For years, LUSTEC has set itself apart through its unwavering commitment to innovation and unique design. At LUSTEC, innovation isn’t a response to trends – it’s a guiding principle.
Every trailer is a reflection of the company’s drive to lead with purpose and originality, redefining what’s possible in Australian trailer manufacturing.
At the heart of LUSTEC is Managing Director, Chris Lusty, a driving force behind the business’ success. He remains dedicated to the technology his family started developing in the 1980s.
“I’m proud of my roots,” he says. “I’m the third generation of my family in the industry. My brother Tim works alongside me and I can still call on my father whenever I need his guidance.”
Chris’ dedication is clearly reflected in the signature features of the business’ trailers. Its through-beam chassis design, for example, was specifically engineered to enhance strength and longevity – a hallmark of Lusty floats for many years.
But LUSTEC’s innovations go beyond the chassis. From custom-designed draw systems to specialised load-rated pivoting tie points, Mag Flag safety systems and versatile tri-fold ramps, the company continues to refine and advance its designs. Case in point is the business’ recent side tippers.
“In 2024, LUSTEC launched a new range of steel-body side tippers,” Chris says. “We can build them exactly to the customer’s specifications. Thickness, height and length are no issue. If needed, we can even take care of Performance-Based Standards (PBS) compliance.
“We were looking for a product range with a little bit more turnover, and side tippers seemed to be the best option for us. Side tippers were something I wanted to add to my range. With changes in the market, especially along the east coast, I saw a huge opportunity for them.”
Benefitting from Chris’ lifetime of experience in designing and manufacturing class-leading trailers, the cutting-edge steel body side tippers are crafted with LUSTEC’s renowned precision engineering and innovation.
The side tippers were designed with a distinctive body to incorporate a functional, streamline look. They feature a unique door hinge mechanism which allows the door’s hydraulic cylinders to sit vertically.
The innovative approach utilises the full capacity of the door’s hydraulic cylinders and also frees up space on the end walls of the body to allow cable track to be utilised. Chris says this gives LUSTEC’s design a much clearer look and stops hydraulic lines floating in mid-air.
All of LUSTEC’s manufacturing is completed in-house at its Karrabin, Queensland, facility. The location is a busy hub of production and service featuring a dedicated repair facility which, with a skilled team of over 30 craftsmen, produces eight high-quality units each month.
“Their expertise and attention to detail are evident in every trailer they build,” Chris says. “To ensure reliability, third-party components from renowned brands such as Fuwa K-Hitch, BPW Transpec, JOST, Lucidity, and Lodar are expertly fitted by trade-qualified professionals.”
LUSTEC strives to lead the industry in both design and innovation in the heavy haulage sector. Chris, whose career began in 1996 working alongside his father, takes pride in the company’s legacy.
“Since those early days, I’ve worked for a broad range of trailer companies and won multiple national awards,” he says.
Chris’ vision is clear – to carry this tradition of excellence forward for generations. And he’s done just that.
In the last five years, LUSTEC has focused on perfecting a low-loader range, capable of carrying loads between 20 and 120 tonnes. The result is a product built not just for strength but for efficiency.
The company has also expanded into side tippers for mining and general applications and steel body end tippers, ensuring it meets the evolving demands of heavy transport.
As LUSTEC grows, its core philosophy remains unchanged – innovation, quality and performance.
.png){kind=small}
.JPG)
.JPG)
