- What is a folding gooseneck trailer?
- Folding Gooseneck Trailer Operation
- What is the difference between a folding gooseneck and a removable gooseneck trailer?
- What is a Folding Gooseneck Trailer?
A folding gooseneck trailer is a type of heavy haul trailer designed to transport oversized loads like construction equipment, turbines, and agricultural machinery that exceeds the length of standard trailers. The key feature is a gooseneck coupler that can hydraulically pivot upwards to provide unobstructed access for loading super-long cargo.
Folding gooseneck trailers have a steel gooseneck portion that connects to the main deck via a heavy-duty hinge mechanism. During normal towing, it operates like a conventional fixed gooseneck keeping the trailer secure to the tractor.
When loading particularly long cargo, the operator uses hydraulic controls to elevate the gooseneck assembly upwards from its hinged attachment point. This folds and lifts the neck section so that it is perpendicular to the deck, clearing the way for equipment to drive straight on from either end.
Once cargo is loaded, the hydraulic system slowly lowers the gooseneck back down until it is locked again in the horizontal towing position. The loaded equipment can then be securely transported, usually loaded backwards with the heavier end over the gooseneck.
Benefits of Folding Gooseneck Trailer
A key benefit versus fixed goosenecks is the ability to accommodate extra-long equipment and vehicles that exceed the trailer deck length. By pivoting the obstructive gooseneck up and out of the way, otherwise impossible loads can be transported.
The folding design also provides more loading flexibility compared to lowboys with fixed goosenecks. Cargo can be winched or driven straight through the trailer rather than needing to use ramps from the sides.
Folding up the gooseneck also allows tall equipment like combines or drill rigs to be transported with adequate overhead clearance. So Folding gooseneck trailer enhance cargo height capacity as well.
- Folding Gooseneck Trailer Operation Section 1: Operating procedures for raising folding gooseneck, cargo platform, and coupling tractor:
- In the fully lowered position of the folding gooseneck, first insert the left and right auxiliary locking pins into the holes.
- Close the dual control valve.
3) Pull down the folding gooseneck lift-reversing valve handle, at this time, the two outer lift cylinders on the left and right sides of the four folding gooseneck lift cylinders extend, pressing the connecting rod seat connected to the two outer cylinders, raising the folding gooseneck. However, the front beam of the cargo platform must not leave the ground. Once the folding gooseneck is raised to the desired position, (please note that during this operation, the front beam of the cargo platform must not leave the ground, and you must not forcefully continue to raise the folding gooseneck, otherwise it will cause the auxiliary locking pins to bend!!!); Manipulate the left and right insertion and locking valve handles to insert the locking pins.
4) After the locking pins are inserted, push the folding gooseneck lift-reversing valve handle in the opposite direction to release the auxiliary locking pins that were pressed against the connecting rod seat connected to the lifting folding gooseneck cylinder, making it easier to extract the auxiliary locking pins. The extracted auxiliary locking pins can be placed on the outer side of the side beam.
5) Open the dual control valves F1 and F2, pull down the folding gooseneck lift-reversing valve handle, raise the folding gooseneck and cargo platform. When the folding gooseneck is raised to be close to the saddle of the tractor, connect the coupling tractor.
6) After connecting the tractor and folding gooseneck trailer, push up the folding gooseneck lift-reversing valve handle to retract the four folding gooseneck lift cylinders.
Section 2: Operating procedures for disconnecting from the tractor and lowering the folding gooseneck when empty or loaded:
- With the dual control valves F1 and F2 in the open position, pull down the folding gooseneck lift-reversing valve handle to raise the folding gooseneck and cargo platform. When the folding gooseneck is raised slightly above the saddle of the tractor, disconnect from the tractor.
- Push the folding gooseneck lift-reversing valve handle in the opposite direction to lower the folding gooseneck and cargo platform. When the front beam of the cargo platform touches the ground, insert the left and right auxiliary locking pins.
- After inserting the left and right auxiliary locking pins, manipulate the left and right insertion and locking valve handles again to retract the left and right locking pins.
- After the left and right locking pins are retracted, push up the folding gooseneck lift-reversing valve handle to lower the folding gooseneck to the ground.
- What is the difference between a folding gooseneck trailer and a removable gooseneck trailer?
Gooseneck trailers with detachable necks provide greater versatility for hauling oversized cargo. But there are two main detachable types – folding and removable goosenecks. What distinguishes them?
Detachment Method
Folding gooseneck trailer pivot upwards but remain attached at a hinge point. Removable goosenecks completely separate from the deck when detached using a hydraulic release system.
Loading Direction
Folding gooseneck trailer primarily allow side loading since the neck is still somewhat in the way. Removables enable straight through loading with the neck detached.
Loading Obstruction
When folded, the pivoted gooseneck still overhangs partially over the deck. A detached removable neck provides a fully clear, unobstructed loading space.
Cargo Capacity
Removable gooseneck trailers can transport longer and taller equipment by detaching the neck fully. Folding gooseneck trailer have some length and height limitations.
Ground Clearance
Detached removable necks have their own wheels and tow lowered like a trailer. Folding goosenecks ride higher requiring a separate trailer for transport.
Complexity
Removable systems are more complex with hydraulics to operate the detach function. Folding gooseneck trailer simply pivot on a robust hinge.
Weight Distribution
When loaded, removable neck trailers distribute weight evenly with no cantilevered gooseneck. Folding goosenecks place more weight over the rear axles.
Durability
Robust hydraulic cylinders and heavily reinforced locking mechanisms allow removable gooseneck systems to withstand frequent detach/reattach cycles well.
In summary, removable gooseneck trailers offer greater loading flexibility and accessibility. But Folding gooseneck trailer have simpler operation. Understanding these key differences allows selecting the right system based on cargo needs.
