FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yes, you can place an order directly with Sureweld Factory! Give us a call, and we’ll be more than happy to assist you. However, if you’re interested in purchasing a Trailer & Machine package, we recommend going through one of our authorized dealers. We can dispatch our Ramps and Trailers across Australia, but if you need your order urgently, feel free to reach out, and we’ll work with you to locate the nearest dealer for you.

 

We have dealers located all throughout Australia. Simply give us a call at 1800 787 005, and we’ll be happy to help you find the nearest one to your location.

 

First of all, we are very sorry to hear this – Let us help you get it sorted! We have a form here [https://sureweld.com.au/product-support/], alternatively give our team a call on 1800 787 005 or reach out to support@sureweld.com.au. We recommend having access to the Products Serial/VIN Number, Model Number/Type and the Date the product was purchased.

SureWeld takes pride in providing industry-leading warranties, which are the longest available! We are committed to ensuring the durability and reliability of our products, safeguarding your investment. Warranty periods vary depending on the product. For specific details, please refer to the table below.

 

Goods (type)	Warranty Period
Plant trailer chassis	3 years from purchase date
Loading, trailer & wheel riser ramps	2 years from purchase date
All components installed on a plant trailer chassis(including axles, wheels, couplings, electrical etc.)	1 years from purchase date

 

For more information on SureWeld warranties, visit the Owner Hub at: https://sureweld.com.au/owners-hub/warranty-terms-conditions/

Decisions, Decisions! We also wish there was one option that would suit all requirements! When it comes to ramps, we recommend giving this article [https://sureweld.com.au/picking-the-perfect-pair/] a read. Also check out this cool calculator [https://sureweld.com.au/ramp-calculator/] we have put together.

A Trailer choice is a little more complicated, considering the legal requirements, and road regulations. We recommend speaking to your equipment dealer to get an understanding of your machine and attachments weight and dimensions.  Check out our Trailer Configurator to build a trailer to suit your application!

Then of course, if you still have questions or are still slightly bewildered about the options, give us a call! We’d love to help, or just even have a chat!

Trailers exceeding 2 tonnes ATM must have brakes on all wheels and a breakaway system, and traditionally this has only been available in Australia through an Electric Braked System. This become increasingly limiting with machines becoming heavier with developments.

 

SureWeld now has a solution, providing a Mechanical Override Braking Method that operates on all four wheels, and has the required breakaway system. We have many models that use this system, up to an Aggregate Trailer Mass of 3.5T – This allows you to carry 2940kg!

 

This is a game-changer for operators who want capability and convenience in one package, and a smart choice for when the Trailer is being towed behind various vehicles, e.g; Hire companies, or companies with fleets of vehicles.

SureWeld’s Trailers and Ramps, and a wide range of Accessories are made in the SW HQ in Wangaratta – The sunny North East Victoria! We are very proud of our “Aussie Made for Aussie Contractors” status!

In Australia, individuals holding a full or P2 licence are generally permitted to tow a trailer. However, in Western Australia, there’s a maximum speed limit of 100km/h when towing, whereas all other states and territories adhere to posted speed limits.

 

For those with a P1 licence (or red P-plate), towing regulations vary across different regions:

 

• In ACT, P1 drivers can tow a trailer with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of up to 450kg.
• In NSW, P1 drivers can tow a trailer with an unladen mass of up to 250kg, provided they display a red P-plate on the rear of the trailer.
• In NT and TAS, P1 drivers can tow a trailer but must not exceed 100km/h.
• In QLD, WA, and SA, there are no towing restrictions for P1 drivers.
• In VIC, P1 drivers are generally not permitted to tow a trailer, except under specific circumstances such as work requirements, agricultural use, or when accompanied by an experienced driver with ‘driver under instruction’ plates displayed.

 

Learner drivers (L-platers) in NSW, VIC, and TAS are prohibited from towing trailers or any other vehicle. However, in QLD, WA, SA, and NT, learner drivers can tow trailers with a visible L plate on the rear of the trailer. In the ACT, learner drivers can only tow a trailer if its GVM doesn’t exceed 750kg.

The construction industry in Australia is thriving, but so is the unfortunate trend of plant and machinery theft, causing financial losses and disruptions for businesses nationwide.

To safeguard your SureWeld Trailer/Ramps from theft, consider secure storage, strong locks, tracking devices, insurance coverage, online safety measures, and regular inspections. Learn more in our Theft Preventing blog: [https://sureweld.com.au/safeguarding-your-sureweld-assets-preventing-theft-of-your-trailers-and-ramps/discusses ].

SureWeld doesn’t offer Trailer/Ramps exchanges, but here are some options to sell your old Trailer/Ramps:

• Facebook Marketplace
• Gumtree
• Industry Auctions

If you’re looking for a new Trailer/set of Ramps, feel free to contact us for assistance!

We recommend checking the Trailer and Ramps over every day. Be sure to check out our Check 5B4U Drive checklist [https://sureweld.com.au/check-5-before-you-drive/] for five crucial tips for staying safe on the road when towing a SureWeld Trailer. If you have questions or queries feel free to give us a call, and we’ll do our best to assist you!

We work with many equipment dealers in all capital cities, to complement machines. Should you require a set of ramps or a trailer, give us a call on 1800 787 005, or contact us [https://sureweld.com.au/contact-us/] with your requirements and we will find the closest dealer to you, with the product to suit your application or a suitable alternative.

Our Aluminium Loading Ramps are rated as “Distributed load per pair”. We never load machinery using only one ramp, and that’s why we make sure the ramps work together to carry the load that they are labeled to carry.

 

This does not apply to SureWeld Walkboard Ramps [https://sureweld.com.au/walk-board/]

We stock a wide range of standard Ramps in our Warehouses. Any custom ramp requirements have a production lead time of around 4 weeks. Our standard Trailer range has a lead time of 1-2 weeks. Freight can be added to these lead times, depending on your location. Please ask for an accurate and up-to-date lead time when speaking to our Team.

Sureweld has a nationwide dealer network, willing to service your requirements. Contact us to find your nearest dealer. Alternatively, we can help you directly with the supply of Ramps and Trailers. Feel free to reach out to our Team today.

When people refer to a 3.5T Trailer, they are referring to the Aggregate Trailer Mass. This combines both the tare weight, and the allowable payload. This means that the allowable payload is the Aggregate Trailer Mass, minus the weight of the standalone trailer. In the case of SureWeld Products, where the 3.5T Trailer weighs ~560-620kg, typically a 2.5T Machine with accessories (totalling ~2800kg) would fit on a 3.5T Trailer.

The tare weight, is the raw weight of the Trailer without any attachments or machinery.

The payload is the maximum weight that can be carried by the trailer.

The ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) is the total weight of the trailer (tare weight) and its load (allowable payload) when not attached to a tow vehicle. The GTM (Gross Trailer Mass) is the weight of the Trailer and its load that is applied to the axles when attached to a tow vehicle.

For more explanation refer to this blog: https://sureweld.com.au/atm-vs-gtm-whats-the-difference-and-why-it-matters-for-safe-towing/

Every item carried on your Trailer adds weight, leaving less capacity available for your machine. That includes buckets, augers, attachment mounts, toolboxes, tools and other equipment.

Start with the Trailer’s allowable payload, then account for everything you intend to carry. Check whether factory-fitted accessories are already included in the quoted tare weight so you don’t count them twice. Accessories added later must also be included in your calculations.

Weight is only part of the picture. Accessories need to fit without interfering with machine positioning, loading or tie-down access. See our Trailer selection guide. {https://sureweld.com.au/how-to-choose-the-right-trailer-for-your-machine/}

Don’t rely on the vehicle’s advertised towing capacity alone. Check:

• Maximum braked towing capacity: the loaded Trailer mass your vehicle is permitted to tow.
• Towbar and coupling ratings: each component must be rated for the load. Maximum towball download: the permitted downward load on the vehicle and towing equipment.
• Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM): the vehicle’s maximum loaded mass, including occupants, tools, accessories and towball download.
• Gross Combination Mass (GCM): the maximum combined mass of the loaded vehicle and Trailer, where specified.
• Axle and tyre ratings: these must also remain within their limits.

You must satisfy every applicable limit, not just the towing-capacity figure. Check your vehicles owner’s manual and equipment ratings, and weigh the loaded combination if you’re unsure.

Position your machine to achieve the load balance and towball download specified for your Trailer and tow vehicle. Keep the load centred side-to-side, and don’t assume that placing the machine as far forward as possible is correct.

Use the Trailer’s designated, rated tie-down points and the machine manufacturer’s approved restraint points. The restraint arrangement must prevent forward, rearward and sideways movement, with attachments secured appropriately.

The correct position and restraint setup vary between excavators, skid steers and other machines. Follow the instructions for your particular combination rather than applying one layout to every load.

The right suspension depends on your load, Trailer model, towing conditions and maintenance priorities.

• Parabolic spring suspension: a lightweight option used across selected smaller SureWeld Trailers.
• Rocker roller suspension: used on selected larger, electrically braked models for heavier-load applications.
• Rubber torsion suspension: a low-maintenance option popular with hire businesses and operators who value straightforward ownership.

Tell us what you carry, how often you tow and the roads or sites you regularly access. We can help match the Trailer and suspension to the application. Suspension type alone does not confirm suitability for every terrain.

Consider the Trailer’s cost over its working life, not just the initial quote. Allow for servicing, tyres, brakes, bearings, electrical repairs, replacement parts and any structural or finish repairs.

Also consider towing fuel consumption, the cost of downtime while repairs are completed, and the Trailer’s eventual resale value. Parts availability and after-sales support matter: a small repair can become expensive if it keeps your machine off the road.

Ask what maintenance the specific Trailer requires and how readily replacement components can be sourced. Read our guide to Trailer ownership costs.

SureWeld’s Aluminium Loading Ramps are rated as a distributed load per pair, not per individual Ramp. The labelled capacity applies when the pair is used together as intended.

Do not treat that figure as the capacity of one Ramp or assume it permits an uneven or concentrated load. Check the rating and operating instructions for your particular model.

This pair-rating guidance does not apply to SureWeld Walkboard Ramps.

Use the actual total weight travelling over the Ramps, not simply the machine’s model designation or nominal weight.

Include the machine, fitted attachments, accessories, fuel and the operator where relevant. Check what the manufacturer’s operating-weight figure already includes so nothing is missed or counted twice.

If you’re unsure, confirm the configured machine’s weight with your machinery dealer or manufacturer before selecting Ramps. See our Ramp selection guide. {https://sureweld.com.au/picking-the-perfect-pair/}

Start by measuring the deck height of your truck or Trailer on firm, level ground. Ramp length determines the loading slope, but the machine’s ground clearance and permitted loading angle also need to be checked.

SureWeld’s standard selection guidance uses an 18°-22° loading-angle range for many applications. This is not suitable for every machine: low-clearance equipment may need a shallower angle, longer Ramps or a different design.

Use our Ramp Calculator {https://sureweld.com.au/ramp-calculator/} as a starting point, then request a clearance check if there is any doubt.

The Ramp tread needs to suit the machine’s track or tyre type.

Rubber and PT Series: suited to rubber tracks and pneumatic tyres, with a flatter tread surface for smoother loading.

Track Series: suited to compatible steel tracks, rubber tracks and steel tracks with rubber pads.

Steel-track details matter. SureWeld’s selection guide specifies three-bar grouser compatibility and advises that single-bar grousers are not suitable for its aluminium Ramps. Confirm the exact track type, capacity and width before choosing a model. See our Ramp selection guide. {https://sureweld.com.au/picking-the-perfect-pair/}

Compare the machine’s individual track or tyre width with the Ramp’s internal usable width, not its overall external width.

For tracked machines, SureWeld’s published guide recommends an internal Ramp width around 30-50 mm wider than the track, giving approximately 15–25 mm clearance on each side. This is selection guidance, not a universal rule for every machine or tyre type.

Wider is not automatically better. In the Track Series, excessive width can create unfavourable concentrated loading on the cross-members. Keep tracks or tyres centred between the side beams and confirm the correct model with us. See our Ramp selection guide. {https://sureweld.com.au/picking-the-perfect-pair/}

Load capacity and clearance are separate checks. A Ramp may support the machine’s weight while the loading geometry still causes the underside or an attachment to make contact.

The issue can occur where the machine first meets the Ramp, transitions onto the deck or leaves the Ramp. Deck height, Ramp length and the machine’s approach, departure and ramp-over clearances all play a part.

Stop rather than forcing the machine over the contact point. A clearance check can help determine whether longer, off-set or custom Ramps are required. Read our clearance guidance. {https://sureweld.com.au/how-to-choose-the-right-ramp-length-for-safe-loading/}

Use the connection and securing method specified for your Ramp and carrying vehicle. Depending on the setup, this may involve pins, hooks, hinges or specified supplementary straps or safety chains.

Never simply rest the Ramps against the deck and assume they will stay in place. Confirm that connections are fully engaged, the Ramp feet sit on firm, level ground, and the truck or Trailer cannot move during loading.

If a Ramp shifts, stop loading and correct the setup before continuing. See our Ramp safety guide. {https://sureweld.com.au/ramp-safety-101-how-to-safely-use-loading-ramps/}

Possibly, but the new machine needs a fresh suitability check. Compare its total loading weight, track or tyre type, track or tyre width, ground clearance and loading-angle requirements with your existing Ramps.

Also check whether the truck, Trailer or deck height has changed, and inspect the Ramps’ condition.

A machine that is only slightly heavier may still need different Ramps because its tracks, weight distribution or clearance are different. Confirm compatibility before the first load.

Stop using a Ramp if you find cracks, bends, holes, cuts, notches, excessive wear or corrosion that may affect its integrity.

Impact, dropping or mishandling can also cause damage that is not immediately obvious. If a Ramp has been overloaded, struck or distorted, don’t assume it is safe because it still supports a load.

Remove it from service and contact SureWeld for assessment before using it again. Do not attempt a repair yourself.

Do not drill, weld, cut, shorten, bend or otherwise modify your Loading Ramps without manufacturer approval.

Ramps are engineered as a complete structure. Alterations can compromise their strength, connection geometry and safe operation, even when the change appears minor.

If your Ramps no longer suit the application, contact SureWeld to discuss an approved solution or a purpose-built replacement.