Verbugt Speciaalbouw AH3000

It has an unladen weight of 18,800 kg, giving a payload of around 11,200 kg. At a length of 12,080 mm, a width of 2,550 mm and a wheelbase of 8,570 mm, this is a long, sturdy build that itself accounts for a large share of the gross weight. Its design top speed of 90 km/h is lower than the usual 100 km/h. The combination of great length and high tare weight is typical of low-loaders whose frame itself provides the stiffness needed under high point loads.

A high tare weight combined with a long deck points to a particularly robust build, needed for heavy machinery, steel structures or building materials with high point loads. The towing vehicle requires driving licence category CE, and the air brake system must act across every axle. Spare parts for brake drums or discs, suspension components and lighting are available through the general parts trade for this vehicle class, independent of the original manufacturer.

When buying used, the checklist should include the chassis and main beams, especially around the axle mounts, where sustained loading leaves cracks and corrosion at welds. Brake pads, drums or discs, the air-line hoses, and the condition of the tyres and lashing points should all be checked just as thoroughly. The air-line connector heads, the load-sensing brake valve and the suspension on every axle also belong on the pre-purchase checklist.