Retriever Trucks from Versatran

The most cost-efficient heavy equipment transport truck available

View all Retriever Trucks

About Versatran Retriever Trucks

The Versatran Retriever is a heavy equipment transport truck featuring a patented deck design that creates a 10 to 14-degree loading angle. The loading ramp extension and vertical deck movement are powered by the truck's air system which permits loading and unloading with the truck engine off. These heavy haulers are perfect for transporting farm equipment, tractors, backhoes, fork lifts, scissor lifts, excavators, skid loaders, and even small bulldozers.

The Versatran Transport Retriever features an innovative air operated curved platform and ramp system that offers greater hauling capacity, faster cycle times, lowest deck height in the industry, as well as lift operation without idling the truck. This design concept saves fuel and reduces emissions while significantly improving our customer's delivery efficiency.

The deck design features:

Shallowest loading angle in the industry (as low as 10.8 degrees)
Low center of gravity
Improved ride stability and handling
Keyslot tie-down points every 17"
Deck height levels as low as 41.00" allow for quick and easy loading and unloading of equipment (lowest in the industry)
High strength 5/16" thick 50 ksi steel deck & ramp materials providing durable handling of concentrated equipment loads
High traction epoxy deck coating improves safety for equipment and operators

How much weight can be lifted by the rear deck?

The rear deck is raised and lowered using four Firestone air springs with a combined lift capacity of 40,000 lbs. at the center of the rear deck.

How does the Retriever’s air lift system compare to conventional hydraulic systems?

The Retriever's air system utilizes the existing compressor and air dryer that is already on the truck eliminating the need for a PTO and Hydraulic Pump. This system operates without idling the truck, reducing idling time by up to 30-45% which reduces fuel consumption, emissions, and emission system maintenance while extending engine life. To put this into perspective, 500 hours of idling is equal to roughly 64,000 miles of driving. Furthermore, the potential for hydraulic oil spills and the associated HazMat cleanup are completed eliminated.

The air system uses lightweight components that reduce dead weight by approximately 2,000 lbs on a 15T and 4,000 lbs on a 20T which increase the overall legal payload.

The Retriever's operating system does not need to be warmed up in cold weather conditions. When a driver arrives at a delivery site, they can simply turn the truck off and immediately begin operating the lift system. In normal operations, there will be 80 to 90 psi air pressure remaining, enough to release the parking brake and proceed. The air system will be fully recharged after 5-6 minutes of driving.

Why is the rear deck curved?

The rear deck is curved for several reasons:

It helps to reduce the loading angle by allowing the rear deck to nest over the tires when lowered. This shortens the overall rear deck length while providing a very low load angle, which in-turn reduces the tail swing of the truck when driving.
The curved deck allows low clearance equipment such as scissors lifts to be driven over the deck hinge point without bottoming out.
Tracked equipment can be driven on without dangerous & destructive breakover.

Can the Versatran Retriever be loaded from a loading dock?

Yes, the Retriever can be equipped with an easy to use, swing down, adjustable dock stabilizer rated at 40,000 lbs. The Retriever’s rear deck can be raised to a ~54” dock height. If more height is needed the stabilizers are equipped with ball screw jacks that will provide up to 12” of additional lift.

How does the Retriever compare to rollback or hydra-tail tow trucks?

There are numerous Retriever features that add to its efficiency, when combined nothing else comes close.

The Retriever’s rapid cycle time saves time.
The shallow loading angle allows most equipment to simply and safely be driven on/off.
High traction surfaces speed operations without winching.
Available under-deck chain boxes put chains within easy reach for operators rather than having to dig them out of a box or from a rack.
Chain Binder Storage Racks put binders within easy reach.
Numerous key-slot tie-down points offer speed, and safe load securement.
The low deck height allows most loads to be secured from the ground.
There is no waiting for Retriever systems to warm up in cold weather.
The available Traverse Mounted Winch provides flexibility when narrow machines must be winched in a side by side configuration and provides an angled pull when transporting broken down equipment.
Available 3,000-Watt Diesel APU provides instant power when loading discharged battery-powered equipment on the job site, as well as charging in transit. Diesel fuel from the truck system eliminates “out of fuel” headaches.
The Retriever’s lighter weight allows for the hauling of larger equipment on a smaller truck.

Can I haul steel track equipment on a Retriever?

We offer a solid surface ramp with cleats which enables the retriever to haul steel track equipment such as tracked skid-steer loaders, and excavators. We recommend our Heavy Duty 2” curb rail when transporting steel tracked machines.

How is the Retriever equipment transporter safer than other conventional products?

The Retriever’s low loading angle reduces the possibility of equipment sliding when loading.
High traction surfaces provide better footing for equipment and operators.
The low deck height allows operators to secure most loads from the ground eliminating the need to climb on and off the truck deck.
The Retriever is specifically designed for Operator Safety and multiple efficient cycle times.
Ergonomically Correct: Load securement can be performed at ground level.
Maneuverability: The Retriever’s nimble design makes it an ideal choice for getting in and out of high traffic areas quickly and safely.

Does the Retriever heavy hauler come equipped with an electric winch?

The Retriever comes stock with a Warn Industrial Electric winch rated at 15,000 lbs. The Warn 15K Industrial Winch is the largest, most durable winch on the market for this application. If you require a winch with a larger capacity, we offer a Snatch Block which effectively doubles the line pull to 30,000 lbs.

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Featured Models

Retriever Trucks from Versatran

Heavy equipment transport trucks sold by Transwest

About Versatran Retriever Trucks

The Transwest Difference