Find the Best Prime Mover Hire Near You

Yes. You must have a Heavy Rigid (HR) Vehicle license to operate a prime mover truck. They come under the specifications necessary for this license to be required, including:

• Buses and trucks with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) in excess of eight tonnes and with three or more axles
• Towed trailers with a GVM of under nine tonnes
• Bendy buses which are articulated by definition, but treated as rigid vehicles

To get your HR License there are some eligibility criteria you must meet including having held a class C car license or higher for over two years, and more.

Learn more about HR Licensing here.

Prime mover trucks length varies dependent on the cargo they haul, the make and model of the machine and the trailer they are hauling. Typically, a prime mover's cabin and chassis measure approximately 6 to 7 meters (about 20 to 23 feet) long. This measurement does not include the trailer, which can significantly increase the total length of the vehicle combination. The design focuses on optimising power and manoeuvrability for towing, with dimensions that accommodate a range of trailer types while adhering to road transport regulations.

Furthermore, there are different types of truck and trailer combinations for prime movers, including the following:

• Towing a semi-trailer
• With a semi trailer towing a pig trailer
• With a semi-trailer towing a dog trailer
• With a semi-trailer towing a dog trailer and a pig trailer
• B-double
• B-triples

The length of these prime mover combinations ranges from 19 metres to 53.5 metres.

In Australia, a prime mover refers to a powerful truck designed specifically for towing trailers. These vehicles are the mainstay of the country's logistics and heavy transport sectors, enabling the efficient and reliable transport of goods across vast distances. Prime movers play a crucial role in various industries, including construction, mining, and freight logistics, providing the necessary horsepower and configuration options to meet a wide range of hauling requirements. They are characterised by their robust construction, high towing capacity and adaptability to different trailer types for transporting diverse cargo loads.

Prime mover trucks maximum capacity varies dependent on the trailers and cargo they carry. For each trailer combination, there is a different capacity for each. The maximum capacity for each trailer combination is:

• Towing a semi-trailer- 47.5 tonnes
• With a semi trailer towing a pig trailer- 65.5. tonnes
• With a semi-trailer towing a dog trailer- 84 tonnes
• With a semi-trailer towing a dog trailer and a pig trailer- 84 tonnes
• B-double-147.5 tonnes
• B-triples- 127.5 tonnes

Choosing the best prime mover in Australia depends on specific project requirements, including the type of load, distance of transport, and terrain. Popular brands like Kenworth, Volvo, and Mack are renowned for their reliability, performance, and advanced technology, offering models that cater to general freight as well as specialised heavy haulage needs.

The Kenworth T610 and Volvo FH series, for example, are highly regarded for their balance of power, comfort, and efficiency, making them favourites among fleet operators and independent drivers alike. Ultimately, the best prime mover is one that aligns with the operator's specific hauling needs and offers the best combination of durability, fuel efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Yes, in the context of Australian and British English, a prime mover can be considered a type of lorry. The term 'lorry' is often used to describe a large, heavy motor vehicle designed for transporting cargo, which encompasses the functionality of a prime mover. However, prime movers are specifically engineered for towing trailers and are distinct from rigid lorries, which have a fixed cargo area as part of the main vehicle body.

Fuel consumption for a prime mover varies based on the engine size, load weight, driving conditions, and overall vehicle efficiency. On average, a prime mover may consume between 20 to 60 litres (approximately 5.3 to 15.9 gallons) of diesel fuel per operation hour, with variations observed during long-haul trips, idling, or when navigating challenging terrains. Modern prime movers equipped with fuel-efficient engines and technologies can achieve better fuel economy, particularly when maintained properly and operated under optimal conditions.

The towing capacity of a prime mover depends on its design, engine power and the specific regulations in place. In Australia, prime movers can typically pull loads ranging from 40 to 200 tonnes, with standard configurations usually rated for up to 70 tonnes. Special permits and configurations, such as road trains, allow for higher weight limits under certain conditions and in designated areas, enabling the transport of substantial loads over long distances in rural and outback regions. Compliance with national and state regulations is essential to ensure the safe and legal operation of prime movers at these capacities.

The main difference between prime movers and rigid trucks lies in their design and intended use:

Bottom line: Prime movers are versatile tractor units for towing trailers, while rigid trucks are self-contained vehicles with a fixed tray or body for shorter-range or site-specific transport.

Yes — you can hire a prime mover by itself (without a trailer) via iSeekPlant. Their “Prime Mover Hire” category specifically offers just the engine and chassis, so you can attach your own trailer.

The fuel consumption of prime movers varies depending on load, terrain, and engine size, but typical figures for heavy trucks in Australia are:

Bottom line: Prime movers are fuel-intensive, especially when towing heavy trailers over long distances or steep terrain. Fuel efficiency can be improved with modern engines, aerodynamics, and driver techniques.