Flatbed truck facts for kids
A flatbed truck is a special kind of truck that has a completely flat, open back. Unlike many other trucks, it doesn't have sides or a roof on its cargo area. This design makes it perfect for carrying very large, heavy, or unusually shaped items that wouldn't fit inside a regular enclosed truck.
Flatbed trucks can be either articulated or rigid. An articulated flatbed truck is like a tractor (the front part) pulling a separate flat trailer. A rigid flatbed truck is one solid vehicle where the cab and the flatbed are all one piece.
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What are Flatbed Trucks Used For?
Flatbed trucks are super important for moving all sorts of big things. Imagine trying to move a huge piece of construction equipment or a stack of long steel beams. A regular truck wouldn't work! That's where flatbeds come in handy.
Carrying Big Loads
These trucks are often used to transport items that are too wide, too long, or too tall for enclosed trailers. This includes things like:
- Building materials such as lumber, pipes, and steel beams.
- Heavy machinery like excavators, bulldozers, or tractors.
- Large vehicles, including other cars or even boats.
- Oversized equipment for factories or energy plants.
Securing the Cargo
Since the flatbed is open, the cargo needs to be held down very securely. Drivers use strong straps, chains, and sometimes tarps to make sure everything stays in place during travel. This is really important for safety on the roads.
Types of Flatbed Trucks
Flatbed trucks come in different sizes and styles, depending on what they need to carry.
Rigid Flatbed Trucks
Smaller flatbed trucks are usually rigid. This means the truck's cab and the flat cargo bed are built as one complete unit. Some rigid flatbeds have low sides that can be hinged up or down. These hinged sides make it easier to load and unload goods, especially if they are smaller items that might roll off.
Articulated Flatbed Trucks
Larger flatbed trucks are often articulated. This means the truck is made of two main parts: the "tractor" (the front part with the engine and driver's cab) and a separate "trailer" (the flatbed part). The tractor pulls the trailer, and they are connected by a special hitch. This design allows for carrying extremely long or heavy loads, as different types of flatbed trailers can be attached.
Related Pages
Images for kids
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British 1972 Guy Big J4 flatbed
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International Harvester flatbed truck
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A modern flatbed with an unusual load, held down by webbing ratchet straps
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Ford F-650 flatbed tow truck
