Argos turns up the volume with longer semi-trailers05 August 2014

Argos has ordered 19 lifting deck longer semi-trailers (LSTs) from Don-Bur, after successfully trialling a prototype since April this year.

The new multi-deck trailers have capacity for 60 pallets and are said to have the largest internal cubic volume seen on British roads.

The trailers will increase cube by 20.4m3 and could reduce delivery frequency for the retailer by one in six trips, cutting carbon emissions by almost 17%.

The 4.88m high, tri-axle box van step-frame double decks are 15.65m long and can be operated under the government's 10-year LST trial.

The extra length allows for eight additional pallets, and to increase this by two more, the vehicles have been equipped with Don-Bur's Blade panels.

At 7.5mm thick, the lightweight composite panels give sufficient clearance for an extra-width lifting deck platform (2.42m), so all pallets can be loaded with the longest edges across the width of the trailer.

Height has also been optimised with 1.87m height per deck behind the swan neck, thanks to a low deck height of 1.05m on 19.5-inch mini single tyres. A thin secondary deck has been fitted above the swan-neck to maximise space.

The LSTs have a split bogie to eliminate any risk of axle overloading with the 44-tonne gvw combination.

The two front fixed axles have been set to ensure compliant turning circle requirements; the self-tracking rear steering axle has been positioned further back to give a total bogie capacity of 28 tonnes.

David Landy, fleet engineer for Argos, says the prototype delivered impressive results.

"Argos continually strives to work with suppliers to provide new and exciting technology," he says.

"Don-Bur has offered us a unique solution which could significantly lower our operational trunking costs and further reduce our impact on the environment."

Author
Laura Cork

Related Companies
Don-Bur (Bodies & Trailers) Ltd

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