A Buyer’s Guide to Beavertail Trucks: What to Consider

Published on: 1st May 2025

Whether you’re a plant operator, fleet manager, or independent contractor, investing in a beavertail truck is a smart move if you regularly transport heavy machinery or plant equipment. These versatile vehicles are specifically designed with a sloped rear deck, called a “beavertail”, making it easier to load and unload wheeled or tracked machines without the need for additional ramps.

But with a growing market for both new and used beavertails, how do you choose the right one? Here’s what to consider when buying a beavertail truck, whether you’re expanding your fleet or making your first purchase.

What is a Beavertail Truck?

A beavertail truck is a type of flatbed lorry with a sloping rear section that allows for easier loading of plant machinery. Beavertails are commonly used to transport access platforms, wheeled & non-wheeled plant machinery and vehicles, equipment and even containers. The design of a beavertail plant body eliminates the need for separate loading ramps and enhances safety during operations.

New vs. Used Beavertail Trucks

New Beavertail Trucks

Investing in new beavertail trucks offers the peace of mind that comes with the latest innovation, safety features, and full manufacturer warranty. If you’re after reliability, customisation options, and long-term durability, buying new can be the best route, especially for high-mileage operators or those with specific body or payload requirements.

Used Beavertails

Used beavertails are a budget-friendly choice and ideal for those who want solid performance with a lesser investment. Many used beavertail trucks on the market today are ex-fleet or lease returns, which means they should be well-maintained and come with service history.

Top tip: Always check the condition of the plant body, hydraulic systems, and chassis. As a truck body gets older, the greater the maintenance requirements.

Plant Body Configuration

Choosing the right deck surface plays a crucial role in long-term durability, ease of use, and load safety.

Here are a couple of popular options used in today’s market:

Steel Grating Deck

A modern alternative to traditional decking materials, heavy-duty steel grating is often chosen for its superior grip – especially with rubber-tyred equipment like scissor lifts and cherry pickers. Its open design and galvanised zinc coating provide excellent rust resistance and long-lasting performance. However, it’s worth noting that steel grating is less suitable for steel-tracked machines or drum rollers due to limited contact surface.

Timber Decking

Still the most widely used choice for plant bodies, timber – specifically Keruing, a dense Malaysian hardwood – is praised for its outstanding strength-to-weight ratio and interlocking grain structure. This makes it ideal for transporting tracked machinery or equipment with high point loads. Timber also offers more flexibility for repair and surface renewal over time.

Want to dive deeper into the range of deck possibilities and which deck is right for your operations? Check out our full guide:

👉 Choosing the Right Deck for Your Beavertail Truck

Other important considerations include:

Winches:

A winch is essential if you are regularly loading non-wheeled or immobilised plant machinery. Ensure the winch capacity exceeds the heaviest piece of equipment you intend to haul, factoring in rolling resistance and gradient loading conditions.

Lashing Rings:

Make sure the body includes ample lashing rings for secure transport and that the rings are rated to the required load limits.

Fall Arrest/Protection:

Fall restraint systems are a key safety feature. Fall restraint systems running along the sides of the body come in different variations, the most common of which are Post & Socket or Fold-out.

Choosing the right system depends on your operational safety needs and loading environments.

Payload and Axle Configuration

Payload capacity is critical. Whether you’re transporting mini diggers, access platforms, or containers, it’s essential to know the truck’s tare weight in order to accurately calculate its available payload.

For example, if a truck with a GVW of 26T weighs 11T when empty, it’s payload will be 15T.

Here are common averages for GVW and payloads:

Keep in mind: the GVW must always match the combined weight of the truck, body, equipment, chains, winches, and any additional fixtures. Cranes, in particular, can be heavy and significantly impact payload capacity, so always check the crane’s weight as part of your overall calculation.

Axle configuration and spacing is also vital, particularly when transporting unevenly loaded plant machinery. Proper axle distribution ensures compliance with legal axle weight limits, improves road handling, and reduces wear on the vehicle/plant body.

Whenever possible, weigh your truck “in running order” to ensure you’re operating safely and legally.

Reputable Manufacturers Matter

Choosing a reputable manufacturer like Sterling GP – known for bespoke beavertail trucks, specialist plant bodies, and robust after-sales support – can save you time, money, and stress. Sterling’s focus on quality craftsmanship and adaptability means you can customise your plant body to your exact needs, whether it’s for urban access, long-distance haulage, or multi-machine transport.

Final Thoughts

From new beavertail trucks to used beavertails with dependable plant bodies, there’s a wealth of choice on the market. But buying the right beavertail truck is all about matching the specification to your operational needs – payload, frequency of use, configuration and budget.

Start with a clear understanding of what you’re moving, how often, and how far. Then speak to a trusted supplier with a track record in beavertails and specialist transport solutions.

Contact our sales specialists to discuss your beavertail requirements, or you can arrange a friendly, no-obligation site visit.