Head to head
Brian James Digger Plant vs Ifor Williams GD85
The Brian James Digger Plant is rated 2.1 tonnes heavier gross and has a bed 70cm (2.5ft) longer.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Gross weight: the Brian James Digger Plant is rated 2.1 tonnes heavier gross.
- Internal bed: the Brian James Digger Plant has a bed 70cm (2.5ft) longer.
Specifications side by side
| Brian James Digger Plant | Ifor Williams GD85 | |
|---|---|---|
| Gross weight | 3500kg | 1,400kg single axle / 2,700kg twin axle |
| Internal bed | 3.2m x 1.7m | 2.5m x 1.58m (8ft 2in x 5ft 2in) |
| Axles | Twin (12in wheels) | - |
| Unladen weight | - | 395kg single axle / 485kg twin axle |
| Brakes | - | Braked, auto-reverse over-run |
Sources: Brian James Digger Plant, Ifor Williams GD85. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the Digger Plant if...
- you want one that is rated 2.1 tonnes heavier gross
- you want one that has a bed 70cm (2.5ft) longer
Used by groundworkers and plant hire firms to move a mini digger between sites behind a pickup or 4x4. Its bed size and gross weight target machines around the 3 to 3.5 tonne mark rather than heavier plant.
Listed by
- Formula Trailers,, Brian-James Trailers Main Dealer in the SW UK - Wellington, Poole
Buy or hire the GD85 if...
The entry point of the Ifor Williams general duty range and one of the most common working trailers in Britain. Smallholders, gardeners and tradespeople buy it for everyday hauling without needing a heavy tow vehicle, and the twin-axle version roughly doubles the payload for a modest gain in unladen weight.
Full GD85 specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Brian James Digger Plant and the Ifor Williams GD85?
The Brian James Digger Plant is rated 2.1 tonnes heavier gross and has a bed 70cm (2.5ft) longer. The Brian James Digger Plant is a a twin-axle plant trailer built for carrying a mini excavator or similar machine; the Ifor Williams GD85 is a general duty box trailer, single or twin axle.
Can I tow the Brian James Digger Plant or the Ifor Williams GD85 on a car licence?
Yes, as far as the licence goes. Both are rated at or under 3,500kg gross, and a car (B) licence has covered towing up to 3,500kg since 16 December 2021. Your car still has to be rated to tow the loaded weight - check the handbook or the VIN plate.
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