LOW LOADERS & HEAVY HAULAGE

ROBUST AND RELIABLE

AS A RESULT OF ITS ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE, KÄSSBOHRER OFFERS A COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION PRODUCT RANGE INCLUDING FIXED, EXTENDABLE, HYDRAULIC LOW BEDS, LOW LOADERS FOR HEAVY-DUTY TRANSPORTATION, AND FIXED AND EXTENDABLE LOW BED PLATFORMS.

With more than 30 different robust low bed vehicles, Kässbohrer is a top choice for operators across the European heavy transportation sector. To apply its engineering excellence to customers’ needs and to enhance its success in the low bed segment, the OEM has developed its product range in terms of extension, steering type, the number of axles, main dimensions such as platform length, width, and height as well as custom made solutions to better accommodate the needs of its customers in more than 55 countries.

To overcome specific freight challenges, Kässbohrer presents a complete low bed range for loads under 100 tonnes. The range also includes more than 30 vehicles that can be configured from two- to six-axle options.

For versatile heavy haulage transportation Kässbohrer has a fixed and extendable low bed series, Low-Loaders for heavy-duty transportation, and fixed and extendable lowbed platforms.

K.SLS fixed low beds for heavy goods and machinery

There are several options for kingpin and axle capacity, lateral extension brackets, pillars, and pillar pockets as well as lashing ring

options designed for optimal load distribution. For the transportation of heavy goods and heavy machinery, K.SLS is, according to the manufacturer, a reliable choice with its lighter chassis design for maximum payload.

K.SLS also features hydraulic gooseneck access ramp and more than 40 ramp options for ease of applications as well as robust flooring options including steel grids hardwood, and rubber. The fixed low bed series is available with either three or four axles.

K.SLA extendable low beds for long and heavy loads

For the transportation of long and heavy loads, Kässbohrer K.SLA is an ideal choice with up to 6,200mm extendable chassis design with 500mm increments, threestep side extension and more than 40 different sliding ramps, as well as two pairs of wheel recesses. Equipped with advanced security features and up to 32 lashing rings, each with a capacity of six, eight, 10 or 13.4 tonnes, K.SLA series offers every option for the fast and safe transportation of goods. K.SLA series is available with wither three, four, five or six axles.

Hydraulic low beds for the harshest road conditions

The K.SLH series is engineered for extreme heavy haulage transportation delivering peak performance even at the narrowest corners.

K.SLH is designed to comfortably transport all goods by optimal weight distribution, hydraulic steering axles.

The series comes in three or four axle configurations with extendable and non-extendable options that are easily manoeuvrable by progressive hydraulic steering, wireless remote steering control, and auto-alignment systems under the toughest road and working conditions while prolonging tyre life and performance.

Shifting high and heavy goods with low loaders

Kässbohrer’s low-loader semi-trailer series K.SLL is engineered for the demanding requirements of high and heavy goods transportation and includes low-loaders with two to three axles, equipped with hydraulic steering and pneumatic suspension.

With a special platform height, the K.SLL series enables transportation of heavy goods within 4,000mm total convoy height limitation.

Versatile, robust low bed platforms

The low-bed platform series K.SPA is suited for long and pointy loads and is available with either three and four axles.

K.SPA enables robust and safe transport solutions for heavy, flat, and long goods with up to 6,900mm extension supported by its rigid central chassis. While K.SPA X series with three or four axles is compatible with standard trucks, K.SPA M series is engineered to couple with two axle and three axle trucks with a coupling height of 900mm to 1,250mm.

Meanwhile, the fixed low bed platform semi-trailer K. SPS H series is reported to be the finest example of heavy-duty engineering including three or four axles as well as coupling options with standard and mega trucks for the transportation of point loads.

K.SPS H series provides flexible and safe transportation solutions for heavy, long, flat, and even ballast loads with its strong and flat chassis, variable container positioning combinations, and different load safety options such as Code XL certified front panel which is resistant to up to 22,5-tonne longitudinal loads.

The best fit for construction machinery transportation

The K.SLA R 4 extendable low-bed semi-trailer with four axles is engineered for the transportation of construction equipment, farming, and foresting machinery. K.SLA R 4 provides safe transportation of loads with its robust chassis made of S700MC steel and enables higher payload and fuel-saving on unloaded journeys with its low tare weight of 13,250kg.

Available with wheel recess as standard, K.SLA R 4 can be offered with various lashing rings with five to 10-tonne capacity, 3 x 2 rows of vertical pillar pockets, and pillar pockets on side raves to enable multifunctional and flexible transportation. Moreover, the vehicle can be equipped with options such as steel-supported wheel recess that make the platform straight, axle lifting, metallisation, rear ramps, and gooseneck ramps.

The K.SLL 2 for the lowest loading height

Kässbohrer’s low-loader semi-trailer with two axles K.SLL 2 is the perfect solution for heavy-duty applications and is an ideal choice of bulk and high-load haulers with its robust and strong construction that enables secure transportation.

With the ground clearance of just 100mm, K.SLL 2 is the lowest low loader and accommodates the maximum height on heavy-haulage transportation.

Kässbohrer’s low-loader semi-trailer with two axles K.SLL 2 is the perfect solution for heavy-duty applications and is an ideal choice of bulk and high-load haulers with its robust and strong construction that enables secure transportation.

The vehicle enables flexible transportation of tall and heavy goods with its special pool length of 6.810mm and king-pin capacity of up to 24 tonnes and does not require for additional permission for excess height.

The vehicle is offered with a detachable gooseneck shortening the time needed for loading operations of construction and work machines while enhancing operational safety with the front-loading capability.

Lowest, strongest extendable low bed platform

K.SPA M, an extendable low bed platform semi-trailer with three axles, is a fine example of heavy-duty engineering. It provides flexible and safe transportation solutions for heavy, long, flat, and ballast loads thanks to its extendable, strong, and flat chassis, variable container positioning combinations, and different load safety options such as Code XL certified front panel which is resistant to up to 22.5-tonne longitudinal loads.

Adaptable to mega trucks, K.SPA M enhances operational flexibility with its extendable chassis up to 6,900mm and

K.SPA M, an extendable low bed platform semi-trailer with three axles, a fine example of heavy-duty engineering, provides flexible and safe transportation solutions.

sliding platform features. Moreover, the metallisation coating technology, provides maximum durability against corrosion and rust perforation.

Behind the scenes of Kässbohrer low bed manufacturing

Kässbohrer has invested in a low bed and special vehicles factory that is reported to have the highest installed capacity across Europe.

Completed in June 2019, Kässbohrer’s factory has capacity to produce 2,500 vehicles per year. The factory is built on a total area of 60,000 square metres and all manufacturing processes are completed in a single hall. The facility operates according to Industry 4.0 principles with RFID latching crane systems, barcode positioning technology, robot-assisted chassis welding, and painting, as well as automatic surface blasting and metallisation, carried out in the integrated coating and paint shop facilities. Also, Kässbohrer established a roll test centre which is an essential test process in the final stages of production.

Outstanding aftersales support and financing

Kässbohrer is also constantly expanding its aftersales service network and has reached 652 locations.

In addition to its services including aftersales services and spare parts, the manufacturer has also established partnerships with leading leasing companies via its K-Finance program. In 2021, the OEM established a new partnership with BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions in Spain and France and EFL in Poland which is applicable to Kässbohrer’s entire product range.

www.kaessbohrer.com

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TO THE EXTREME

IT TAKES QUALITY TOWING HITCHES AND FIFTH WHEELS TO MAXIMISE HEAVY DUTY FREIGHT APPLICA-TIONS. JOST PROVIDES BOTH AND SO MUCH MORE.

Towing hitch RO*58: Perfect solution for extreme heavy haulage ROCKINGER has been part of JOST World since 2001 and is the world’s only manufacturer of an automatic towing hitch for trailer loads of up to 1,000t. The towing hitch RO*58 is the right solution for highest demands in the special transport segment – there is nothing you can’t tow with it! 300 kg net weight reflects the exceptional robustness of the towing hitch. It can be operated easily via the hand lever and is a tried-and-tested heavy-duty hitch with approval for use in road traffic! quirements, the functional dimensions and the highest international safety requirements.

www.jost-world.com

JSK 52: Heavy Duty Fifth Wheel Coupling for extreme applications

JOST offers the Heavy Duty Fifth Wheel Coupling JSK 52 for extreme applications such as mining in many parts of the world, e.g. Australia and South East Asia. It has a fifth wheel load of 74 tonnes and D-value of 400kN and a pin bearing with optimum tipping angle with the proven safe JOST locking mechanism. The coupling has a special robust construction to cope with this heavy-duty application. Moreover, the fifth wheel is prepared for a connection to a central lubrication system which facilitates maintenance. JOST selects special material properties. It’s manufactured from forged, quenched and tempered and crack-tested blanks to meet the high-quality requirements. Also, the fifth wheel is designed to meet all re-

TOTAL

FLEXIBILITY

AUSTRIA-BASED OEM, SCHWARZMÜLLER, DESIGNS AND MANUFACTURES A RANGE OF HEAVY COMMERCIAL VEHICLES INCLUDING LOW LOADERS FOR SPECIFIC INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS.

Schwarzmüller Group is a family-owned enterprise based in Austria with 21 locations in Central and Eastern Europe. In addition to providing a broad range of trailing equipment options, the OEM also provides optimised solutions for almost every industry. More than once, the premium manufacturer and innovation leader has set the pace regarding payload and handling and is decidedly adding value to everyday applications.

A key consideration for transport operators is the longevity of the equipment investment. Fleets are generally looking for hard wearing and quality trailers that will endure rigorous, long term use. The lifetime of the vehicle is something Schwarzmüller takes into consideration which is why the manufacturer provides other services such as maintenance, spare parts as well as rentals and leasing options to ensure optimal fleet uptime.

Schwarzmüller builds special purpose vehicles from its headquarters in upper Austria. Standard and near-standard vehicles are made in the Czech Republic and Hungary, while skip container vehicles roll out of Neustadt/Dosse.

This manufacturing output is supported by approx. 350 service centres which are strategically located along major European transport routes to ensure transport businesses can keep moving.

Since 1871, Schwarzmüller has been working to win and retain industrial innovation and technology leadership based on the competency and knowhow of its employees. Lightweight design and its benchmarks set by Schwarzmüller for over 25 years is but one example.

Other areas include construction, metal structures or welding where Schwarzmüller periodically kicks off new developments or often is the first supplier using new vehicle manufacturing technologies. This is how the OEM turns innovation into mass production.

Intelligent solutions

Low-loader vehicles from Schwarzmüller are generally considered to be quite versatile in their application. They can transport construction machinery with a weight of up to 60 tonnes – but also timber, containers and other bulky goods. Each low-loader vehicle is characterised by optimum transformability which allows it to adapt to a wide range of requirements.

Schwarzmüller low-loader vehicles are designed with the robustness, durability and optimum flexibility that you would expect from premium products: they have more to offer and last longer. The unique pallets for approx. 30 different vehicle groups, with axles ranging from two to five, various platforms, components from different manufacturers and diverse range of extra equipment serve only one purpose: Overcoming any challenge in the transportation of construction machinery or building materials.

Schwarzmüller offers drawbar, central-axle and semi-trailer vehicles in two to five-axle configuration and with various different steering axles. The platforms are available in straight, offset or even removable designs. Equipping these with stanchions for timber transportation or with twistlocks for containers

expands the range of usage possibilities even more. Hydraulically lowerable platforms make it possible to achieve added loading height where required.

The Schwarzmüller intelligent concept includes an extensive range of configuration details and equipment options to further optimise use by sector and cargo. The rear loading ramp is for instance also available in a two-part configuration and is height-adjustable as standard. There is also the option of vertical and horizontal hydraulic ramp actuation. An accessory compartment and optional toolboxes ensure sufficient stowage space. Pull-out warning signs and warning beacons complete the legally stipulated configuration for special transportations. It is not just the loading process that offers added value; greater stability, easier handling and increased safety for the driver are also key factors.

“Schwarzmüller’s low-loader vehicles are permanently on the move because they adapt to many different uses,” said Schwarzmüller CEO, Roland Hartwig. “This is our promise.”

Since the low-loader vehicles supplied by Europe’s largest niche manufacturer not only carry heavy construction machinery but also laminated timber, steel girders, containers or special machines, their service time increases by up to 40 per cent. A hydraulically lowering low bed and laterally extending load carriers further increase their versatility. The vehicles feature two to five axles on numerous variants with different drawbar, central axle and semitrailer configurations.

There are 14 quality features that characterise a standard configuration Schwarzmüller low-loader vehicle.

The offset platform ensures a low loading height in the low bed to enable the transportation of higher vehicles.

The foldable single-piece drive-up folds downwards to allow driving onto the loading surface.

Laterally-sliding ramps can be slid sideways manually so that vehicles with different track widths can be loaded without an issue.

Folding supports on the ramps extend automatically when the ramp opens – these prevent the trailer from shooting up the front during the loading process.

Pull-out extensions or load carriers can be extended up to a width of three metres for the transportation of wider vehicles. Storage compartments for the widening boards are mounted underneath the loading surface. Pull-out warning signs come as standard and are ideal indicators for facilitating safer transportation with excess-width vehicles. A warning beacon with bracket serves as warning for other road users most commonly used with special transportation. Pockets in the outer frame can house formed pipework and there are also lashing mushrooms and rings for optimal load restraint. The loading surface is typically fitted with a larch wood floor– hardwood flooring is also available. There are also storage compartments for accessories at the front of the platform and for increased manoeuvrability the trailers are also designed to incorporate steering axles.

CHANGING THE GAME

THE WORLD’S LARGEST AND MOST PROLIFIC TRAILER MANUFACTURER, CIMC VEHICLES, SHEDS SOME LIGHT ON WHAT HEAVY HAULAGE LOOKS LIKE IN CHINA.

The ever-industrious CIMC Vehicles is supporting local industry with its tried-and-true portfolio of trailing equipment. In particular, the Chinese manufacturer’s low bed trailers are in active service, facilitating the safe and timely movement of heavy machines such as diggers to and from infrastructure development sites.

CIMC Vehicles said low bed trailers are very efficient in terms of transporting non-detachable machinery or ultra-large parts such as wind turbine barrels. Providing transport operators and supply chain partners with quality trailers that enable incredible gains in efficiency and utility is absolutely crucial for China’s ambitious infrastructure plans.

CIMC Vehicles is the main manufacturer of low bed trailers in the Chinese market.

“Our products competitive advantages are known for high-tensile stainless steel, KTL and powder coating technologies to benefit our customers with better life cycle management and lower Total Cost of Ownership,” the OEM told Global Trailer.

Although, there is another market segment that CIMC Vehicles is innovating in which has given rise to a new trailer design concept.

China’s e-commerce retail space continues to boom as shown in the financial

figures that Alibaba Group – the parent company of logistics company, Cainiao Network, released in March. Revenue grew 23 per cent year-over-year to more than $3.0 million USD which was reported to be primarily driven by the growth of fulfillment solutions and value-added services provided to China commerce retail businesses as well as the increase in revenue from third-party merchants of cross-border and international commerce retail businesses. During the December 2021 quarter, 67 per cent of Cainiao’s total revenue was generated from external customers. The daily average package volume delivered through its global delivery network exceeded five million for the reported period.

So, CIMC Vehicles’ latest innovation – the low-saddle van trailer – is a compliant build that ensures maximum space for package and parcel delivery most notably due to the lowered design of the saddle which provides more space for the van part of the vehicle while adhering to legal height limits – original height at 1,200mm with around 86 square metres, new design height at 960mm with around 100 square metrea, 16.3 per cent cargo space increased. Considering the package and parcel distribution industry in China and around the world is anything but slowing down, the low-saddle van trailer has potential to gain traction in the global market.

Interestingly, despite pushing the new low-saddle van concept, there is currently minimal uptake of this build.

“It is a very limited and stable market segment,” said CIMC Vehicles. “Low saddle van trailers, if laws and regulations were implemented more rigorously, this product will have the largest space for compliant products, and it can be popular among package parcel transport and express companies. The market demand of low saddle van-trailer in China is currently at the early stage, therefore similar types of products are not commonly seen in the market. “

China is proceeding with a number of large-scale infrastructure projects including express road routes, high-speed train networks and wind turbine generation to move forward on its commitments toward carbon neutrality.

To support this environmental consideration, CIMC Vehicles is developing advanced aerodynamic designs for low fuel consumption, tyre-monitoring systems, GPS, a cargo-spacing monitoring system and even a 360°monitoring system.

INDIVIDUAL SOLUTIONS FOR SOPHISTICATED SERVICES

TO COMPLEMENT ITS LOW LOADER SEMI-TRAILER TECHNOLOGY, MEUSBURGER TURNS TO BPW FOR RELIABLE AND ROBUST SWING AXLES.

Meusburger is a family business headquartered in Altstätten, Switzerland, and has been producing special commercial vehicles since 1992. Over the years the OEM has expanded its production area from a 4,200-square-metre site in Lower Bavaria to a 60,000-square-metre hall complete with state-of-the-art machinery and tooling.

Per annum, an average of up to 1,500 vehicles roll off the production line where each one is adapted specifically for the needs of the client.

The internationally active Meusburger

Group also includes Meusburger Novtruck in Novgorod (RU), which was affiliated in 2009, Kotschenreuther Fahrzeugbau in Wallenfels (D), which was acquired in 2014, and the company M-Technika s.r.o. in Prachatice (CZ).

Thomas Meusburger is one of the founders of the business. As of 2016 he remains the sole owner of the group and does everything from sales to production.

“We have worked with BPW since 1992 and they deliver about 95 per cent of our special axles,” he said. “BPW is a reliable

FAST FACT

Meusburger specifies BPW drum and disc brakes, axles for various tyre types as well as self-steering and hrydraulic steering axles and swing axles. supplier and partner with whom we can develop new products.”

Meusburger uses BPW running gears for its two- and three-axle drop deck semi-trailers fitted with sliding tarpaulins. The OEM specifies seven tonne swing axles with small BPW drum brake ECO Drum for 17.5” or 19.5” tyres and narrow track. This results in an axle load of 12 tonnes per axle line (two swing axles side by side). Meusburger complements the chassis with a hydraulic suspension for lifting and lowering functions and axle load compensation. A hydraulic forced steering system enables steering angles of up to maximum of 60 degrees.

In order to be able to maximise the flatbed design of a drop deck semitrailer, the running gear must be suitable for particularly narrow installation spaces. At the same time, the trailer must remain manoeuvrable, especially if it is a telescopic design.

Here, swing axles offer a good compromise between minimum installation space requirements, very high lift requirements, high axle loads and large steering angles.

When designing the chassis for Meusburger’s drop-deck semitrailers, the challenge was to position the brake cylinders of the swing axles in such a way that the installation space above the swing axle and the brake cylinders remained free.

In the compressed state, the brake cylinder of the swing axle was not allowed to touch the turret bearing slewing system, the hydraulic cylinder or the vehicle frame. At the same time, the brake cylinder was not allowed to touch the roadway when the swing axle was rebounded. It was therefore necessary to find and implement a suitable position for the drum brakes in the swing axle. As support for mounting the brake cylinders, the base plate was adapted and the brake cylinder was placed against the direction of travel.

The safe and reliable interaction of drum brakes, brake cylinder and slack adjusters had to be guaranteed without restriction.

In close cooperation, BPW was able to realise a swing axle for Meusburger that meets all of its stringent requirements.

Ideal balance under all conditions

With swing axles, low loaders can master any critical ground and difficult terrain. This is because the highly flexible equaliser bearing compensates for uneven ground and thus always ensures optimum grip on the ground and thus greater safety for the driver and the load. With swing axles from BPW, operators benefit from reliable, maintenance-friendly and space-saving technology from large-scale production. Swing axles offer a good compromise between minimum space requirements, high stroke requirements, high axle loads and large steering angles. Maximum steering angles require narrow track widths. With a track width of only 519mm at an axle load of six tonnes – swing axles from BPW are real space savers.

FAST FACT

As a manufacturer of low loaders throughout Europe, Meusburger can adapt to the needs of its customers thanks to the variety of axles that BPW supplies.

High lateral stability with hydraulics

During transport, high and heavy loads have a particular influence on the driving characteristics of a low loader. The high centre of gravity of the load can be a challenge for the driver and the low-loader. Added to this are the large compensating strokes required for long low-loaders and uneven ground. Here, hydraulic axle balancing is the solution. In this case a hydraulic axle equalization is the best solution. Robust BPW axles - rigid or steered - are combined with customer-specific suspension elements from BPW and hydraulic cylinders provided by the customer to create a very stable running gear for low-loaders.

www.bpw.de