The main feature is the lower imposed ground pressure achieved with an axle beam that is 30% longer and axle spacing that is 10% greater than the industry standard. As the trailers widen out to 4.3m, the weight is better spread and the load is distributed more effectively. In addition, these trailers can be more inclined to achieve route clearance compared to other trailers.
As the shortest possible routes can be taken, more direct routes can be used and less time will be spent on public roads, bringing a reduction of congestion and disruption. The company says that these trailers represent the best solution for bridge owners and local authorities due to the wider distribution of axle weight and the gross load over the structure that will also bring less stress on the bridge and bearings. The risk of wear can be reduced thanks to these features, which result in lower maintenance costs for bridge owners and local authorities. As they can be widened whilst loaded, they will minimise street furniture removal. This is because they can run at 3.6m wide and only widen out when necessary.
"We wanted to update our existing fleet of trailers in the UK and took the opportunity to capture additional benefits," said Darren Adams, UK director at ALE. "We approached Goldhofer with a technical solution for a trailer that could be widened whilst loaded and they created an innovative solution that matched our requirements."
"These new trailers will prove a favorable alternative not only for the authorities with reduced maintenance costs and congestion on public roads, but for the clients as well, as less time is spent on finding alternative routes, meaning reduced engineering costs and less time spent on structural assessments."
The new trailers will expand their current fleet of widening trailers already based in Australia and South Africa. The company has purchased 50 axle lines of these trailers and will be used for road transportation projects across the UK.
