Industry Focus
Trailer Landing Gear: Strength, Stability, and the Future of Support Systems
In the world of trailer engineering, the trailer landing gear—also known as trailer support legs or landing gear systems—plays a crucial role in ensuring safety, efficiency, and operational readiness. While not a powertrain component, landing gear provides essential structural support when a trailer is parked or detached from the tractor.In the world of trailer engineering, the trailer landing gear—also known as trailer support legs or landing gear systems—plays a crucial role in ensuring safety, efficiency, and operational readiness. While not a powertrain component, landing gear provides essential structural support when a trailer is parked or detached from the tractor.
With the increasing pace of global logistics and more frequent trailer swaps, the demand for high-performance semi-trailer landing gear is growing rapidly, making it a vital component in fleet reliability and transport efficiency.
What Is Trailer Landing Gear? Structure & Function Overview
Trailer landing gear is a mechanical system mounted at the front of a semi-trailer to support the trailer’s weight when it is uncoupled.
A standard landing gear system typically includes:
• Support legs (also called trailer legs or drop legs)
• Gearbox and transmission
• Crank handle
• Outer/inner tubes
• Cross shaft assembly
Landing gear is generally categorized into manual landing gear and automatic landing gear (pneumatic or electric), depending on how it is operated. It is indispensable in logistics hubs, repair centers, and fleet depots.
Main Types of Landing Gear and Their Key Features
Two-Speed Manual Landing Gear
This is the most widely used configuration, featuring both high gear (fast speed) and low gear (heavy-load mode). It is reliable and easy to operate.
Advantages:
•Durable and field-tested
• Manual speed shifting for efficiency
• Easy maintenance and cost-effective
Pneumatic Landing Gear
Powered by the trailer’s air system, pneumatic landing gear enables fast and effortless trailer drop and pick-up, making it ideal for large fleet operations.
Advantages:
•Automated lifting and lowering
• High operational efficiency
• Enhanced safety, reduced manual labor
Electric Landing Gear
Electric landing gear is an emerging solution that allows for remote control and programmable lifting sequences, helping automate trailer yard operations.
Advantages:
• Minimal physical effort required
• Supports trailer automation initiatives
• Customizable for smart fleet environments
Global Trends: Lighter, Smarter, and More Integrated
Driven by the need for operational efficiency, fleet safety, and compliance with international regulations, the landing gear for trailer market is evolving quickly:
• Lightweight construction using high-strength alloys and optimized structures reduces trailer dead weight.
• Corrosion-resistant surface coatings extend the service life in extreme climates and high-usage fleets.
• Modular designs increase compatibility across trailer platforms and ease replacement.
• Integration with telematics and smart trailer systems enables digital control and predictive maintenance.
Jiuzhou’s Offering: Trailer Landing Gear Solutions for Global Needs
As a specialized trailer components manufacturer, Liangshan Jiuzhou offers a complete range of manual and automatic trailer landing gear systems, including two-speed manual landing gear, heavy-duty legs, pneumatic landing gear, and customized electric support systems.tems enables digital control and predictive maintenance.
Why Jiuzhou Landing Gear?
• Load-bearing capacity up to 80 tons (static load)
• Machining precision of ±0.001 mm, ensuring symmetry and stability
• Anti-rust surface treatment with powder coating or hot-dip galvanizing
• Multiple height and tube diameter configurations
• OEM & ODM customization available
Jiuzhou’s engineering team collaborates closely with OEMs and distributors to deliver tailor-made solutions, ensuring compliance with regional standards and operational realities.
Conclusion: Landing Gear Is More Than Support—It’s a System of Trust
Though often underestimated, the landing gear system forms the foundation of trailer stability. From safety and uptime to load integrity and driver efficiency, the performance of your landing gear reflects directly on fleet performance.
At Liangshan Jiuzhou, we are committed to manufacturing not just landing gear—but trust, reliability, and long-term value.