5 minute read
Irish & UK Trailer Market Welcomes Dutch Manufacturers
from Export & Freight Nov-Dec 22
by 4SMNI
Two new Dutch based trailer manufacturers - D-TEC Products and Kraker Trailers - have entered the Irish and UK market with the appointment of Setanta Vehicle Sales in Dublin and Diamond Trucks in Belfast as distributors.
The two leading trailer manufacturers have well established brands throughout the rest of Europe, with D-TEC’s product range including multifunctional and dividable container trailers, tank trailers and tipper trailers, while Kraker is renowned for its moving floor trailers. Setanta Vehicles Sales will distribute both ranges in the Republic, while Diamond Trucks will be responsible for sales in Northern Ireland, with Trailertec, co-owned by Diamond Trucks, D-Tec and Kraker, covering the rest of the UK. Both manufacturers see great potential in the UK and Irish markets for their respective product ranges and say they are delighted to be working with Setanta Vehicle Sales and Diamond Trucks through the Norfolk based Trailertec operation. D-TEC has years of experience in the production of lightweight tank trailers and container trailers. A low deadweight was also an important consideration in the product development of the tipper. Comments Gerrit van Vlastuin, Managing Director: “Our many years of experience in building lightweight trailers through the use of high-strength steel, among other things, has enabled us to put a lightweight tipper chassis on the market. By using highly wearresistant HARDOX side walls with a thickness of only three millimetres, the tippers are available from 7,100 kg and a volume of 49 m³ and from 7,400 kg and a volume of 57 m³.” Minimising the risk of turning over was an important aspect in this product development. “That is why we developed the tipper with a low centre of gravity and a torsionally rigid chassis with a unique strut concept. The latter is for safety reasons.” The shape of the body is conical (tapered) and the side walls consist of a single plate with no additional welds for easier and faster unloading of the cargo. One of the rear doors can optionally be equipped with a grain chute for more flexibility during unloading. In 2022 D-TEC developed a new tipper catwalk. This new catwalk is made of anodised aluminium, which increases its wear and tear and corrosion resistance. The new version is fully bolted as standard for easy assembly, which is also ideal for servicing and maintenance work on the catwalk. “Needless to say, with this new catwalk we also looked at ease of use and safety for the driver. The top of the catwalk and the steps, for example, have a good tread for better grip.”
TANK CHASSIS
A low dead weight is always an important priority for D-TEC in trailer development. This also applies to the product development of the 20ft tank container chassis. Says Van Vlastuin: ‘We have more than 25 years of experience in the production of lightweight and multifunctional container chassis, such as the well-known Flexitrailer that is in use throughout Europe. As a result of the application of high tensile steel, we are now also capable of producing a lightweight 20 ft tank container chassis.’ The rear of the trailer features unique staggered ‘steps’ to make it easy to climb up and check the tank. The open rear allows the driver to easily connect the hoses. This new chassis meets market expectations, where safety and ease of use are becoming ever more important. The robust design and easy handling are standout features of this new 20ft chassis. “We mounted the rear lighting on a separate plate to prevent collision damage. Simplicity is paramount at D-TEC, both in terms of structure and operation. For this reason, the container chassis only contains limited service parts, which also reduces maintenance costs.” For the design of this chassis, D-TEC also explicitly took into account its usefulness throughout Europe. This has resulted in an optimal weight distribution for the different countries of eight and nine tons per axle. “Optionally, the last axle can be supplied as a steering axle in combination with disc brake axles, which is in high demand in some European countries.”
CONTAINER CHASSIS
D-TEC is also a leading specialist in container trailers - from multifunctional and dividable container chassis to simple and uncompromising chassis. All D-TEC chassis are characterised by the combination of lowest self-weight and the highest load capacity available on the market. Maintenance costs are extremely limited due to the robust, simple design. The multifunctional chassis slides out fully mechanically, without any pneumatic components. This guarantees optimum operation in all weather conditions and a low outage. Using resilient, high strength steel enables the chassis to resist a great deal of distortion. This means, for example, that loading errors are less likely to cause permanent damage, thereby reducing repair costs.
KRAKER TRAILERS
Kraker’s K-Force trailers, meanwhile, are described as the most efficient and reliable moving floor trailer on the market, offering a long service life. High-tech production methods and continuous monitoring guarantee innovative moving floor trailers of the highest quality. The rivet joints are a good example of innovation as they make it possible to use a combination of aluminium and steel. This way you have the right material in the right place. The result? A very strong and lightweight vehicle with a unique floor structure that can withstand the heaviest forces for years. The doors of the K-Force feature a four-point locking system. The pneumatic locking system ensures that the backdoors can be opened safely and eliminates play. The lock is operated by a button on the side of the trailer. You will always be at a safe distance when the doors open. The supple mechanism makes it easy to close. You get a 5-year guarantee on the structure. If you should sell your K-Force, this guarantee will be transferred to the new owner. This makes K-Force an even more interesting option. Your trailer retains its value, and the new owner receives the security of a guarantee. Kraker is the only manufacturer to offer this guarantee.
