Low-bed / low loader
Practical reference values
- length
- well of 6–14 m, depending on the configuration
- width
- 2.55 m (can be widened, with an AST permit)
- payload
- on request (as a rule with an AST permit)
The low-bed (well-deck low loader) has the lowest loading surface, between the front and rear axles, and is used for very heavy and very tall machinery, transformers or industrial structures. It is organised on request only, with a route survey and permits.
Practical reference values. We confirm the exact dimensions in the quote. Honexpres organises transport with this vehicle, on request.
Values from the type's sheet
Extendable low-bed semi-trailer
Visual only Status in the library: In review
Illustration only: we show no values for this type until they are verified.
Legal limits. Legal limits of dimensions and mass are not properties of a vehicle: they depend on the country, the road and the permit, and are checked along the route. They are not shown here as a universal rule.
How it is loaded
- front (detachable gooseneck)
- rear ramps
- crane
- Well height varies with suspension and load; we confirm it for the specific equipment.
- Payload depends on the configuration (number of axles, extra modules) and on the permit.
- The transport needs a route survey and usually an escort.
Suitable for
- Heavy, tall machinery
- Transformers
- Large industrial structures and equipment
- heavy, tall machinery
- transformers
- industrial structures
Not suitable for
- general cargo
- transport without a route survey
Comparison with related types
| Parameter | Low-bed / low loader | Car transporter | Semi low-loader |
|---|---|---|---|
| Usable length | well of 6–14 m, depending on the configuration | — | ~9 m low deck (UNVERIFIED) |
| Usable width | 2.55 m (can be widened, with an AST permit) | — | 2.55 m (can be widened to ~3.2 m, with an AST permit) |
| Usable height | ~3.6 m without a permit | — | ~3.1 m without a permit |
| Reference payload | on request (as a rule with an AST permit) | — | ~20 t without a permit |
Detailed specifications
Detailed specifications
| Parameter | Value | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Usable length | well of 6–14 m, depending on the configuration | market | S-RONTRANSMAR |
| Usable width | 2.55 m (can be widened, with an AST permit) | manufacturer | S-GOLD-STZVL |
| Reference payload | on request (as a rule with an AST permit) | Honexpres calculation | S-NOOT-EPX3 |
| Deck height | ~0.4 m (well above the ground) | Honexpres calculation | S-GOLD-STZVL, S-RONTRANSMAR |
| Maximum cargo height | ~3.6 m without a permit | Honexpres calculation |
- Usable length: There is no single useful value; it is confirmed on request.
- Reference payload: 12–14 t per axle line (Nooteboom EURO-PX3); 2–6 lines.
- Deck height: Goldhofer STZ-VL/VH: construction height 220–300 mm; Rontransmar 0.30–0.50 m (no unit given). 0.4 m is INFERENCE.
- Maximum cargo height: 4.00 − ~0.4 m; indicative.
Representative models (manufacturers and lines)
| Construction height (mm) | 220 / 300 |
|---|---|
| Vehicle width (mm) | 2,550 |
| Axles | 2–4 |
| Fifth wheel load (t) | 20 / 35 |
Source: Goldhofer STZ-VL / VH low-loaders · accessed 2026-09-26
| Load per axle line (t) | 12 / 14 |
|---|---|
| Axle lines | 2–6 (4 on the PX3, the rest PX2) |
| Driving height loaded (mm) | 1,030 / 1,120 |
| Excavator trough depth (mm) | 480 / 570 |
| Bogie width (mm) | 2,540 / 2,990 |
Source: Nooteboom EURO-PX3 low-loader · accessed 2026-09-26
| Gooseneck | detachable |
|---|---|
| Rear bogie axles | 1–5 |
| Dolly | 1–2 axles, optional |
Source: Faymonville MegaMAX lowbed · accessed 2026-09-26
Legal limits Requires legal validation
Requires legal validation
- Maximum combination mass: Maximum mass: 40 t (combination with 5–6 axles)
- Intermodal transport: 44 t only in intermodal transport (3-axle tractor unit + semi-trailer with 2–3 axles, container up to 45'); in Romania only on category R roads
- Maximum length: Maximum length: 16.50 m (articulated vehicle)
- Maximum width: Maximum width: 2.55 m (2.60 m for conditioned bodies)
- Maximum height: Maximum height: 4.00 m
- Special permit (AST): AST permit mandatory when limits are exceeded; CNAIR competence thresholds and escort in 09 §1.4
09 §1.1 (Directive 96/53/EC, Annex I) · 09 §1.4 (OG 43/1997, Annex 2)
Exceptions and limitations
- The well height varies with the suspension and the load: the value is confirmed for the actual equipment.
- The payload means nothing without a configuration (number of lines, dolly, AST permit).
Sources and verification
Confidence level: low — The data vary with the configuration; the well height is INFERENCE from the Goldhofer and Rontransmar construction heights.
- Directive (EU) 2015/719 · Publications Office UE · accessed 2026-09-23
- Directive 96/53/EC, consolidated 14.08.2019 · Publications Office UE · accessed 2026-09-23
- Faymonville MegaMAX lowbed · Faymonville · accessed 2026-09-26
- Goldhofer STZ-VL / VH low-loaders · Goldhofer · accessed 2026-09-26
- Nooteboom EURO-PX3 low-loader · Nooteboom · accessed 2026-09-26
- OG 43/1997 republished, consolidated 17.09.2026 (hosted by CNAIR) · CNAIR · accessed 2026-09-23
- Rontransmar — trailer fleet · Rontransmar · accessed 2026-09-23
Reference dataset 2026.09.27-1
How quickly can a low-bed transport be organised?
It depends on the permits and the route, which can take from days to weeks. See oversized transport.
Services using this type
Oversized / abnormal load transport
very large or heavy cargo, with permits
Machinery transport
machines and industrial equipment
Alternatives
Car transporter
Semi low-loader
~9 m low deck (UNVERIFIED) · 2.55 m (can be widened to ~3.2 m, with an AST permit) · ~3.1 m without a permit · ~20 t without a permit