Plant trailers are an essential accessory for many construction, agricultural and manufacturing companies that need to move around heavy equipment. If you are thinking about getting your own plant trailer for your business, then there are a few things you should consider first. While price and age are essential when picking a plant trailer, what you really want is to check the trailer itself to see if it is in good shape. When you do that, there are three specific areas you should be examining to test out how compatable and long-lasting your plant trailers will be.

Ramps

The ramps are perhaps the defining feature of plant trailers, and they should receive the bulk of your attention. Critical parts of the ramps that you need to check include: 

• If the ramps are fold-down ramps, then check the hinges and the locking mechanism. See how strong they are and whether they creak/buckle from movement.
• If they are wide enough or strong enough to support your equipment. Make sure you know your equipment's rough measurements before inspections.
• Material quality. What type of metal is it made out of? Are there any signs of corrosion or dents?

Because ramps move and have different positions, they should be tested the most stringently for wear and tear as they will be the most likely part to age prematurely. 

Tires

Often underappreciated, the tires on your plant trailers are vital because they are the component actually allowing your equipment to be transported. You might not realise this, but some plant trailers have precise calibrations that mean they cannot work with anything other than one set of tires. Do not just assume that you can buy a plant trailer and swap out for your own personal tires: ask before you buy. Also make sure to check the maximum load weight, the quality of the tire housing (any rust on the inside?) and the tread on the tires themselves. 

Coupler

The coupler is what allows your plant trailers to be towed by a leading vehicle. People often forget that not all couplers are built equally, and some may not be compatible with your truck. This can be due to the height difference, different coupling techniques (although this can be overhauled and changed) and the maximum towing weight your car can pull. Don't just rock up to your first job with a vehicle you are not entirely sure can pull the plant trailer you need as this will be an embarrassing and expensive mistake. You can avoid this by keeping a full list of your car's details on you while browsing to double-check with the sales assistant that the plant trailer you choose will fit your needs perfectly.