About Livestock Trucks
Livestock carrier trucks can accommodate sheep, cattle and a host of other animals which businesses in the agricultural industry need to transport. The safety and comfort of the living cargo is taken into account by the designs of these vehicles. And with different sizes and capacities on offer, operations of all types can find the right second-hand livestock carrier. Just be prepared for older, high-mileage models to require a thorough inspection before you buy to ensure that they are in an appropriate condition.

2018 Hino 500FC2829 Livestock Truck
14ft, 18ft and 24ft cattle box livestock carriers are popular across the UK and Europe, with different cabs and trailer configurations determining their suitability for particular commercial buyers. Typically, the rear body will be built to house a specific number of animals, with internal partitioning allowing them to be transported without incident. The flooring is particularly important for this category of truck, because it needs to be able to withstand the weight and movement of livestock during transport while also integrating drainage to deal with slurry.
A slurry tank may be featured on some livestock carrier models, so inspect this and make sure it is operational when choosing a used model which has seen plenty of use.
Depending on the type of body that is present, a livestock carrier may be multi-purpose and allow for an additional deck to be fitted. This will let it accommodate smaller animals on board, with side wall vents ensuring that the occupants have enough air while they are in transit. Air suspension allows these trucks to ride smoothly over the tarmac, as long as the shocks are intact.
Old Body, New Chassis
You may find that livestock carrier trucks on the second-hand market are the result of a combination of an older cab with a newer body on the trailer at the rear. This means that you can secure a cost-effective alternative to purchasing the entire carrier as new, while receiving the same benefits and modern features that are common across more recent body designs. Another important element is the ramp, which will allow the loading and unloading of livestock from the rear. Double-length ramps can lessen the steepness of the angle at which animals must descend when disembarking, while hydraulic ramps are also available to make things easier for the operator. Any doors, ramps and other elements which will be subjected to physical forces should be scrutinised on second-hand livestock carriers to prevent damage going unnoticed.
Day Cabs The Norm
Livestock carrier trucks will often feature day cabs, but sleeper cabs may be available if required. Smaller models that are built for transporting horses may feature less room in the cab, but this is to be expected when the scale of the vehicle is more compact and its purposes generally different to those of full lorry livestock carriers. Because of this, buyers should make themselves aware of the different models and also consider the kinds of uses to which the truck will be put once they have made their purchase, as this is the best way to ensure satisfaction in the long term.