Commercial

Commercial Drawbars by Chieftain Trailers

Chieftain's Commercial Drawbar Low Loader range is designed and manufactured for the efficient transportation of plant, machinery and specialist equipment across the construction, civil engineering, plant hire, utilities and road maintenance industries.

2 Axle Commercial Drawbar
Commercial

2 Axle Commercial Drawbar

The Chieftain 2 Axle Commercial Drawbar Low Loader is a heavy-duty, road-compliant trailer designed for the safe and efficient transport of plant, machinery and equipment. It features commercial axles, raise/lower air suspension, WABCO EBS braking, high-tensile steel side chimes with recessed lashing rings, hydraulic ramps, a 28mm Keruing hardwood floor and a sealed lockable stainless steel toolbox. As a Northern Ireland manufacturer with ECWVTA approval, Chieftain can supply trailers to customers throughout Northern Ireland, Great Britain, the Republic of Ireland and the wider European Union.

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3 Axle Commercial Drawbar
Commercial

3 Axle Commercial Drawbar

The Chieftain 3 Axle Commercial Drawbar Low Loader is a heavy-duty, road-compliant trailer designed for professional plant and machinery transport. It features a 25 tonne gross weight, commercial axles, raise/lower air suspension, WABCO EBS braking, a front lift axle, 28mm Keruing hardwood floor, recessed lashing rings, hydraulic ramps and a strong 7.6 metre deck. As a Northern Ireland manufacturer with ECWVTA approval, Chieftain can supply trailers to customers throughout Northern Ireland, Great Britain, the Republic of Ireland and the wider European Union.

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Commercial Flat Bed
Commercial

Commercial Flat Bed

The Chieftain 2 Axle Commercial Flatbed is designed for the safe and efficient transport of scaffolding, ground protection mats, plant, equipment and other heavy commercial loads. With a 19 tonne gross weight, commercial axles, air suspension, EBS braking and a durable Keruing hardwood deck, it is built for demanding daily use across construction, utility, hire and infrastructure sectors. As a Northern Ireland manufacturer with ECWVTA approval, Chieftain can supply trailers to customers throughout Northern Ireland, Great Britain, the Republic of Ireland and the wider European Union.

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Container Trailer
Commercial

Container Trailer

The Chieftain Container Trailer is a compact, robust commercial trailer designed for the safe and secure transport of ISO containers. Available in a range of gross weights starting from 11.7 tonnes, it is fitted with commercial axles, air suspension, WABCO EBS braking and ISO twistlocks to securely locate and lock the container during transport. A durable Keruing hardwood floor and recessed lashing rings also provide practical flexibility for general flatbed use when required. As a Northern Ireland manufacturer with ECWVTA approval, Chieftain can supply trailers to customers throughout Northern Ireland, Great Britain, the Republic of Ireland and the wider European Union.

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Tarmac Spec Drawbar Low Loader
Commercial

Tarmac Spec Drawbar Low Loader

The Tarmac Spec Drawbar Low Loader is purpose-built for transporting asphalt pavers, road planers and other heavy surfacing machinery. Compliant with EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval certification, it features a 25 tonne gross weight, 6.1m deck with 1.5m beavertail, commercial axles, air suspension, WABCO EBS braking and 900mm wide hydraulic double flip ramps. The flip-toe ramp design provides a strong, practical loading solution for heavy machines, while conveyor stands allow the planer’s front conveyor to be safely carried during transport. As a Northern Ireland manufacturer with ECWVTA approval, Chieftain can supply trailers to customers throughout Northern Ireland, Great Britain, the Republic of Ireland and the wider European Union.

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Commercial Drawbars by Chieftain Trailers

Available in 2 Axle 19 Tonne and 3 Axle 25 Tonne configurations, the range combines a low loading height, heavy-duty commercial running gear and a robust high-tensile deck design to provide a versatile transport solution for both tracked and wheeled machinery.

Designed to withstand loads associated with heavy plant, the trailer features high-tensile steel side chimes with recessed lashing rings, providing multiple secure load-restraint points while maintaining a clear and practical loading platform. A durable timber deck, together with chequered plate and grip bars in key loading areas, provides additional traction when loading excavators, rollers, access platforms, road planers and other machinery.

Commercial axles are combined with raise and lower air suspension and WABCO EBS braking, providing dependable road performance while allowing the trailer height to be adjusted to assist with loading and unloading.

The 3 Axle 25 Tonne model can be equipped with a front lift axle, while an optional rear steer axle enhances manoeuvrability on restricted sites and helps reduce tyre scrub during road operation.

Wide hydraulic loading ramps provide straightforward access for a variety of tracked and wheeled equipment, while lockable stainless-steel toolboxes provide secure storage for chains, straps and other load-securing equipment.

For operators requiring greater versatility from a single trailer, optional ISO container twist locks allow the trailer to be configured for the transportation of both plant and containers, increasing fleet utilisation and helping operators get more from their equipment.

Every Chieftain Commercial Drawbar Low Loader is fully shot blasted before application of a durable 2-pack primer and paint system, providing a high-quality finish and long-lasting corrosion protection for intensive commercial use.

With a choice of steer and/or lift axle options, together with a range of ramp configurations, each trailer can be specified around the customer's machinery and operating requirements, delivering an ideal balance of loading efficiency, manoeuvrability, durability and carrying capability.

Built for professional plant transport, Chieftain Commercial Drawbar Low Loaders deliver the strength and versatility required to keep machinery moving efficiently from job to job.

Why Choose Chieftain?

Chieftain Commercial Drawbar Low Loaders combine robust construction, a low deck height, practical ramp configurations and dependable road performance to deliver a versatile solution for transporting heavy plant and machinery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a drawbar trailer?

A drawbar trailer is a full trailer with its own front and rear axles, towed behind a rigid truck using a drawbar coupling. Unlike a semi-trailer, it does not rest on the truck's fifth wheel. Drawbar trailers are commonly used for plant transport, general haulage, and as secondary trailers in road-train configurations. Chieftain are a leading manufacturer of drawbar trailers in the UK and Ireland.

What is the advantage of a drawbar trailer over a semi-trailer?

A drawbar trailer offers greater versatility because it can be coupled to any rigid truck with a suitable tow hitch, rather than requiring an articulated tractor unit. It also allows the truck to operate independently when the trailer is detached. For plant hire and construction companies, this means one truck can serve multiple roles throughout the working day.

Are Chieftain drawbar trailers road-legal?

Yes. All Chieftain commercial drawbar trailers hold full EU Type Approval from the UK Vehicle Certification Agency. They are fitted with road-legal lighting, braking systems, and suspension, and are certified for use on public roads throughout the UK and EU. This includes the 'A' Frame Lightweight Drawbar and standard 2 and 3 Axle models.

What types of drawbar trailer does Chieftain manufacture?

Chieftain manufacture 2 Axle and 3 Axle Commercial Drawbar trailers, the 'A' Frame Lightweight Drawbar for reduced tare weight, drawbar low loaders for plant and machinery transport, drawbar flat trailers, and drawbar step-frame trailers. The range covers various deck lengths and payload capacities, with custom specifications available.

What is an 'A' Frame Lightweight Drawbar?

The Chieftain 'A' Frame Lightweight Drawbar is designed to minimise tare weight while maintaining full structural integrity. The lighter construction maximises payload capacity within legal gross weight limits. It is suited to operations where maximising the weight of cargo per trip is a commercial priority, such as aggregate and material haulage.

Can a drawbar trailer be used with any rigid truck?

A drawbar trailer can be coupled to most rigid trucks fitted with a compatible tow hitch and the correct towing rating. The drawbar coupling type and height must match the truck's towing equipment. Chieftain can advise on compatibility for specific truck and trailer combinations, and drawbar configurations can be specified to suit your fleet.

How does a drawbar trailer compare to a turntable trailer for manoeuvrability?

A turntable trailer has a rotating coupling that allows it to articulate through tighter turns than a standard drawbar. Drawbar trailers offer simpler coupling and lower maintenance but require more space to manoeuvre. For congested urban sites and tight depots, a turntable trailer may be the better choice. For straightforward haulage, a drawbar is more cost-effective.

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