Tiger technology in the spotlight
Manufacturer Tiger Trailers has highlighted a selection of its latest technological developments, including its Lightweight Clearspan Curtainsider Trailer.
The trailer was born as the result of a collaborative project between Tiger Trailers, British Gypsum, XPO Logistics and Scania, which involved the production of several hundred trailers within a few months.
Harnessing the expertise of partners Tata Steel and the University of Warwick’s Advanced Engineering Team, who used advanced computer-aided design and finite element analysis, the trailer is well in excess of 750kg lighter than a conventional product, says Tiger, and one of the lightest tri-axle curtainsiders on the market.
Tata Steel’s Ympress S700MC and Metallic Coated S450 GD materials bestow it with twice the strength of the structural steel typically used in trailer chassis construction, but without any additional weight.
This has helped Tiger customers such as British Gypsum achieve significant weight saving and payload targets, says the firm – resulting in efficiency boosts, fuel savings and reduced maintenance costs.
The translucent design of Tiger Trailers’ clearspan pillarless roof, which is free of any supports, not only provides increased weight capability compared to a supported roof, say the firm, but also increases light levels and visibility for driver-operators and other personnel, enhancing safety.
Meanwhile, with load securing a primary focus for many operators, Tiger Trailers’ ‘captive rave’ load restraint system – with its roof-mounted design and ratchets stored individually inside the rear doors – replaces traditional ‘hook’ strap configurations, and is said to greatly reduce the potential of injury to operatives as the straps are ‘captive’ throughout the strapping process.
Through a ratchet device reduction of 50 per cent on average, commensurate yard efficiency gains are also achieved, says Tiger; and the system can be easily operated by one person.
The curtain tensione
r is uniquely recessed and positioned closer to the outside of the trailer, enhancing safety in busy environments, especially in poor light conditions, while the load securing straps are also lockable for greater load stability and security.
Tiger also offers a wide range of personalisation options for trailers.
“Manufacture compliant to the EN 12642 XL standard is now a given in trailer production, and galvanisation is also commonplace with asset durability in mind, while certain operators’ activities obviously necessitate the fitment of forklift truck kits,” said Tiger Trailers’ joint managing director, Steven Cartwright.
“But there is definitely a growing appetite for what could be called ‘embellishment’ personalisation amongst trailer customers.”
He continued: “For an increasing number of operators, the nuts and bolts of trailer specification have been irreversibly joined by a host of technological features, from telematics systems and rear-view cameras to animated LED reversing lights similar to those seen on many of today’s cars, with debatable safety benefits but certainly more aesthetic appeal.
“Recessed door handles are typically specified by fleet managers keen to showcase their branding as purely as possible, and ever stronger awareness of road safety considerations is leading to the incorporation of a wide range of decals, lights and also innovative systems such as NuVech’s AirBar solution.
“It is the first vehicle-mounted, retractable safety device that inflates under pressure to provide drivers and operatives with a safe working area at the side of HGVs, which is particularly pertinent in today’s world of smart motorways.”
Tiger Trailers’ offering ranges from curtainsiders to bespoke bodywork, with customers ranging from SMEs to household name retailers and large logistics firms.
Its portfolio has recently been strengthened with the addition of in-house leasing division Tiger Finance, its own Tiger Rentals fleet, and refrigerated products branded as Tiger Siberian with LeciTrailer.
