The average size of Australian farms is 4300 hectares, a number propped up by some of the world’s biggest cattle stations. Providing water for such large areas has been a continual struggle, considering the arid climate, warming temperatures, and lower precipitation levels in recent years. Agriculture accounts for the majority of the water used in Australia, far exceeding household use, and all other industries combined. The average Aussie farm needs 107 million litres of water annually. A large portion of that figure is pumped through irrigation systems, while the rest is provided through other means.
Water trailers are indispensable pieces of equipment found on every farm. They come in varying capacities, are equipped with pumping systems, and are towed by different vehicles depending on their overall size. But a versatile water trailer is also a necessity in other fields. Local councils use water trailers in the upkeep of parks and greenery and also in dust suppression. Construction companies make extensive use of water trailers in all building projects, firefighters use water trailers in smaller tasks, and businesses use water trailers in delivering water for hot tubs and pools.
Types of Water Trailers
Depending on where you’ll be using the water trailer, and the type of application, water trailers come in two basic types: off-road and on-road trailers. Off-road trailers are built around a sturdier chassis, with reinforced points in several sections to withstand the harsh demands of Aussie farms and tough terrain. They’ll sit on bigger off-road wheels, and have longer drawbars and tougher hitches for steep inclines or descents and safer turning angles. Suspension is also beefier and many have uprated braking systems. Skid-in trailers offer a more secure fit for tanks than individual tanks mounted on off-road flatbed trailers.
When trailers are used in urban settings, an on-road trailer makes more sense. They’re roadworthy and can be used without hesitation on all roads. On-road trailers make do with smaller wheels, shorter drawbars and normal trailer suspension setups. They also often have smaller tanks.
What to Look for in a Water Trailer
Different trailers used to transport water have features that are useful in different settings. Here are a few basic tips to get the right trailer for your needs:
- Water capacity – Depending on how much water you need, you can get water trailers with tanks in varying capacities. Common are 1000 litre tanks, but you can also opt for tanks that are able to transport 1200, 1500, 2000, 3000 and 4000 litres. Bigger tanks and trailers will understandably be built to carry the extra weight, and include added safety features.
- Tank materials and build – Tanks used on farms, on construction sites or in firefighting need to last in high heat, exposure to chemicals, and be built of puncture-resistant materials. For smaller trailers, manufacturers often used polyethylene, which is lightweight yet tough. Tanks are reinforced inside to prevent sloshing and unequal weight distribution. Bigger tanks are generally made of stainless steel.
- Trailer Chassis – To ensure that trailers last in rugged Australian conditions, tanks are set on heavy-duty single or tandem axle chassis. Galvanised stainless steel is used, and decks have a non-slip checker plate surface. Raised side fenders make for the best in stability, and mean the trailer has a low profile allowing it to be used in various settings. Choose between shackle or rocker suspension. Single axle trailers come with mechanical brakes, while tandem axles with electric disc brakes.
- Hoses and pumps – Buyers can choose between petrol or diesel pumps in varying pressure, and hoses of different lengths and materials. Pumps and hose reels are set in reinforced tying points and can be optioned with protective frames.
- Tank versatility – Some trailers feature tanks that can also be used in transporting other liquids, like fertilizers. If you need a trailer for multiple purposes confirm that the tank and pumping systems are specified as such.
- Added features – Since trailers are used on large plots of land, a trailer tracker is one of the handy features to have. They allow you to know the exact location of the water trailer at all times.
- Warranties – Water trailers see heavy and frequent use throughout the year. Look for warranties on chassis, tanks and pumps to ensure hassle-free use. Some builders also have free roadside assistance.
Water Trailer Uses
Water trailers are used on smaller and larger farms in Australia in bringing potable water to livestock in distant locations. They also help in irrigation purposes and can be used in transporting fertiliser for crops. With infrequent rainfall, larger tanks are also useful in storing water. In addition, pumping systems are effective in cleaning farm machinery and equipment.
Homes with larger acreages use water trailers for general landscaping purposes. Councils also benefit from water trailers for different purposes, like maintaining parks and greenery or in dust suppression and cleaning. Sports facilities, like football stadiums and racecourses, have at least one water trailer for the same applications.
Though not obvious, construction sites also require large amounts of water, in applications like setting concrete driveways and cleaning vehicles and equipment. And needless to say, a water trailer is a necessary piece of equipment in firefighting.
Water trailers are among the many types of trailers produced by dozens of manufacturers across Australia. Trailer builders can custom-build the trailer according to your needs and use it in the size, tank capacity and features you choose.
