Hauling Gets Smarter with Felling’s DDI Drop Deck I Series

Felling Trailers just dropped us a line, announcing a rework of one of its equipment trailer platforms. It’s the DDI Series, short for Drop Deck I. This lineup replaces the previous I Series boasting stronger hitches, cleaner specs, and more flexibility for hauling. The DDI Series targets contractors, landscapers, rental houses, and fleet managers who haul smaller compact equipment daily. Think compact track loaders, mini excavators, and mowing equipment. The redesign starts at the front and carries through the deck, frame, ramps, and running gear. This is not a cosmetic update, noted Felling. It is a structural rethink. Let’s dig in.

Stronger Hitch Design Starts the DDI Upgrade

The heart of the DDI redesign sits in the hitch. Felling recently invested in new beam-bending equipment, which allowed the company to rework the hitch bend point on this new series. That should help reduce deformation and improve durability under heavy tongue loads. This matters for compact equipment fleets that tow daily and rack up miles fast. Those guys go everywhere. A stronger hitch translates directly into longer service life and fewer headaches.

A Smarter Deck Built for Changing Equipment

Felling didn’t stop at the hitch. The company redesigned the deck header with versatility in mind. The DDI Series uses a diamond tread deck header plate that comes standard with integrated chain slots and pre-drilled mounting locations. That means operators can add winch plates, D-rings, or other accessories without drilling holes or modifying the trailer in the field. So, skid steer today. Mini excavator tomorrow. Felling said these trailers can easily secure whatever you’re hauling — whatever day you’re hauling it. 

Suspensions, Beavertails, and Bolt-On Ramps

The DDI Series standardizes frame beam sizing across spring and torsion suspension models in the 20,000- to 24,000-pound range. Customers can choose suspension type based on what they’re hauling, ride quality or preference. Structural performance stays the same either way, said Felling. The DDI Series also standardizes axle placement and beavertail positioning across various configurations. A beavertail or dovetail on a trailer is the sloped or lowered section at the rear of the deck, designed to make loading equipment easier. Felling made a particular point that beavertail length no longer changes the trailer’s balance characteristics. The DDI Series also uses a modular, bolt-on ramp system with interchangeable legs and hold-up pins. Capacity ratings are now clearly marked on these ramp systems, which help crews plan loads safely.

Next Up: How About This Hauling Equipment Safely Post?

All of this reminds me. This trailer launch pairs nicely with a topic we care about at Construction Equipment: safe transport. Improper loading and securement cause damage, downtime, fines, or worse. So up next, we highly suggest you read Frank Raczon’s article on Tips for Safe Transport of Equipment. Master Raczon covers choosing the right trailer, loading equipment correctly, and securing machines to meet Department of Transportation requirements. After that, sign up for our newsletter.