BPW puts low-loaders in the limelight
BPW has explained how low-loader trailers are becoming increasingly versatile and manoeuvrable, thanks to innovations in its axle and running gear technology.
The company says it will showcase the technical possibilities at construction trade fair bauma (outdoor area north, stand 827/9), which takes place from 24-30 October in München.
“The goods that are transported by low loader trailer today are becoming increasingly larger, heavier and more complex,” said BPW.
“From car drawbar trailers to construction cranes, from industrial modules to reinforced concrete bridge components, vehicle manufacturers are pushing the boundaries of what is technically feasible.
“The vehicle concepts in this class are as varied as the transport tasks – whether as a drawbar trailer or semi-trailer, whether telescopic or as a low bed low loader trailer. The limit is set by the load capacity and the maximum passage height of bridges, tunnels and subways – so the only way to get more out of the trailer is to make it even lower and lighter.”
Sophisticated axle and running gear technologies from BPW ensure that the loading area of the low loader trailer can be lowered far below the driving level for loading and unloading, explains the company, thereby almost reaching the road surface at just a few hand widths.
“Modern low loader trailers transport heavy construction equipment or concrete components weighing several tonnes safely and accident-free to the site of operation, even on difficult terrain,” it continued.
“This feat is made possible by the axle design: BPW axles – rigid or steered – are combined with the lightweight Airlight II air suspension or a hydraulic suspension; stub axles, for example, manage without a continuous axle beam and require only minimal installation space; swing axles can swing up and down individually with a large stroke so that the vehicle can also cope with asymmetrical unevenness.
“BPW offers swing axles with reliable, maintenance-friendly and space-optimised technology for heavy low-loader trailers, semi trailers, special vehicles and modular platforms.”
BPW Bergische Achsen KG highlights its status as preferred partner of low loader trailer manufacturers. It offers a wide range of running gear system solutions for low loader trailer vehicles with axle loads from 9 t to 14 t and 17.5″ or 19.5″ tyres.
“Self-steering axles from BPW give the low loader trailer unimagined manoeuvrability: with axle loads of 9 t to 12 t and steering angles of up to 27°, they manoeuvre even the heaviest loads to their destination with ease,” said the company.
“A special feature is the load-dependent steering stabilisation: only by means of wave-shaped pressure discs and self-steering, the wheels are kept stable in the track depending on the load when driving straight ahead and are steered according to the bend radius when driving around bends.
“The low loader trailer also becomes a smart mover when reversing thanks to an award-winning innovation from BPW: Active Reverse Control (ARC) is an electrohydraulic auxiliary steering system that controls the steering angle when reversing and when manoeuvring without a mechanical connection to the towing vehicle.
“For the first time, BPW is offering a smartphone app for Active Reverse Control, which enables the installation and set-up of the system, maintenance and also special additional functions in use: for example, the driver can adjust the maximum steering angle via the app – provided he has the appropriate authorisation – and therefore optimally adapt it for special driving manoeuvres.”
Reliability and ease of maintenance are the be-all and end-all for low loader trailers, contends BPW.
“A commercial vehicle that is in the garage does not earn any money – and a breakdown in special transports can have expensive consequences. BPW occupies a special position in the industry with the design of its components: axles, wheelends and air suspensions can be completely dismantled and serviced at record speed – because time is money.
“With the stepped bearing, the wheel hubs can be easily pulled off during maintenance; an innovative central bolt connection with integrated torque limitation ensures automatically adjusted play of the bearing.
“From 2023, this Eco Plus Wheelend generation will again make the maintenance and spare parts inventory of all 10-12t axles drastically simpler. The sturdiness and durability of BPW components is legendary: low loader trailers, like many special vehicles, are often in use for 20 years or more. A KTLZn-coating of axle components provides for the maximum surface protection.”
