Bolk buys 35 axle lines from Nooteboom

As well as various low-loaders with pendle axles and Interdolly plus a trio of Super Wing Carriers for transporting 70m-long rotor blades, the delivery includes two Multi-PX modular semi low-loaders with Multidolly.

For their modular transports with load capacities of up to around 120t, Bolk chooses the Nooteboom Multi-PX modular semi low-loader with Multidolly. Joop Savenije, managing director of Bolk Transport: "The reason we opted for the Nooteboom Multi-PX modular semi low-loader with Multidolly is that these semi-trailers with pendle axles are the only alternative to replace and extend our modular trailers in the segment of around 120t load capacity.

"Of course we also looked at vehicles with multi-axle dollies and so-called independent wheel suspension. Using these vehicles as a modular trailer doesn't work for us. Compared with a modular trailer or the Multi-PX modular semi they fall short in key aspects.

"This is mainly due to their steering capacity with limited flexibility, insufficient axle travel and too little ground clearance underneath the vehicle in driving position. And what's more, these semi-trailers will obtain exemption for 12t per axle line in Germany only. But the Nooteboom Multi-PX modular semi low-loader will offer legally 12 tonnes per axle line at 80 km/h in most European countries."

Nooteboom says that the modular semi low-loaders are just as easy to use as the company's standard semi-trailers and they are more versatile than modular trailers.

The Multi-PX modular semi low-loaders were purchased in the configuration of a Multidolly with 3 axle lines and rear axle assembly with 6 axle lines, fitted with a double extendible load floor. Removing the Multidolly is quick and easy so that this modular semi low-loader can also be used as a semi with six axle lines.

"The huge 70° steering angle and 600mm axle travel on the Nooteboom modular semi low-loaders are values we are used to with our current modular trailers," says Savenije.

"One of the important advantages of the Nooteboom Multi-PX is that it is so easy to use. With our modular trailers we always have to change the steering rods first to achieve optimal steering for various configurations. But with the Nooteboom modular semi we only have to operate one lever. They very cleverly integrated several sets of steering cylinders in the steering system. This ensures that the steering is always optimal, whether we drive it as a semi low-loader with nine axle lines or as a 3+6 semi low-loader with a length of 40m.

"This not only saves us a great deal of time, but having the correct steering at all times also considerably reduces our tyre wear. In a market where the profit margins are extremely slim these are the things that contribute to improve profitability."

The Multi-PX modular semi low-loader has a unique hydraulic gooseneck with which the coupling/axle weight ratio can hydraulically and steplessly be adjusted. This means that any coupling weight between 18 and 30 tonnes can be put at the required setting to exactly comply with the legally permitted axle weight in a specific country. The Nooteboom modular semi low-loaders are also standard equipped with hydraulic axle weight compensation with three-point as well as four-point support. This unique feature is particularly useful for the transport of loads with a very high centre of gravity.