Moving a crane is rarely simple. Every mobilisation comes with its own set of constraints like weight distribution, compliance, access and timing. For trailer manufacturers, that means the job starts well before steel is cut.
For The Drake Group, that challenge has increasingly been about engineering trailers specifically for crane businesses, rather than adapting general-purpose designs. It is a shift that is gaining traction across the industry, as operators look for safer, more efficient and compliant ways to move increasingly complex equipment.
At the centre of that push is Byron Foss, Trailer Sales Manager, who is focused on strengthening Drake’s position in the crane sector.
“Everyone knows Drake for heavy haulage and moving cranes on low loaders,” Byron said. “But we’re also focused on building purpose-built trailers for crane businesses, especially counterweight and specialised transport solutions.”
Engineering from the ground up
Unlike standard trailer builds, Drake’s approach is defined by customisation. Each unit is designed to suit a specific crane configuration, load profile and operational requirement.
“Every trailer is different,” Byron said. “We design everything in-house using 3D modelling and work with the customer to make sure it suits exactly what they need before we cut any steel.”
That design process typically takes two to three weeks, allowing customers to review layouts, request changes and fine-tune details before production begins. From there, manufacturing timelines vary depending on complexity, from around two months for simpler units to up to six months for larger, more specialised trailers.
Behind that capability is a sizeable internal engineering team, reflecting the level of variation across customer requirements.
“Everyone wants something different,” Byron said. “We’ve built our team to accommodate that, because that’s what the market is asking for.”
The goal is not just to carry a load, but to carry it correctly.
Compliance as a design priority
As crane sizes and configurations evolve, compliance has become a central consideration in trailer design. Axle load distribution is an area where purpose-built solutions can make a significant difference.
“We work with customers to make sure they can load what they want and still remain compliant,” Byron said. “A lot of people don’t realise that how you position the load across the axles makes a big difference.”
In many cases, operators continue to rely on flat tops or drop decks, modifying them to suit specific tasks. While that approach may appear cost-effective upfront, it can create limitations around payload, safety and legality.
“People often buy a standard trailer and try to make it work,” Byron said. “But when you actually run the numbers, they’re not always legal.”
Drake’s engineering response includes extendable trailers, tailored load positioning and custom cradle systems designed to optimise weight distribution across axle groups. The aim is to maximise payload while remaining within legal limits.
“We spend a lot of time working out where everything should sit on the trailer so you can get the most out of it without going over,” Byron said.
Safety is also built into the design. Counterweight trailers, for example, are configured to allow ground-level operation, reducing the need for personnel to climb onto trailers during loading.
“There’s no getting up on top of the trailer,” Byron said. “Everything can be done from the ground, which reduces risk and improves efficiency.”
Johnson & Young Cranes’ new Drake Trailer
Johnson & Young Cranes (JYC) provides a clear example of how these design principles translate into day-to-day operations. The Melbourne-based crane hire company has developed a long-standing relationship with The Drake Group, with multiple trailers already in its fleet.
Jake Tuohey, Operations Manager at JYC, said the decision to invest again was straightforward.
“This is our 12th trailer from The Drake Group. The strength and reliability in them are commendable and of course being Australian made was a big factor. We want to be the best in the industry, so we’ve got to buy the best,” Jake said.
The latest addition is a 5×8 Swingwide extendable trailer with a dolly – a configuration designed to handle mid-to-large all terrain cranes.
According to Byron, the trailer is suited to machines in the 250 to 350 tonne class, offering both capacity and flexibility.
“It’s a Swingwide extendable with rear steer axles and a radio remote control,” Byron said. “That gives operators a lot more control, especially when manoeuvring in tight areas or positioning on site.”
The steerable system allows operators to adjust the trailer’s position with precision, including the ability to steer in reverse or crab the trailer closer to a lift point. For urban environments and constrained job sites, that level of control can significantly reduce setup complexity.
Improving mobilisation efficiency
For JYC, the investment is as much about operational efficiency as it is about capability. The company already operates a similar trailer, and demand for it has been consistent.
“We already had one 5×8 in the fleet, and it’s always busy,” Jake said. “Bringing in a second one helps relieve that pressure and keeps everything moving.
“With two of these trailers on the road, we can cut down turnaround times and get cranes to site faster.”
That efficiency has a direct impact on project timelines.
While the new trailer will primarily be used to transport crane components, its versatility allows it to support a wide range of work across infrastructure and construction projects.
Built for local conditions
Durability and after-sales support remain key considerations for crane businesses operating across varied environments, from urban projects to remote wind farms.
Jake pointed to Drake’s service support as a differentiator. “The service and backup from Drake can’t be beaten,” he said.
For Byron, that feedback reflects the company’s long-standing focus on local manufacturing and continuous improvement.
“We’re a proud Australian manufacturer, and we’ve been doing this since 1958,” Byron said. “We’ve built a reputation around quality and reliability, and that’s something we’re continuing to develop.”
Shifting expectations
While price-driven decisions still play a role in the market, Byron believes there is a gradual shift towards more engineered solutions.
“Some of the bigger players are starting to understand the benefits,” he said. “It’s about getting the right solution from the start rather than trying to adapt something later.”
As crane fleets continue to grow in size and complexity, that shift is likely to accelerate. For manufacturers like Drake, it reinforces the importance of engineering capability as much as manufacturing scale.
For JYC, the outcome is more immediate: faster mobilisation, improved safety and equipment that performs consistently across a wide range of conditions.
