Hydraulic modular trailer

A hydraulic modular trailer (HMT) is a special platform trailer unit which feature swing axles, hydraulic suspension, independently steerable axles, two or more axle rows, compatible to join two or more units longitudinally and laterally and uses power pack unit (PPU) to steer and adjust height.[1] These trailer units are used to transport oversized load, which are difficult to disassemble and are overweight. These trailers are manufactured using high tensile steel, which makes it possible to bear the weight of the load with the help of one or more ballast tractors which push and pull these units via drawbar or gooseneck this combination of tractor and trailer is also termed as heavy hauler.

Goldhofer THP-SL hydraulic modular trailer with oversize load being pulled by Mercedes-Benz Actros ballast tractor via drawbar.

Typical loads include oil rig modules, bridge sections, buildings, ship sections, and industrial machinery such as generators and turbines. There is a limited number of manufacturers who produce these heavy-duty trailers because the market share of oversized loads is very thin when we talk about the over all transportation industry. There are self powered units of hydraulic modular trailer which are called SPMT which are used when the ballast tractors can not be applied due to space.

Specifications

The number of axles on a HMT is not specified 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 axle units are manufactured, ⁣[2] Multiple units can be coupled longitudinally and laterally to transport a heavier load; each axle has a lifting capacity ranging from 18 tons to 45 tons.[3] With a steering capacity of 50 to 60 degrees. Some combinations require a trailer operator who controls steering and height adjustments of the trailer via a controller which is modular and can be mounted at the frontend or rear end of the trailer. Huge combinations may also have a cabin for the operator, while typical combinations have a seat attached to the controller.

Steering and suspension controller unit mounted on a Scheuerle HMT.

Hydraulic cylinders are used for steering and suspension of the trailer each axle has an individual suspension cylinder, steering rod which is connected to the main steering cylinder which is at the frontend of the trailer which makes all the axles steer at once in the same direction one row of axle consist of 2 turn tables, 2 knees, 2 suspension cylinders and 4-8 wheels attached to a high strength metal platform. Steering and suspension cylinders are hydraulically operated using hydraulic fluid through hose pipe from the hydraulic tank, ⁣[4] Which is located near the PPU. PPU, which powers the steering, suspension to and fro flow of hydraulic fluid from hydraulic tank to suspensions and steering cylinders, puts out about 18 to 25 hp of power and are available in both diesel and petrol variants manufactured by renowned brands like Kohler, Yanmar and Hatz.[5]

Since 2005 in the United States of America, HMT have extra features and design changes which include widening axles, and half way folding system. Due to different road regulations in different states, almost all manufacturers have adopted the US design and developed a product for the US market. These HMT trailers are named dual lane trailers, which comes from the widening characteristic of the trailer. Dual lane trailers have capability to change its width from 13 ft to 20 ft wide to make transport of empty trailers easy and also comply with state regulations when required.[6]

Accessories
  • Allelys HMT with girder bridge configuration, hauling heavy load with 2 MAN ballast tractors.
    Gooseneck
  • Draw bar
  • Drop Deck
  • Vessel Bridge
  • Intermediate spacer
  • Excavator deck
  • Extendable spacer
  • Turntables (bolster)
  • Blade Lifter
  • Tower adapter
  • Girder frame
  • Trailer power assist[7]

Manufacturers
Tiiger 4 axle HMT outside Tii headquarters in Haryana, India.

Operators
  • Windmill tower section being transported using tower adapter configuration
    Windmill tower section being transported using tower adapter configuration
  • DOLL self steering blade transporter dolly
    DOLL self steering blade transporter dolly
  • Goldhofer FTV blade lifter being pulled by actors tractor
    Goldhofer FTV blade lifter being pulled by actors tractor
  • ALE girder bridge with trojan tractos in push and pull configuration
    ALE girder bridge with trojan tractos in push and pull configuration
  • Volvo tractor with drop deck configuration moving oversize load.
    Volvo tractor with drop deck configuration moving oversize load.
  • MAN tractors with vessel deck configuration
    MAN tractors with vessel deck configuration

See also

References
  1. "Code of Practice for Type Approval of Modular Hydraulic Trailers towed by Puller Tractor of Category N3" (PDF). Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. 24 April 2020. Archived from the original (PDF) on 31 May 2022.
  2. "THP/SL". Goldhofer AG. Retrieved 2022-03-16.
  3. "THP/SL-L". Goldhofer AG. Retrieved 2022-03-16.
  4. "The Drake Group - Power pack boost for Drake Trailers". The Drake Group. 2009-01-08. Retrieved 2022-03-16.
  5. "THP/SL". Goldhofer AG. Retrieved 2022-03-16.
  6. "Their way or no highway - Cranes Today". www.cranestodaymagazine.com. Retrieved 2022-03-16.
  7. "InterCombi". SCHEUERLE. Retrieved 2022-03-16.
  8. "ALE launches widening trailers in the UK". International Cranes and Specialized Transport. 2016-05-12. Retrieved 2022-03-01.
  9. Prior2018-10-25T13:10:00+01:00, Sonny. "Goldhofer supports Sarens in Kazakhstan". Heavy Lift & Project Forwarding International. Retrieved 2022-03-01.
  10. "Modular Trailer System (MTS)". www.mammoet.com. Retrieved 2022-03-01.
  11. "Hydraulic Platforms". Lampson Crane. Retrieved 2022-03-01.
  12. "dhaulage | Heavy Lifting With No Limits". dhaulage. Retrieved 2023-03-25.
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