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09/02/2012
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VCA (the Vehicle Certification Agency) has approved Don-Bur's longer semi trailer design, which uses a self-steer axle.
 The 15.65m long trailer was built for Wincanton, and the turning circle and safety tests were carried out by VCA at the MIRA testing grounds to ensure Level 2 compliance, under the LST technical requirements.
The endorsement clears the way for a VSO (vehicle special order) to operate trailers of the same design in the UK.
Following recent technical requirement alterations made by the DfT – including practical turning circle tests – it had been believed that to achieve the inner 5.3m turning circle limit, a heavier, more costly positive steer solution would be required.
However, David Burton, managing director at Don-Bur, explains that with some engineering ingenuity, the trailer specialist passed the test with a more cost-effective and lighter self-steer axle system.
The news comes as operators with a confirmed LST (longer semi-trailer) allocation are cementing specifications for imminent build. With self-steer axles carrying a lesser weight penalty than positively steered alternatives, the longer trailers can carry more payload within the 44 tonne gvw limit.
"We are delighted to gain VCA approval for our LST design at such a critical time," comments Burton.
"Being able to offer a self-steer axle solution provides greater flexibility for the customer and maintains our position as market innovators," he adds.
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Author
Brian Tinham
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