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DeutschWhat is a low loader dolly combination?
A low loader dolly combination is a transport configuration in which a low loader (Tiefbett) is combined with one or more dolly units to carry extremely long, heavy or indivisible loads. The combination notation describes the number of axles at each position: in front of the load, within the load and behind the load.
At Xiffix we regularly trade in low loader dolly combinations from A-brand manufacturers including Broshuis, Doll, Faymonville, Goldhofer and Nooteboom – ideal for the heaviest and longest transports in civil engineering, the energy sector and heavy industry.
Combination notation explained
The X-bed-Y notation describes the number of axles in front of and behind the load. Common configurations:
- 1-bed-3: 1 axle in front of the load (jeep/interdolly) + 3 axles behind (dolly). Compact and manoeuvrable.
- 2-bed-3: 2 axles in front + 3 axles behind. Standard configuration for medium-heavy transport.
- 2-bed-4: 2 axles in front + 4 axles behind. Higher axle load capacity at the rear.
- 3-bed-5: 3 axles in front + 5 axles behind. Suitable for very heavy loads of 200+ tonnes.
- 4-bed-4: 4 axles in front + 4 axles behind. Maximum weight distribution for extreme heavy transport.
- 3-bed-3: 3 axles in front + 3 axles behind. Balanced configuration for symmetrical loads.
The more axles, the better the weight is distributed across the road surface and the lower the axle load per axle. This is critical for the permit application and permitted routes.
Types of dolly units
Jeep dolly
The jeep dolly – also known as a neck dolly or front dolly – is a dolly unit placed in front of the low loader, between the tractor and the gooseneck of the low loader. The jeep dolly has its own kingpin that couples to the tractor and supports the front of the low loader. This improves manoeuvrability as the low loader can pivot freely relative to the tractor.
- Position: between tractor and the gooseneck of the low loader
- Coupling: own kingpin to tractor, gooseneck of low loader rests on jeep dolly
- Advantage: better manoeuvrability than interdolly, lower loading height possible
- Disadvantage: more complex coupling, higher purchase cost
- Typical use: wind turbine components, bridge sections, long pipes and beams
Inter dolly
The inter dolly is specifically designed to couple directly to the neck (gooseneck) of a low loader. The main difference from the jeep dolly lies in the coupling construction: the neck dolly connects directly to the neck of the low loader without a separate kingpin connection. This makes the neck dolly more compact and easier to couple.
- Position: directly coupled to the gooseneck of the low loader
- Coupling: direct connection to the neck of the low loader
- Advantage: compact, easier coupling, shorter overall combination length
- Disadvantage: less universally applicable than jeep dolly
- Typical use: medium-heavy loads where manoeuvrability and compactness are priority
When to choose a low loader dolly combination?
A low loader dolly combination is the right choice when a standard low loader is insufficient due to the length, weight or axle load distribution of the load. Typical applications:
- Wind turbine components (tower sections, nacelle, rotor blades)
- Heavy transformers and generators
- Large bridge sections and steel structures
- Industrial reactors and pressure vessels
- Locomotives and railway rolling stock
- Large construction machinery that cannot be transported under its own power
Industries: energy sector (wind, hydro, nuclear), civil engineering, heavy industry, railway infrastructure, offshore.
When not?
Is the load heavy but not exceptionally long? A standard low loader with sufficient axles may suffice – simpler to operate, lower purchase cost and easier to permit. A low loader dolly combination requires specialist driving experience, broader permits and sometimes police escort.
Frequently asked questions – Low loader dolly combination
What is the difference between an interdolly and a jeep dolly?
An interdolly is placed between the tractor and the low loader and carries the weight via a fifth wheel connection. A jeep dolly couples via its own kingpin to the tractor and supports the gooseneck of the low loader. In practice, a jeep dolly provides better manoeuvrability as the low loader can pivot more freely. An interdolly is more stable and better suited for symmetrically distributed heavy loads.
What does the notation 2-bed-3 mean exactly?
The notation 2-bed-3 describes the axle configuration: 2 axles in front of the load (in the tractor group or jeep/interdolly) and 3 axles behind the load (in the rear dolly). The more axles in total, the better the weight is distributed across the road surface and the lower the axle load per axle.
Which manufacturers supply low loader dolly combinations?
The best-known manufacturers are Doll, Faymonville and Goldhofer. Nooteboom and Broshuis also supply dolly units compatible with their low loaders. At Xiffix we regularly trade in complete combinations and separate dolly units from these A-brand manufacturers.
Do I need a special permit for a low loader dolly combination?
Almost always yes. A low loader dolly combination quickly exceeds standard permitted lengths and weights. In the Netherlands, a permit is required as soon as the combination exceeds 22 metres or 50 tonnes. Rules differ per country – always consult a specialist permit agency.