TECHNOLOGY
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SDC ADVANCES FREESPAN TECHNOLOGY WITH NEW CURTAINSIDER RANGE In April, semi-trailer manufacturer SDC Trailers gave us a glimpse of their new ‘Freespan’ curtainsider trailer at the IRHA Annual Conference in Cavan. Since then, they have taken over 500 orders for the Freespan model which features a fully clear side aperture, providing efficient loading / unloading. Incorporating SDC’s market leading chassis technology with over 150,000 units manufactured, the Freespan curtainsider features SDC’s ‘Easyroll’ curtain rail technology, which glides open and closed on a fully open side aperture with minimal driver intervention. Developed in-house and favoured by operators for its robust and reliable operation, SDC are
the first manufacturer to offer the unique curtain rail in the freespan market. An evolution of SDC’s industry leading posted curtainsider range, the Freespan incorporates many of the same fundamental features; it is manufactured using high tensile steel with a bolt on body which relieves stress on critical parts of the trailer and in the case of accident
damage, allows for ease of repair. Independently tested by TUV Nord to EN 12642 XL standard and a 29,000kg payload, SDC provide an extremely high-quality finish, ensuring maximum durability and longevity. The manufacturer offers straight and step frame options, as well as a wide range of door, floor, storage and load restraint options to suit operator requirements.
VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL In Cavan, Virginia International Logistics have taken delivery of 30 new SDC curtainsiders, 10 of which are the new Freespan model, as part of the company’s fleet renewal for groupage, part and full-load services. The family owned business operates an impressive fleet of 400+ trailers, with four bases in Virginia, Kells, Ballycoolin and Tamworth in England. The new Freespan trailers were specified at 4.5m and also feature BPW Ecoplus axles, knorr bremse braking, an easy access coupling box on the front bulkhead and toolbox fitted to the chassis for additional storage. Load restraint is provided with spansett winches and deck lashing rings for diminishing loads on multi-drop operations. The trailer body and curtains are EN 12642 XL standard, guaranteeing the structural build and eliminating the need for additional load restraint whenever the trailer has a full positive fit. Ray Cole, Transport Manager at Virginia Logistics said: “SDC’s curtain-side trailers have served us very well over the years so the decision was easy for us when it came to renew our fleet. We ordered a mix of SDC’s Freespan and posted trailers which have been applied to different operations and our drivers are delighted with SDC’s curtain rail technology which operates extremely well. For us, it is very important to have a flexible and reliable vehicle fleet which allows us to deliver a high quality, efficient service to our customers and SDC have helped us to achieve this.”
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EXPORT&FREIGHT
SDC’S CURTAIN-SIDE TRAILERS HAVE SERVED US VERY WELL OVER THE YEARS SO THE DECISION WAS EASY FOR US WHEN IT CAME TO RENEW OUR FLEET.
