Rhino trailers & low loaders
A cut above the rest
An Australian-born trailer manufacturer understands the harsh conditions that heavy haulage faces in the Lucky Country. After 50 years in the business, the Davey Group continues to learn, adapt, and improve its offerings to the road transport industry.
Recently, the 100% family-owned and Australian-based company turned its attention to clearing supply chain hurdles that emerged following the Covid-19 pandemic. As part of its strategy to meet demand, the Davey Group expanded production capabilities by extending its 40,000m² base in Toowoomba, Queensland. This facility, which the company acquired in 2007, has been continuously upgraded to produce trailers that meet the highest standards. A key addition was 22 new overhead cranes, ensuring top-tier design and manufacturing quality.
To support growth, the company also boosted its engineering capacity by adding two dedicated draftsmen with extensive design experience and mechanical trade qualifications. Several low-loader designs are being refined and re-engineered to improve strength, quality, operation, and efficiency. A commitment to improving service and efficiency also led the company to introduce new full-time school-based apprenticeships and continually upskill its tradespeople and labourers.
The journey from Kempsey, NSW, to where the company stands today has been remarkable. A pivotal moment came in 2004 when Lusty Low Loaders, based in the Sunshine State, was acquired by the Davey Group and relocated to Toowoomba in 2007. As part of its philosophy, the Davey Group reviewed and upgraded Lusty Low Loaders’ original trailers, ensuring all products meet the high standards set by the parent company.
The Davey Group’s purpose-built division focuses on custom-built road transport equipment, low loaders, and heavy haulage solutions. All trailers are designed and built by skilled Australian craftsmen to endure local conditions. Rhino Trailers, in particular, have built a strong reputation for their custom-built semi-trailers, known for superior strength under the slogan “Strength in Design.” Customers can choose from Single Units, B Doubles, Road Train configurations, and a variety of deck wideners, including 2-row, 3-row, and 4-row models, as well as suspension wideners.
The Toowoomba hub offers a comprehensive range of services, including repair, maintenance, precision CNC engineering, sandblasting, protective coatings, and modifications. The Davey Group is known for its unwavering commitment to quality, manufacturing a fleet of rugged trailers that thrive in Australia’s harshest conditions. These trailers have proven themselves in mining, livestock transport, and heavy haulage tasks. Their drop-bed bulk tubs, made from aluminium and high-tensile lightweight steel, are designed for high-volume, lightweight loads.
For those seeking tippers, the Davey Group offers a variety of models, from high-tensile steel to aluminium trailers, including a hybrid range.
Quality and ISO Certification
The Davey Group is unwavering when it comes to quality. About 3 years ago, the company committed to developing and implementing an Integrated Management System (IMS) to achieve ISO certifications in three areas: ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems, ISO 45001:2018 Safety Management Systems, and ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems. This commitment ensures that trailers are continually evolving, raising the bar in performance and reliability.
The Rhino division operates under the same ethos, emphasizing customer satisfaction with a no-compromise approach to quality. Their commitment to meeting customer specifications is reinforced by certified ISO 9001:2015 standards and thorough in-process and final quality inspections.
With over 50 years of industry experience, and the expertise gained from the acquisition of Lusty Low Loader and AFM-O’Phee Trailers, the Davey Group remains a leader in the field.
Currently, the focus is on expanding production capabilities. Across the industry, long lead times for new trailers have become a common challenge. The Davey Group is working diligently to reduce these wait times and increase output.