Fold-over log carrier
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By Bryan Jarvis • Improved productivity is the aim of a new Australian log carrying trailer system being assessed by Tasmanian timber haulier Les Walkden Transport.
Built by Elphingstone Engineering of Triabunna, Tasmania and fitted with heavy-duty 14-tonne load cells, the Elphlink trailer uses a four-axle "dog" trailer which can handle high payloads but folds over the rear of the 6x4 prime mover for the empty ney. The Elphlink rig, known locally as a "jinker" grosses Out at 50 tonnes but is less than 19m long. It can haul up to five tonnes more than a conventional six-axle outfit.
Elphingstone's managing director Graeme Elphingstone says: "You don't need winches or hydraulics to get the unladen trailer on to the tractor unit's hack when running empty—just a ramp or loading bank."
By reversing carefully the trailer is folded onto the dolly and with the slider unlocked it is lifted over the back of the chassis, locking into position just behind the cab.
To offload the trailer and unfold the rear section the brakes are applied, the slider is unlocked and the truck moves forward with the Elphlink trailer folding flat and ready to accept its load of timber.
Elphingstone has built more than 70 folding skeletal-type trailers for the timber industry.