1958
Colin Drake had a desire to build Australia’s best trailers and innovate better ways to meet operators’ needs.
1961
Noel was known by all, and part of the furniture within Drake Trailers.
1969
The Swingwing Widening Lowloader revolutionises heavy haulage and has continued to evolve as an industry leader.
1970
The mine site trailers were designed specifically for use in mine camps as they are too large for the road network.
1978
John Drake eventually took over the running of the company in 1991.
1980
Design of the steerable platform trailer was worked on by Colin and John Drake for Brambles.
1984 - 1986
Pre-luded to the full widener, decided no longer required as the full widener fitted the requirements.
1984
Designed for the special heavy duty loads, similar to units manufactured in Europe except full widening for Australian conditions.
1985
The Full Widener unit was designed to carry 50 tonne legally with the added benefits of easy loading because of the widening frame and suspension. This design has been the industry standard since this date.
1989
An important development for Drake Trailers growth, as Greg was previously with Allison Trailers.
1990
Pulled behind a CAT 789 dump truck, the empty trailer weighed over 120 tonnes.
1991
Colin Drake's passing left a huge hole not only in the company, but also in the heavy transport industry.
1991
John Drake who holds an engineering diploma, takes over as Managing Director.
1992
A large industrial complex of 8,650 square metres.
1997
The re-released Deck Widener as a niche for urban use with the onset of traffic calming devices.
1988
The introduction of the computer-aided design system process was driven by John Drake.
2000
The wide line goose neck design allowed operators to carry heavy narrow loads.
2004
The system employed was SolidWorks. This gave Drake Trailers greater design capacity and more flexibility for customisation.
2006
Sam background is as a diesel fitter and his knowledge of troubleshooting issues is a great asset to all of our customers.
2006
The design was variation on the standard Drake 4 x 8 Swingwing, again showing the designs versatility.
2006
Noel never missed a days work and is still a regular visitor to Drake Trailers. Noel’s knowledge of the equipment was limitless.
2009
Drake Collectibles introduced. The popularity has been outstanding.
2010
Brought about by the onset of windfarms and the need for carry unusual payloads.
2010
To fill a niche in the range of highway trailers for manoeuvrability with stability.
2011
The Ant is ready for production.
2014
Exciting new partnership between Drake Trailers and luxury yacht manufacturer Sunseeker East Coast Australia, with John Drake appointed as Managing Director of the prestigious yacht brand.
2015
The Drake Group joins forces with O’Phee Trailers – one of the leading manufacturers of semi-trailers in Australia, bringing about new capabilities and products.
2015
Release of the brand-new trailer with enhanced manoeuvrability and efficiency. The steerable axles at the rear help to reduce wear on tyres and running gear.
2015
Introducing Australia’s toughest drop deck trailer, with 30-40 tonne capacity and trailer lengths from 45-55ft.
2015
Capable of self-loading and able to extend to 20 metres, the introduction of the tilt slide trailer is the ideal recovery trailer solution.
2015
Drake Trailers sister brand Drake Collectibles picks up a major award for Model of the Year 2015 by Cranes Etc.
2001
Featuring a 2.3-degree load angle and carrying capacity of 15 tonne, Drake Trailers launches a new breed of forklift and access equipment trailers.
2016
In May, O’Phee Trailers moves onsite with Drake Trailers and Drake Collectibles to The Drake Group’s central manufacturing facility located in Wacol, Brisbane.
2017
Brought about when Moolarben Coal Operations were looking for an efficient way to move plant and equipment around their site. The answer was using a CAT 777 dump truck to tow our custom-built heavy haulage trailer.
2017
O’Phee teams up with JOST Australia to use their proven parts including JOST’s king pins, modul landing legs and fifth wheels to improve capability, performance and safety.
2017
The 2017 Brisbane Truck Show Awards saw Drake Trailers 4X4 Deck Widener nominated in this prestigious category.
2017
The expanding portfolio of Drake Trailers set in motion the desire to re-launch as The Drake Group, aligning Drake Trailers, O’Phee Trailers, Drake Collectibles, BoXLoader, Cometto and Sunseeker East Coast Australia under the one banner.
2017
Drake Collectibles unveils brand new app designed to be a one-stop shop for premium diecast and collectible items.
2017
Introduction of an innovative sideloader called the Speedloader and a retractable container skel called the Retract-X. Both feature higher performance and the lowest tare weight on the market.
2006
Noel never missed a days work and is still a regular visitor to Drake Trailers. Noel’s knowledge of the equipment was limitless.