Question 1

What are the differences between hydraulic, mechanical and electric brakes?"

Accepted Answer

Hydraulic brakes are legal up to a maximum GTM of 2000kg. They use hydraulic fluid which is pressurized when the float pushes on the tow vehicle as it slows down. One advantage is that they can be towed by multiple tow vehicles as there is no controller needed in the tow car. The main disadvantage is that they are very inefficient, need significantly more maintenance and are not legal on heavier floats. In general we don’t recommend them for floats.
 
Electric brakes are legal on floats up to 4500Kg total weight and mandatory on almost all floats over 2000Kg. So for most larger double or triple floats they are the standard.
You will need a good quality progressive style brake controller fitted to your vehicle. Please ask us for our advice on choice and installation to suit your car and float. This is a free service.
 
Mechanical brakes are a type of override brake system and are frequently used on smaller boat trailers but until recently rarely used on floats. However in recent years some imported floats have mechanical brakes fitted as these are the standard in the UK, Europe and other countries. In almost all cases they are only approved for use up to 2000Kg. The good quality ones (usually operating on all wheels) are much more efficient than hydraulic brakes and are usually easier and cheaper to maintain, however this does vary depending on the brand.
Any float over 2000Kg and fitted with mechanical brakes must have special import approval and must have approval documentation to match. To our knowledge Ifor Williams floats are the only ones currently with such approval.

Question 2

Is the Ifor Williams’s braking system approved over 2 tonne ATM/GTM in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Ifor Williams trailers are fully approved for registration in all States. Full documentation is provided with all floats sold. To our knowledge Ifor Williams floats are the only ones currently with such approval.  The GTM of trailers varies between models and sizes, with 3.5 tonne being the maximum gross capacity.

Question 3

Where are Ifor Williams trailers built?

Accepted Answer

Ifor Williams Trailers are produced at four main manufacturing sites across North Wales. The company invests heavily in the latest manufacturing technology. Facilities include automated material stocking systems and extensive use of CNC equipment including lasers, plasmas, punches and presses.
 
A high percentage of parts are produced to the company's own designs, including axles, chassis and most body parts. Purchased parts and materials are sourced from approved manufacturers who are able to satisfy the demands set for consistent high quality. Rigorous checks are made continuously on self-manufactured components and those it buys in.
 
An on-site galvanizing plant gives the company total control over quality and efficiency in the production of chassis and other assemblies.

Question 4

Why buy an Ifor Williams Trailer?

Accepted Answer

UK and Europe’s largest trailer manufacturer, operating for over 65 years
Renowned  for
- Build quality 
- Engineering excellence
- Rated 200,000km bearing service intervals
- Beam axle, spring leaf suspension and large sealed bearings
- Hot dip galvanised 
Up to 3.5T with mechanical brakes (NO ELECTRIC BRAKING SYSTEMS REQUIRED)

Frequently asked questions

What are the differences between hydraulic, mechanical and electric brakes?"

Is the Ifor Williams’s braking system approved over 2 tonne ATM/GTM in Australia?

Where are Ifor Williams trailers built?

Why buy an Ifor Williams Trailer?

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