What is a lowbed trailer used for?
A lowbed trailer is used to transport heavy machinery and equipment: such as excavators, dozers, loaders, graders, and agricultural machines, where low loading height and stable road performance are required.
Hydraulic Steering Lowbed
Active Axle Steering for Heavy Equipment Transport and Tight Route Geometry
The STU Hydraulic Steering Lowbed is a heavy equipment transport trailer engineered by its manufacturer designed for routes where turning control, axle coordination and tyre scrub reduction matter. Built for excavators, dozers, loaders, graders, agricultural machines and oversized cargo, the range can be configured with 2 to 8 axles, fixed or extendable chassis, hydraulic rear ramp options and bespoke components.
Highlights
Swipe to browse
Key Features
HYDRAULIC STEERING SYSTEM
Active Axle Control for Demanding Routes
Hydraulic steering gives the lowbed trailer controlled axle response during manoeuvring. It is preferred when reversing, narrow entrances, roundabouts, construction sites, port terminals or project routes require more steering precision than a trailer with fixed axles or passive steering.
Steering
Active Hydraulic Steering
Controlled axle response for tight construction sites, port terminals, depots and narrow roads.
Tyre Wear
Reduced Tyre Scrub
Helps limit lateral tyre scrub during turning at low speed and frequent manoeuvring.
Route
Route Confidence
Designed for route geometry where fixed axles or passive steering may not be enough.
Control
Better Reversing Control
Useful when the trailer must reverse into yards, warehouses or restricted delivery points.
2 to 8 Axles | Heavy Transport Range | Route Planning | Project Transport
Hydraulic Steering Lowbed Configurations from 2 to 8 Axles
STU hydraulic steering lowbed trailers can be evaluated from 2 to 8 axles according to cargo weight, axle load regulations, route permits, bridge restrictions and destination market requirements. Each axle family can be assessed with fixed or extendable chassis logic.
3 axles
Hydraulic Steering Lowbed with 3 Axles
Practical configuration for daily machinery transport and tighter worksite access.
4 axles
Hydraulic Steering Lowbed with 4 Axles
More axle support for heavier machines, demanding routes and increased stability needs.
5 axles
Hydraulic Steering Lowbed with 5 Axles
Robust option for larger machinery and project transport requirements.
6 axles
Hydraulic Steering Lowbed with 6 Axles
High axle footprint for heavier cargo, constrained projects and industrial loads.
8 axles
Hydraulic Steering Lowbed with 8 Axles
Bespoke axle distribution for exceptional cargo, permits and route constraints.
Fixed or Extendable Chassis
Built as Fixed or Extendable According to Cargo Length
The hydraulic steering lowbed trailer can be built with a fixed chassis for regular heavy machinery transport or with an extendable telescopic chassis for long equipment, steel structures, components for wind energy, industrial cargo and oversized machinery.
Fixed
Fixed Chassis
Efficient choice for repeat machinery transport and standard heavy equipment dimensions.
Extendable
Extendable Chassis
Adds deck length when cargo is longer than a standard lowbed platform.
Project
Project Logic
Chassis choice should follow cargo length, transport height, axle plan and route limits.
Deck
Stable Deck Layout
Deck equipment, recesses and lashing points can be arranged around cargo type.
LOW LOADING HEIGHT
Lower Platform Geometry for Tall and Heavy Machinery
The lowbed platform helps reduce total transport height when carrying excavators, bulldozers, loaders, graders, cranes, agricultural machines and oversized industrial equipment. This supports route clearance and stable road behaviour under heavy loads.
Machinery
Heavy Machinery Focus
Suitable for excavators, dozers, wheel loaders, graders, cranes and rollers.
Height
Improved Transport Height
Low platform geometry helps manage total loaded height on restricted routes.
Loading
Controlled Ramp Loading
Hydraulic or foldable ramp solutions support loading of tracked and wheeled equipment.
Deck
Deck Adapted to the Cargo
Recesses, widening elements and floor choices can be configured by machine type.
Configuration by the Manufacturer
Configured by STU for Your Transport Requirements
STU is a trailer producer from Türkiye. Each hydraulic steering lowbed configuration is guided by cargo dimensions, route data, axle count, steering system, ramp type, suspension, component brands, finish and destination market requirements.
Take a closer look.
Hydraulic Axle Steering
Gooseneck Steering Logic
Extendable Chassis for Heavy Haulage
Rear Ramp Loading
Axle Count and Load Distribution
Equipment for the Operator
Options & Equipment
The same option pool applies to any axle count (2 to 8) and to both fixed and extendable chassis.
Chassis Steel & Deck Surface
- • S700MC strong chassis steel for builds optimised for weight
- • Hardwood deck floor for durable heavy equipment transport
- • Plywood deck floor for protected cargo contact
- • Iroko or Sapelli hardwood floor for premium wear resistance
- • Hardwood with omega profiles for reinforced deck support
- • Chequered steel floor for heavily used deck zones requiring grip protection
Extensions, Recesses & Support Profiles
- • Excavator arm recess / rear well for lower transport height
- • Machine wheel pockets for stable machinery positioning
- • Lateral extension brackets for wider machinery transport
- • Lateral extensions to vary the width of the low loader deck
- • Trestle / desk option for cargo support on low loader builds
- • Vertical pillar pocket rows for flexible side support
- • Galvanised pillars and pockets for corrosion resistant side support
Load Securing & Cargo Handling
- • Robust lashing rings for secure machinery transport
- • Ferry lashing rings for roll on roll off and international transport routes
- • Detachable container locks / twistlocks by specification
- • Gooseneck aluminium loading ramps
- • Loading winch for controlled cargo handling and positioning
Hydraulics & Control
- • Electrohydraulic power pack options
- • Radio remote control for hydraulic units
- • Hydraulic landing gears / hydraulic rear landing gear
- • Hydraulic steering axles (standard on this variant)
Lighting & Safety
- • LED lighting packages such as Aspoeck, Dasteri or Hella Shapeline by specification
- • Warning plates and safety strobe lights for oversized transport visibility
- • Reflective markings and side protection according to destination market
- • Work lights around ramp and loading zones by specification
Protection & Finish
- • Industrial coatings and painting over prepared steel surfaces
- • Galvanisation for selected parts and components vulnerable to corrosion
- • Paint with grip protection for access and service zones
Axles, Wheels & Steering
- • SAF, BPW, TRAX and GIGANT axle options are available for lowbed trailers
- • Hydraulic steering axles for tight route geometry and controlled turning
- • Aluminium rims for selected configurations where weight matters
Ramps & Access
- • Hydraulic ramps made in one piece for fast daily machinery loading
- • Foldable hydraulic ramps for flexibility in the approach angle
- • Galvanised ramps for corrosion resistant ramp surfaces
- • Gooseneck aluminium loading ramps for access and service tasks
In the Field
In the Field
Global Reach
Trusted by operators all over Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the advantage of hydraulic steering on a lowbed?
Hydraulic steering axles provide active steering control, dramatically reducing the turning radius. This enables access to tight construction sites and port terminals even with the heaviest loads.
Can lowbed trailers be built as fixed or extendable?
Yes. STU lowbed trailers can be built as fixed or extendable (telescopic) across families with 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 axles.
What is a detachable gooseneck?
A removable front section that allows the tractor to drive away, leaving the deck at ground level for loading from the front of immovable machinery.
Can I choose the axle brand?
Yes. Axle brand is selectable across all models: TRAX, GIGANT, BPW, SAF.
Related articles
IndustriesHow Many Axles Do You Need? Lowbed Trailer Selection by Payload
Axle count is decided by the road, not by the trailer. Structural capacity tells you what a chassis can carry; national axle load limits tell you what you can legally put on it. Here is how to work out which number you actually need.
Read moreLowbed Trailers vs Low Loader Trailers: What's the Difference?
Lowbed and low loader describe the same trailer family in most European markets. Here are the five specifications that actually decide which unit you need, and how to write an enquiry that gets it.
Read moreTransporting an Excavator in Europe: Weight, Height and Permits
Plan excavator transport using the complete combination: machine dimensions, deck height, gross weight and axle loads. Understand when route limits require authorisation and how trailer specifications affect the calculation.
Read moreReady to Order Your Custom Lowbed?
Send your cargo dimensions, route limits and axle preference. STU will guide the hydraulic steering lowbed configuration.
Tech Specs
Trailer Type
Hydraulic Steering Lowbed Trailer / Hydraulic Steering Low Loader / Lowboy Trailer with Hydraulic Steering
Axle Families
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 axles according to cargo, route and legal requirements
Chassis Type
Fixed or extendable telescopic chassis by project requirement
Main Use
Typical Cargo Excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, graders, cranes, rollers, tractors, harvesters, drilling machines, industrial machines and project cargo
Steering System
Hydraulic steering axles; axle positions and steering angle depend on final engineering and route geometry
Chassis Steel
S355J2+N structural steel of high strength; S700MC / Strenx steel can be evaluated for configurations where weight matters
Platform Width
Common width options include 2,550 mm and 2,750 mm, with widening solutions according to market rules and route permits
Ramp Type
Hydraulic ramps made in one piece or foldable hydraulic ramp solutions according to machine type and loading routine
Suspension
Air suspension or mechanical suspension according to axle family, market preference and operating conditions
Axle Brands
TRAX / GIGANT / BPW / SAF / MPD options according to service network and configuration
Braking System
Disc or drum brake configuration; EBS / ABS options according to market requirements Knorr Bremse or Wabco
Hydraulic Control
Electrohydraulic power pack, hydraulic landing gear, hydraulic rear ramps and remote control options by specification
Tyres
Tyre size and brand selected according to axle load, region, availability and customer preference
Electrical System
24V electrical system with LED lighting package
Surface Protection
Industrial coating system over prepared steel surface; RAL colour specified by the customer
Optional Equipment
Toolboxes, widening boards, lashing rings, wheel pockets, excavator arm recess, lifting axle, warning panels, spare wheel carrier and bespoke equipment