Overview
Need water on site? For your latest construction job in Wellington, building new roads in Auckland, or utility work New Zealand-wide, portable water is a must. But choosing between a skid frame or a trailer can be a bit of a puzzle. We’re here to help you get stuck in and work out what’s best for your job. Let’s talk about the differences so you can pick the smartest solution for your needs.
The lowdown on Skid Frame Water Tanks
So, what’s a skid frame water unit? It’s a tank, pump, and often a hose, all fixed on a strong frame. You can forklift it straight onto the back of your flatbed or truck – depending on its size and weight. Think of it as a solid, straightforward way of getting water to remote locations where you need it.
Why they’re good:
- Often cheaper to buy compared to a purpose built water truck.
- Super stable when it’s on your truck.
- You can move it between different vehicles.
- Built tough for demanding jobs.
- Lots of options for tank sizes.
Things to think about:
- You’ll need a separate truck to move it.
- You need a truck big enough to take the weight of the tanks when full.
- It takes up space in your truck bed.
- Who are they for? If you’re setting up a permanent spot, or you’ve got trucks handy, these are a ripper. Great for construction crews in the Waikato or big roading jobs in Northland or anywhere else.
Explore the AquaMaster range of Skid Frame Water Tanks and Water Trailers and find the perfect fit for your crew.
Water Trailer Set-ups: The Full Noise
A water trailer unit is a tank and gear, all on its own road-legal trailer. You just hitch it up and off you go!
Why they’re good:
- Easy to tow wherever you need it.
- Doesn’t take up space on your truck or ute – just tow it behind.
- Quick to get on site and start working.
- Super handy for different locations.
Things to think about:
- Can cost a bit more upfront.
- You need a vehicle that can tow it.
- Might be a bit tricky in tight spots.
- Who are they for? If you’re moving water between sites often, wherever you’re located in New Zealand from utility crews in Bay of Plenty to individual contractors in Upper Hutt, a trailer is just the ticket.
Check out our range of AquaMaster Water Trailers and Skid Frame Water Tanks ready to hit the road with you.
Picking the Right One: Your Call
Deciding between a skid frame and a water trailer really depends on your mahi. Ask yourself:
- How much water do you need?
- How often are you moving it?
- What’s your budget looking like?
- What vehicles have you got already?
- Are your sites smooth or rough as guts?
The best solution is the one that fits your job like a glove. Have a good think about what you need to do. Want to chat it through? Get in touch with the team at Master Machinery. We’re happy to talk about your business, hear about your needs, and show you what we’ve got. Let’s get that water flowing!
Your questions answered
What size of truck do I need for a Skid Frame Water Tank?
The size of the truck you need depends entirely on the weight of the water tank when it is full. Because water weighs 1kg per litre, you must ensure your truck’s legal payload capacity can handle the weight of the water plus the weight of the steel skid frame and pumping equipment.
Truck requirements by tank size:
- 4000L Skid Tank: You will need a medium-duty Class 2 truck with a minimum 5000kg capacity.
- 6000L Skid Tank: This requires a heavy-duty truck with a minimum payload capacity of 7,000kg. You must use a Class 2 truck (or larger) to transport this unit safely when full.
Things to check before loading:
- Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM): Check your truck’s plate to ensure the “wet weight” (tank + water + fuel + driver) doesn’t exceed the legal limit.
- Deck Space: Ensure your tray is long enough. For example, an AquaMaster 6000 is 5.0m long, while the AquaMaster 4000 is 4.0m long.
- Tie-Down Points: Your truck must have rated points to secure the skid frame. Our tanks come with integrated forklift slots to make loading onto your flatbed or tipper easy.
Using a truck that is too small is dangerous and can lead to heavy fines. If you aren’t sure if your current truck is up to the task, get in touch with our team. We can talk through the specs and help you make the right purchase for your fleet.
What’s the best water cart for transportation by ute?
The best water cart for transportation by ute is the AquaMaster 2000. It is specifically designed to be the “sweet spot” for utility vehicles, offering the maximum legal water capacity you can safely tow on a standard New Zealand car licence without needing a dedicated truck.
Why the AquaMaster 2000 is the top choice for ute owners:
- Easily Within Legal Towing Capacity: At 2000L, it provides a large volume of water while remaining within the 3500kg braked towing capacity of most modern utes (like a Ranger or Hilux).
- Road-Ready Compliance: It comes fully equipped with mechanical brakes and road-legal lights. This means you can tow it at highway speeds between sites safely and legally.
- Dual-Hitch Flexibility: It features a dual tow hitch (1-7/8” and 50mm). This ensures it fits whatever tow ball your ute is already carrying without needing an adaptor.
- Superior Stability: The trailer is built with a low centre of gravity. This prevents the water from “sloshing,” which can cause swaying or “pushing” your ute when you brake or turn.
- Hitch-and-Go Productivity: You don’t lose your ute’s tray space. By towing the water, you can still use your ute deck for tools, fuel, or extra gear.
- Compact Footprint: It is designed to be no wider than a standard ute. This makes it easy to reverse into tight residential sites or navigate narrow farm tracks.
