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Select, Haul Paving Equipment In this month’s edition of AsphaltPro, we’re including the annual training directory supplement. This year, we asked hotmix asphalt (HMA) plant manufacturers and component suppliers to share a training tidbit with readers. One OEM who fits more squarely into the product theme this month—that being paving equipment and pavement maintenance equipment—shared information pertaining to loading and hauling equipment properly. Troy Geisler, the vice president of sales and marketing for Talbert Manufacturing, Rensselaer, Indiana, shared the following article. Paving equipment presents unique challenges when it comes to transportation. In addition to low ground clearance and gentle slope transitions from the front ramps to the deck and from the deck to the rear of the trailer, operators must also consider mixed-load versatility to maximize not only efficiency, but overall trailer return on investment (ROI). Additionally, operators must select the right trailer to ensure the safety of crews, the public and equipment. Here are three considerations to help contractors select an appropriate trailer for safe, efficient paving equipment hauling. When it comes to hauling paving equipment, one of the biggest challenges is often getting the equipment onto the trailer. Rollers, pavers and other low-clearance equipment require longer loading inclines, whether loading from the front or rear. Larger capacity models also require a gentler load angle at the rear. Meeting this requirement isn’t impossible, though, it just takes the right approach.
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Any bumps between the ground and the deck or the deck and the rear bridge can make loading more difficult and dangerous because it forces equipment operators to increase power to clear the obstacle. For equipment 25 tons or under, tag-a-long trailer models can be used to transport low-clearance equipment. Load angles will vary by manufacturer with some as low as 7-degrees. However, minimizing load angle is achieved through longer ramps and beavertails. This can limit where a trailer can be loaded or offloaded. Additionally, longer ramps are also heavier, making raising and lowering them manually a labor-intensive process. To eliminate the need to handle heavy ramps, look for a trailer with air ramp or air tilt capabilities. Removable gooseneck trailers are another option. This design eliminates the need to drive up and over the trailer’s rear axle saving time, hassle and expense. These trailers don’t always provide a low load angle, though, so it’s best to work with a manufacturer for a custom design that’s optimized for any intended load, whether that’s paving equipment or a mix of other construction equipment. Additionally, hybrid models are available that combine the benefits of a lowboy design with specialized features for hauling paving equipment. These units offer a longer loading incline.
30 // September 2021
Some trailers feature specially designed “bolt-on” ramps that provide a more gradual load angle at the rear—15-degrees rather than the standard 35-degree angle. Lastly, when considering load angle—regardless of whether equipment approaches the trailer from the front or rear—a smooth transition from surface to surface is imperative. Any bumps between the ground and the deck or the deck and the rear bridge can make loading more difficult and dangerous because it forces equipment operators to increase power to clear the obstacle. Next to load angle, capacity is probably the most important factor in selecting a trailer for a job. Not all 55-ton lowboys are created equal. They might all be capable of hauling 55-tons, but informed operators know load concentration plays a huge role in how well they perform at that weight. Some trailers will need the entire deck length to haul 55 tons safely, while a trailer from another manufacturer might only need half the deck length for the same weight. Because loads are rarely uniform, having a trailer rated in half-deck capacity gives operators a more realistic indication of what the trailer will be able to handle without structural failure. Manufacturers that offer half-deck capacity usually design with a twopoint rigid load base that accounts for the tire spacing—or hot spots—of large equipment and heavy machinery. In addition to load angle and capacity, operators must also consider the size of the equipment they will be hauling. Starting with the largest piece of equipment, identify the height, width and weight. Keep in mind what’s on the spec sheet might not include accessories. Additionally,
Assess Equipment Dimensions 1. Start with the largest piece of equipment 2. Identify its height, width and weight 3. Identify and add in accessories 4. Do this for all pieces of equipment moving in one trip 5. Factor all elements into the combined weight and dimensions
