed for transporting heavy equipment such as mini excavators, trenchers, skid steers, and loaders. Unlike standard trailers, plant trailers are engineered to support high-concentration loads, offer a low loading height, and provide enhanced safety for towing heavy machinery.
Century Trailers offers a wide selection of plant trailers to suit various industries including construction, landscaping, earthworks, and rural transport. You can explore the full range on our Plant Trailers page.
Key Features to Consider
When selecting a plant trailer, it’s important to assess its suitability for your machinery and operating conditions. Below are the most critical features to evaluate:
Load Capacity
The Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) rating determines how much total weight the trailer can legally carry, including its own weight. Century Trailers offers plant trailers rated from 3.5 tonnes and up, which can accommodate compact construction equipment, landscaping machinery, and more.
Always weigh your machine (including fuel and attachments) and ensure your trailer has ample capacity with margin for safety.
Axles and Suspension
Tandem axles are the preferred choice for most plant trailers. They distribute weight more evenly and provide better stability when towing. At Century Trailers, our plant trailers are built with load-sharing suspension systems and heavy-duty axles to support consistent performance under rugged conditions.
Ramp Design
Loading ramps must be strong, safe, and easy to operate. Look for:
Reinforced steel ramps
Non-slip checker plate surface
Beavertail or spring-assisted fold-down mechanisms for reduced loading angles
Our plant trailers are equipped with robust rear ramps designed for quick loading of tracked or wheeled equipment.
Tie-Down Points and Anchor Systems
Proper load security is critical for legal and safe towing. Century plant trailers include multiple heavy-duty tie-down points to accommodate ratchet straps, chains, and hooks. These secure anchor systems reduce movement and vibration while transporting machinery.
Deck Construction
All our plant trailers feature low-profile decks made with galvanised steel checker plate, engineered to support point loads without flexing. Galvanising also provides long-term protection against rust, especially in wet or coastal environments.
Single Axle vs Tandem Axle Plant Trailers
While tandem axle configurations are common for plant trailers, certain lighter-duty needs may be met with a single axle.
Single Axle Trailers:
Lower tare weight
More affordable
Easier to manoeuvre
Suitable for lighter machinery and short-distance transport
Tandem Axle Trailers:
Higher load capacity
Better handling at highway speeds
Smoother ride and improved safety
Ideal for regular commercial or rural use
For most machinery transport applications, a tandem axle trailer provides greater reliability and peace of mind.
Legal and Safety Compliance
Plant trailers over 2 tonnes must be fitted with braking systems in accordance with Australian Design Rules (ADR). Century Trailers offers electric or hydraulic brake systems along with breakaway kits for added protection.
All trailers are manufactured to comply with:
ADR and DOT standards
State-specific registration and towing requirements
Load restraint guidelines for heavy equipment
Ensure your towing vehicle is properly rated to handle both the trailer and the loaded machinery. Our team can assist with verifying towing compatibility.
Built for Australian Conditions
Australian terrain is unforgiving, and machinery transport requires trailers that can handle harsh conditions. Century plant trailers are:
Manufactured from hot-dipped galvanised steel
Reinforced with heavy-duty cross members and side rails
Equipped with high-quality wheels, axles, and suspension
Designed to perform reliably across worksites, farms, and highways
Optional accessories like spare wheel mounts, toolboxes, hydraulic tilt kits, or custom deck lengths can be added to meet your specific operational needs.
Why Choose Century Trailers
Century Trailers is one of Queensland’s leading trailer manufacturers, offering a full range of plant and machinery trailers. With over a decade of experience, we’re committed to providing trailers that are:
Built tough for professional use
Customisable to your machinery and workflow
Supported by reliable customer service and after-sales support
Available with factory-direct pricing and fast Australia-wide delivery
We also provide on-site servicing, parts replacement, and trailer finance options.
Explore Our Plant Trailer Range
Browse our complete range of plant trailers and learn more about available features, load capacities, and pricing on our Machinery Trailers page.
Need help choosing the right trailer? Contact our team for personalised advice or visit our showroom in Brisbane. We’ll help you match the best trailer for your equipment and business.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right plant trailer is essential for safety, efficiency, and protecting your investment in machinery. Whether you’re in construction, earthworks, or landscaping, Century Trailers has the equipment transport solution you need. Strong, stable, and built for tough conditions—our trailers are ready for work when you are.