MOWING AND MAINTENANCE
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TRAILER SAFETY TIPS
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Tips to ensure safe working conditions with heavy-haul trailers.
afety is a top priority on any jobsite. Moving loads from one site to another comes with a great deal of responsibility, as does does loading and offloading equipment. How can safety be ensured? It all comes down to the load and the road. Here are a few things to consider.
contractors looking to move larger-capacity equipment, such as small dozers and excavators, opting for a 10- 30-ton selfcleaning tag-a-long trailer or wood deck beavertail trailer design with ramps or a lift and deck style is a common choice. These trailers are capable of carrying multiple pieces of equipment, and the ramps provide easy loading and unloading. It can also handle rough road conditions, like those found in new developments and remote areas, and offer safety ratings.
Choose Wisely A landscaping contractor’s first safety consideration should be choosing a trailer that’s built for their operation’s specific load requirements, especially if multiple pieces of equipment are being transported on the same trailer. A trailer designed to handle the load safely eliminates the risk of structural failure as well as associated accidents and injuries. To ensure safe operation, it’s best to start with a trailer from a high-quality manufacturer that emphasizes safety and durability from engineering through production. For landscape
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022
Consider the Load Another safety feature to consider is the trailer’s center of gravity to maintain load integrity and securement with each haul. For example, some trailer manufacturers offer a loaded deck height of 32.25 inches, which is up to 2 inches lower than other models. This design provides a lower center of gravity, allowing operators to safely transport
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