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End-to-end carpeting
Page 15
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• MAT Transport has put two revolutionary prototype high-volume carpet trailers into service on its regular runs between Belgium and Britain.
The tri-axle trailers, built by Turbo Hoets in Belgium to MATs specification, are fitted with front and rear doors to allow loading from either end of the aluminium and plywoodwalled trailer. A special carpet car inside is used to move the carpets into position.
MAT says that the new de sign virtually eliminates carpet damage during loading, and maximises load volume — more important than payload for carpet carriers. It also allows easier loading in sites with restricted access, since the trailer can be manoeuvred into position for loading with or without the tractive unit.
The step-frame trailers are fitted with a lifting axle to reduce wear on the small tyres, chosen to lower the loading height. The 12.6m load deck gives a total volume of 90m3.
MAT hopes to win additional work from carpet manufacturers following the introduction of the trailers.