Sell My Plant Trailer — Low Loaders, Step Frames and Plant Trailers UK

Plant trailers — low loaders, step frame trailers, and beavertails — are among the most actively traded pieces of heavy transport equipment in the UK. They're bought and sold by plant hire companies, hauliers, contractors, and civil engineering firms that need to move machinery between sites efficiently.

Whether you're selling a standard 3-axle low loader, an extending 4-axle with flip-toe ramps, or a simple beavertail plant trailer, this guide covers what you have, who's buying, and what it's worth in 2026.

Types of Plant Trailer We Buy

Low loaders (fixed bed) — the standard plant transport trailer. A very low bed height (typically 450–600mm) maximises headroom under bridges when carrying tall machines. 2-axle and 3-axle configurations for GVW up to 44 tonnes; 4-axle for heavier combinations.

Extending / extendable low loaders — a low loader with a hydraulic or mechanical extending bed that increases the deck length for longer loads. Essential for carrying large excavators, long plant, and abnormal loads. Most actively traded configuration in the UK plant trailer market.

Step frame trailers — similar to a low loader but with a stepped neck that allows the trailer bed to be slightly higher while maintaining low overall height. Commonly used for medium-weight plant (10–30 tonnes) and machinery.

Beavertail trailers — a flat or gooseneck-profile trailer with a hinged rear ramp that drops to ground level for loading. Lighter and simpler than a low loader; used for smaller plant (mini excavators, dumpers, rollers, skid steers).

Ballast trailers — heavy flat-deck trailers for transporting ballast, steel, and heavy bulk materials. Not primarily a plant trailer but commonly bought and sold alongside low loaders.

Major Plant Trailer Manufacturers

Nooteboom (Netherlands) — the benchmark brand in the UK low loader market; Nooteboom trailers consistently achieve the strongest resale values and are the most sought-after in the specialist used market. Key models:

• OSDS series (step-deck / beavertail): OSDS-41-03, OSDS-48-03, OSDS-73-04V — the OSDS-48-03 tri-axle is one of the most commonly traded Nooteboom trailers in the UK
• OVB series (extendable flatbed): OVB-55-03V, OVB-65-04V — 3 and 4-axle extendable flatbed configurations
• EURO-PX / EURO-PX3 — the latest Nooteboom pendulum axle low loader; used for heavy plant with best-in-class manoeuvrability

Faymonville (Belgium) — one of the most actively traded low loader brands in the UK used market, competing closely with Nooteboom. Key models:

• MultiMAX — stepframe extendable low loader; one of the most common Faymonville models in UK fleets; BPW axles, flip-toe ramps, self-tracking rear axle
• VarioMAX — semi-low-bed with flexible axle arrangements; popular for versatility across load types
• MegaMAX — for taller and bulkier abnormal loads; very low deck height

King (UK — Thatcham, Berkshire) — the most established UK-built low loader brand; King trailers are well regarded for straightforward, durable engineering and strong UK parts support. Key models:

• GTS44 — tri-axle low loader; the most commonly traded King trailer in the UK
• GTS31 — tri-axle step-frame beavertail; widely seen under smaller plant
• Slopebed — flat-bed loading variant; low overall profile
• 3-axle extending — hydraulic extending low loader; available with flip-toe and beavertail ramps

Broshuis (Netherlands) — long-established Dutch manufacturer with a loyal UK following. Key models:

• 3-axle extendable — the most commonly traded Broshuis configuration in the UK; typically fitted with a rear self-tracking axle and front lift axle
• 4-axle extendable — for heavier loads requiring additional axle capacity
• Double Extender — the most capable Broshuis configuration for very long loads

Kässbohrer (Germany) — premium German trailer engineering; growing UK presence. Key models: K.SLL (standard low loader), K.SLA (stepframe), K.SLH (hydraulic extendable).

Montracon (UK — Doncaster) — UK manufacturer with a strong presence in the flatbed and step-frame market alongside curtainsider production. Key models: MT45 and MT39 step-frame trailers; DM25 double-deck variant.

Dennison (Ireland) — Irish manufacturer well represented in the UK market. Key models: step frame, truck carrier, and extending low loader configurations.

Andover Trailers (UK) — UK-built step-frame and beavertail trailers; widely seen on smaller plant haulage operations.

What Affects Plant Trailer Value?

Brand. Nooteboom consistently commands the strongest premium in the UK — a well-maintained Nooteboom OSDS-48-03 achieves meaningfully more than a similar-spec Andover or unknown-brand trailer. Faymonville and King sit in a strong second tier.

Axle specification. BPW and SAF axles are preferred by buyers; drum or disc brakes (disc commands a slight premium). Air suspension adds value over mechanical spring suspension on all trailer types.

Ramp type and condition. Flip-toe ramps (hydraulic folding ramps that lower to the ground for loading) are the most valued ramp configuration; beavertail ramps and fixed loading ramps are also present. Ramp condition — any cracks, weld repairs, or hydraulic faults — is assessed carefully.

Neck type. A hydraulic goose-neck or hydraulic detachable neck allows the trailer bed to be lowered to ground level for self-propelled machine loading; a major premium over fixed-neck equivalents.

Outriggers. Hydraulic outrigger supports prevent trailer tip when loading heavy or unbalanced machines; their presence and condition is noted.

Self-tracking / steering rear axle. Rear self-tracking (pendulum) axles dramatically improve manoeuvrability on tight sites; a significant value add over fixed-axle equivalents.

Annual test certificate. Trailers require their own MOT/annual test; a current certificate is expected and adds confidence.

Overall condition. Deck wear (rust, damage, bent rails), landing leg condition, electrical and lighting condition, winch working status — all assessed by buyers.

Indicative Values (2026)

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