Other For Sale in United Kingdom

Farmers also regularly rely on specialised trailers to handle specific tasks effortlessly. Any of the following types of trailers will increase productivity and efficiency when used properly.

ATV Trailers

Small, nimble and built to last, ATV trailers are the perfect solution to any small-scale haulage issue that might be encountered on the farm. So rather than having to use a tractor or other large piece of machinery to cart loose materials and other loads around, this type of trailer can be hooked up to an ATV and make short work of a variety of tasks. From lugging lighter equipment to moving livestock, a quality used ATV trailer will be a valuable asset to your organisation. The specialisation of this type of trailer will come when looking at the rest of its features and design decisions. For example, an ATV trailer may come with rigid metal sides reaching up to a metre or more from the bed of the trailer, or it may feature mesh sides which are lighter but also more likely to let fine, loose materials slip through.

Bale Trailers

Bale trailers will be an asset to a number of agricultural organisations and operators, as they provide the most effective way to transport fodder thanks to their design. Different bale trailers are set up to accommodate different bale shapes, depending on your needs. So, when buying a used model it is necessary to establish the dimensions, load properties and other key features so as to assess its suitability.

A basic bale trailer will be a single-axle flatbed unit, often with no sides and basic articulation so that it can be harnessed to a tractor for the short-range transport of angular bales. These are the most affordable options available, although modern models which feature the addition of convenient extras such as spring-assisted or even hydraulic ramps at the rear can help with loading and unloading. Pneumatic or hydraulic brakes add stopping power and improve safety, while a parking brake can keep the trailer in place when not in motion. If you are planning to take a bale trailer out on public roads, then it will need to be kitted out with the right equipment to ensure that this is all legal. Larger bale trailers which retain the standard flatbed setup will come with an additional axle for improved stability and load-bearing potential.

Dropside Trailers

Dropside trailers make a good addition to any agricultural operation that needs to transport bales, loose loads and other materials in a flexible container that is built for efficient loading and unloading. A standard dropside trailer will usually feature rigid panels around all four sides, with some or all of these being removable to allow items or materials to be loaded or unloaded in as little time as possible. A dropside trailer may be a good item to pair with a mini excavator or backhoe loader when managing earthworks, for example. Other dropside trailer features to look out for include a tipper mechanism, which allows the whole unit to be pivoted on a hinge and thus deposit a loose load in a fraction of the time it might take otherwise.

Dumper Trailers

Dumper trailers can be very useful for agricultural work, providing an all-purpose platform for the loading, transport and depositing of materials of all kinds. Whether carrying soil and rubble or collecting crops, a dumper trailer should be able to handle whatever you throw at it. And with used models available, getting an affordable dumper trailer is entirely possible. Agricultural models tend to be sturdier and better equipped for use on rough terrain than standard dumper trailers, so make sure you select a unit that has been designed with farming in mind.

You should also look at the number of axles and the type of tyres used on any second-hand dumper trailer. Most agricultural models will come with two axles at the rear and utilise tyres capable of gaining traction even when being used on muddy fields or loose surfaces. You may also want to look at models which feature lights, which will make them legal for use on public roads.

Flatbed Trailers

The flatbed trailer is one of the simple workhorses of the farm. Hooked up to a tractor, they are used extensively as a simple transport solution for hay bales and all manner of produce. Flatbed trailers can also be used to transport heavy items, such as plant and farm machinery. The size of flatbed trailers varies widely, with some trailers reaching 12 metres in length. Load capacity is similarly varied, with flatbed trailers reaching gross weights of 26 tonnes and carrying capacities of more than 20 tonnes.

Many flatbed trailers offer multiple axles for better weight distribution. More sophisticated models can have turntable axles for great manoeuvrability. Larger trailers will have independent braking systems and heavy-duty suspension for more stable and safer transporting. Enclosure mechanisms are another area for consideration. One of the simplest retention mechanisms is simply to have hooks spaced along the sides of the flatbed. These allow loads to be retained by means of ropes or nets. Although simple, this can be an effective way of ensuring the safety of your loads. It is also one of the most economical.

Some of the larger agricultural manufacturers offer flatbed trailers, but there are also some excellent specialist firms such as Rolland in France and MAC trailers here in the UK. The specialists offer a wider range, with sizes and load capabilities to suit most situations. The manufacturers know that these flatbed trailers will have tough working lives, so they are built to last.

Low Loaders

Low loaders are trailers that many farms require in order to move oversized machinery along public roads. With two or three axles, beavertail ramps and a variety of suspension setups, low loaders can accommodate tractors, balers and other equipment which would otherwise present issues as a result of the height reached when placed on a standard flatbed trailer. Low loaders with integrated ramps are especially convenient because they allow wheeled or tracked machines to be loaded on to the trailer without having to be hoisted by a separate piece of equipment. There are different ramps setups to consider, with standard mechanical or sprung ramps being more basic but offering less automation for operators. Meanwhile, hydraulically operated ramps are available on certain models.

Other low loader features to look out for include the availability of an integrated toolbox, which can help with maintenance when on the move. Hydraulic disc brakes can improve the stopping power of a particular model when compared with standard drum brakes, but expect the price to increase according to the additional capabilities. Low loader trailers are built by a number of brands, including Chieftain, Rolland and JPM. If you have a particular preference or prior experience with a particular firm, then this might influence your choice. Ultimately, you will need to pick a trailer with the right length and load capacity for the equipment you need to transport.

Tanker Trailers

Tanker trailers can be found on many farms and allow a range of materials and substances to be collected, contained and transported conveniently, whether on journeys to the other side of the site or the other side of the country. Used tankers come in various sizes and specifications, from vacuum-sealed units to fuel bowsers.

Tankers for fuel storage and supply are available for agricultural use, with small but effective 2,000 litre models providing a convenient way to transport diesel or other substances. These tankers can come equipped with various features to make them road-legal for use on public highways. They will also generally feature an electric pump which speeds up the flow of fuel. Larger vacuum tankers may serve a range of purposes on the farm, with capacities ranging from 4,000 to 10,000 litres. Typically they may be deployed to contain and distribute slurry, which means they are designed for use off-road, and this is reflected through the heavy-duty design of the frame as well as the inclusion of tyres that can gain traction even if the ground is slippery and inhospitable. Vacuum tankers may offer multiple access points for convenience of loading and unloading, while also featuring integrated pumps.

Tipping Trailers

Tipping trailers are robust machines designed to transport all manner of materials around the farm and beyond. They are available in a large range of sizes to suit a host of applications and can come with additional features, such as drop sides, to enhance their utility.

Tipping trailers are rugged and basic tools, but there are still a number of factors to consider in your selection. The first and most obvious of these is size. The trailer must be large enough to handle the sorts of loads you will be carrying. It must also be rated for the weight of those loads.

The tip angle is also an important factor. It must be steep enough to discharge the load safely and efficiently. The tipping mechanism itself is the heart of the tipping trailer. The hydraulic ram must be up to the job of tipping a full load, so it should be inspected thoroughly before purchase. Some tipping trailer models will also have a hydraulic door and this too should be checked for smooth operation and for adequate size of clearance to allow the easy tipping of the load.

With a little care in checking and selection, a used tipping trailer is capable of almost unlimited service for many years to come.