RTX reveal for Don-Bur Lifting Deck trailer
CV bodywork specialist Don-Bur showcased its latest engineering innovation, a Lifting Deck trailer, at the 2024 Road Transport Expo. One of a batch of 44, it was purpose-built for retail giant Marks & Spencer.
Don-Bur and Marks & Spencer have a history of collaboration spanning decades, and the introduction of the latest Lifting Deck trailer design marks a further milestone in the partnership between the two firms.
Increased capacity is cited as a key advantage of the new design, which maximises cargo space, optimising capacity for efficient transportation of goods. The upper deck, with a usable load width of 2.44m, allows for the addition of two extra cages or three additional dollies. This not only streamlines logistics operations, says Don-Bur, but also contributes to cost savings and sustainability efforts by minimising delivery frequency and carbon emissions.
The company also highlights the trailer’s enhanced safety credentials to ensure the protection of both goods and personnel; and a design that caters to all transport divisions, accommodating both clothing and ambient freight to provide flexibility for Marks & Spencer’s diverse transport needs.
“We are excited about the introduction of Don-Bur’s latest design of Lifting Deck trailer to our fleet,” said Marks & Spencer group fleet manager Mick Pethard.
“Safety and sustainability are paramount to us at Marks & Spencer, and this trailer’s advanced features align perfectly with our commitment to ensuring the highest standards in transportation.”
Key features include the Leg-Safe landing leg safety system, which is said to prevent trailer damage and reduce the risk of accident. It ensures correct landing leg position by alerting the driver if legs are not lowered during de-coupling.
The Deck-Talk verbal feedback system for upper decks provides practical safety and status information in line with ISO hazard guidance, while an EBS-Safe (electronic braking system) warning system ensures a compliant ISO 7638 ABS/EBS connection, enhancing safety. The trailer is also equipped with a Haldex TEM Parksafe valve to help prevent rollaway incidents, and LowGlide Coupling to enable the driver to couple from ground level, thereby eliminating risks associated with climbing onto the catwalk. Banksman downlighters enhance visibility around the trailer in poor light conditions, while a 3.3m long pneumatic ramp provides easy access from the lower deck to the swan-neck area.
Further safety and compliance benefits are offered by the electronic braking performance monitoring system (EBPMS), which provides real-time insights into the trailer’s braking efficiency.
