Long and low

For a modern fleet to be versatile and competitive it needs double or even triple extendable trailers, writes Gino Koster. Development of larger wind turbine components has stimulated strong demand. Broshuis in the Netherlands has delivered its first six axle Triple semi-lowloader to Polish specialized transport contractor Bed Met in Opole.

Fully retracted the semi-lowbed measures just over 16 m, with a 4.20 m-long gooseneck and a 12.075 m long loading deck. Deck length more than doubles to 25 m while overall trailer length increases to 41.275 m by fully extending the central beam three times. Broshuis claims it found a solution to easily extend and retract the normally heavier central beams on larger semi-lowbeds. In addition to the EasySlide system Broshuis added an outrigger support underneath the axle assembly, which, in combination with the hydraulically adaptable gooseneck, reduces the extending and retracting operations to one minute, the manufacturer claims.

Bed Met chose the six axle semi-lowbed to be as flexible as possible. Retracted, the trailer, with an adaptable deck that travels standard at a height of 1.05 m, should be able to carry self-propelled machinery and military vehicles. Extended it can carry long loads ranging from wind turbine blades and tower sections to bridges and wooden roof trusses.