[Womble]

Hi folks,

I've decided to buy a drop-side flatbed trailer for the smallholding; something like this Ifor Williams LM105 would be ideal.



Now I know everybody says to buy Ifor because the resale values are so strong, but when you're buying second hand, that unfortunately works against you -  the prices are simply eye watering! (and I have to fork out to sit a B+E trailer test too!)

Apart from Brian James and Indespension, are there any other makes I should be considering?


Also, if you've used a trailer like this, is there anything else I ought to know before I buy?

Cheers! 

[Carse Goodlifers]

@Womble - I'm afraid that I can't suggest any other makers of such trailers but it's maybe worth keeping your eyes peeled for any local farm sales or machinery sales at the mart. You could pick up a bargain there.

With regards to other things to look out for Id guess check the actual frame/chassis for any damage or repairs done to it and also check the axles.  The electrics are usually easy to sort out if needs be.

[bloomer]

My single axle 4 x 8 cage spider that doubles as my stock trailer is made by a company called blue line in Boston Lincs


I got it through a friend down south who was a dealer for them.


I have been very pleased with the build quality etc and compared to the IW it was a very affordable option and meant I was able to buy new...


http://www.blueline-trailers.co.uk/trailers/flatbed-trailers/10-x-6-drop-side-platform-trailer-illustrated-with-drop-sides.html


Is their equivalent for comparison.

[mab]

CLH trailers, St Clears , Carmarthenshire.

[stufe35]

Womble,  what I would say, is do your homework....price up having the brakes refurbished and price up a new set of tyres.....(neither is a cheap exercise) ....add this to the cost of your second hand trailer and see how far you are off a new(er) one.

Oh yes and then there's a day to spend sorting out the lights.

Sometimes it's just worth paying for something better...look after it and it's like money in the bank...as you say they hold their value well.

Do you have a secure and preferably under cover place to keep it.  They keep much better out of the weather. Thieves like them too!

People know the value of these things so there are seldom bargains to be had.

[Womble]

Thanks for the advice everybody.


I'm getting better with mechanics these days, and have replaced the electrics on my existing trailer once already (after the geese ate them  )

Just thinking aloud then:

• An IWT LM105 new is coming in at around £3,000 including VAT. That's just not going to happen!!
• Stufe35 - That's a good point re maintenance. 4x new tyres and brake assemblies add up to roughly £440, so either they all need to be good, or that price needs to be haggled off a second hand trailer.
• For comparison, the equivalent Blue Line trailer comes in at £2300 and the Brian James at £2700, so you're definitely paying for the name. I've also Emailed CLH (thanks for the link Mab!)
• Second hand, from looking at completed Ebay listings, the Ifor trailers go for roughly £900 if really beaten up, £1500 in fair condition, and £2000+ in good condition.

I guess what I'm looking for is a second hand Blue Line then! 

[CarolineJ]

Have a look at Nugent Engineering as well - a Northern Irish company, but a few dealers in the UK now.  http://www.nugentengineering.com/

[Old Empty Barn]

Hi Womble, Keep an eye on the Sweeney Kincaid auction website, these trailers come up all the time.


Dave

[Buttermilk]

Graham Edwards and they are better trailers than the Ifors to my mind.  http://www.edwardstrailers.co.uk/

[oor wullie]

As with most things, bigger is better (unless you know exactly what you are moving or are restricted by your towing vehicle).
I have a LM146 and for hauling bales of hay wouldn't want anything smaller.

If buying again I would consider aluminium check plate flooring as I can see the plywood floor being the first thing to fail.