Abnormal load specialist takes first five-axle step frame from Andover 25 November 2013

Northern Ireland-based abnormal load specialist Mar-Train Heavy Haulage has bought its first five-axle step-frame trailer, with extending outer boxes and beavertail, capable of carrying plant weighing 60 tonnes.

The SFCLEX 85 vehicle, built by Andover Trailers, is worth more than £80,000 and has been equipped with a low profile neck and an extendable frame on the outer boxes, which can pull out by up to 2.5m to accommodate longer heavy-duty Terex crushers and screeners it will transport.

This trailer is the 13th from Andover Trailers to join Mar-Train's fleet of 23 tractor units and 70 trailers, but the five-axle design is a special – including, for example, an ability to hold the load in only 30% of the bed, as opposed to the normal 60%.

The new trailer's specification also includes three fixed- and two self-steering BPW axles, with manual and solenoid control, to aid manoeuvrability and minimise tyre wear. And BPW air suspension with raise-lower control has also been fitted, for loading and unloading.

"We have 12 other Andover heavy haulage trailers that have all been built to carry specific equipment or work in certain industries, and it's being able to design something exactly to our needs that keeps us coming back to Andover year after year," says Tim Martin, managing director at Mar-Train.

"The Andover team looked at the machine we would be carrying and then took the time to design a trailer that fulfils all possible requirements," he continues.

"It's so refreshing compared to a lot of trailer manufacturers who simply offer a set number of different specifications and say, 'is that any good to you?'."

After presenting Andover with the details of the machines the trailer would be carrying, Mar-Train also advised the company that the equipment must be robust enough to work in quarries, as well as delivering the Terex crushers and screeners to and from docks.

As a result, the trailer has also been fitted with two heavy channels running back from the fifth wheel plate, allowing the trailer to sit on stands when travelling unaccompanied on a ferry.

Other key features on the trailer include extra-strong hydraulic power toe ramps, four heavy-duty hydraulic steady legs and autolube fitted to the ramps and axles. The trailer also has silver conspicuity markings on the sides and red on the rear, to meet new safety regulations.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Andover Trailers Ltd
Scania (Great Britain) Ltd

This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.