When talking about skid steer trailers and equipment trailers, terminology can get tricky.

Part of the problem with confusing the two terms is that different trailer manufacturers use the words “equipment” and “skid steer” in various ways—for instance, some manufacturers use the term “equipment trailer” to describe anything that hauls equipment, while others refer to “equipment trailers” as a specific style of trailer. Because there is no universal naming convention among all trailer manufacturers, customers are often left confused and unsure of the right trailer type for their needs.

At Kaufman Trailers, we aim to eliminate confusion and make things easier for customers like you. That’s why we use the umbrella term “equipment trailer” to describe any trailer that is used to haul equipment. In our product catalogue, skid steer trailers are a type of equipment trailer designed specifically to haul skid steers, mini-excavators, and rubber tracked loaders.

a photo of a skid steer trailer, used for a blog about skid steer trailers vs equipment trailers for sale from Kaufman Trailers

What Are Equipment Trailers?  

Equipment trailers are specialized trailers designed to transport heavy equipment and machinery from one location to another. They are commonly used in construction, agriculture, landscaping, and other industries where heavy equipment needs to be moved frequently.

Standard equipment trailers have a floor that is even with the top of the frame. This allows for the easy side loading of palletized material. All standard equipment trailer models have a dovetail with cleated, swing-up loading ramps to help in easy loading of your equipment.  

Types of Equipment Trailers

At Kaufman Trailers, we offer equipment trailers in standard and deluxe versions, each with different features.

The types of equipment trailers carried by Kaufman Trailers are: 

  • Gooseneck:  Equipment gooseneck trailers utilize a hitch system extending over the towing vehicle’s bed, offering increased stability for heavy loads during transportation.
  • Tilt: Equipped with a tilting bed for effortless loading and unloading of equipment, equipment tilt trailers enhance efficiency in various hauling tasks.
  • Tilt Gooseneck: Combining the stability of gooseneck design with the convenience of a tilting bed, equipment tilt gooseneck trailers are ideal for heavy-duty hauling with ease of loading. 
  • Gravity Tilt: Gravity tilt equipment trailers employ a gravity-powered tilting mechanism, eliminating the need for hydraulic systems, and simplifying the loading process for various equipment.
  • Skid Steer: Specifically engineered to transport skid steer loaders, skid steer trailers feature specialized ramps and loading mechanisms for secure and efficient transportation.

Understanding Skid Steer Trailers

Skid steer trailers are built specifically for loading skid steers, mini excavators, or rubber-tracked loaders. The overall deck height is lower to the ground than other equipment trailer models at Kaufman Trailers. Due to this lower deck height, skid steer trailers do not need a dovetail. Deluxe skid steer trailers are built with angle iron frame runners that allow the floor to be set down in the frame for a lower overall deck height.

How are Skid Steer Trailers and Equipment Trailers Similar?

Skid steer trailers and equipment trailers share several similarities:

  • Purpose: Both types of trailers are designed to transport heavy equipment and machinery from one location to another.
  • Versatility: While skid steer trailers are specialized for transporting skid steer loaders, equipment trailers are versatile and can transport various types of equipment, including skid steer loaders, among others.
  • Construction: Both trailers are typically constructed with durable materials to withstand the weight and demands of heavy equipment transportation.
  • Loading Mechanisms: Skid steer trailers and certain types of equipment trailers may feature specialized ramps or loading mechanisms to facilitate easy loading and unloading of equipment.
  • Safety: Both trailers prioritize safety during transportation, offering features such as secure tie-down points and proper weight distribution to ensure stability on the road.
  • Efficiency: Both types of trailers aim to improve efficiency in equipment transportation, whether for commercial purposes or on job sites, by providing reliable means of moving heavy machinery.
  • Matching GVWRs (Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings): Both skid steer trailers and equipment trailers can safely handle the weight of the transported machinery, minimizing the risk of overloading during transportation.

Differences Between Standard Equipment Trailers vs. Skid Steer Trailers

When you’re comparing Kaufman’s standard equipment trailers and skid steer equipment trailers, there are several factors to consider in order to choose the best trailer for your hauling job. 

Deck Height

The cross members of a skid steer trailer are made under the runners. This allows for a lower height allowance than standard equipment trailers. 

Lip Around the Deck

There is a small lip on skid steer trailers that encompasses three sides of the deck. The rear of the trailer deck does not have a lip to allow for easy loading and unloading of equipment.

Deck Width

Due to construction processes, a standard trailer has more actual decking than a skid steer trailer. For example, Kaufman’s 16-foot, 10,000 lb. skid steer is 82″ width between the fenders while the standard trailer version offers 8,000 lb. and 82″ of deck width.

Capacity Models

The standard equipment trailer will include a dovetail while the skid steer with the lower deck will not require this modification.

Shop Kaufman’s Equipment Trailers for Heavy-Duty Hauling 

Discover the ultimate solution for hauling jobs with Kaufman Trailer’s selection of equipment trailers. Built to exceed expectations, our trailers for sale are designed to handle the toughest loads with ease and reliability.

If you’re looking for a new equipment trailer and are unsure what type best suits your needs, the trailer experts at Kaufman can help. With more than 30 years of experience in the business, we can explain the differences to you so that you can choose the right trailer for your needs. 

Call us today at 866-455-7444 or fill out our online contact form to get started.