T here should have been three finalists in this class but
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the directors of Trailmaster Trailers and the official receivers had other more pressing business, leaving Andover Trailers and Nene Trailers to battle it out.
Both brought along the latest in low loaders but, the two contenders were designed for different markets.
Nene is a small manufacturer from the Fens that specialises in building trailers for the agricultural industry, but its Recovertrail addresses some of the problems faced by recovery operators. Rescuing large single or twin-deck luxury coaches, even eight-leggers up to 32.5 tonnes, presents problems: Nene reckons its new trailer provides the answer. The 15.6m-long step-frame's main feature is a hydraulically tilting 9.1m main deck with three-piece tail ramps that power out from its tilting beaver tailgate. The main floor tilts via a 90-tonne-rated ram. With the tailgate down and ramps extended it forms a 6.5° loadbed to winch casualties with low ground clearances.
For 12m coaches the beaver gate lays flat; it's raised when eight wheelers are aboard. It has no problem with locomotives or plant. At 38 tonnes it can take any vehicle up to 29.5 ft long and weighing 17 tonnes—its uses are many and varied as it is built to conform with C&U and STGO Cats 1 and 2 with loads up to 55 tonnes gross This contender is aimed at a limited market worth possibly 20 units, and the judges felt there is more to be done with the design.
However, this is a cleverly made, original trailer which answers problems faced at end of road rescue. It was well worth its Highly Commended award.
Unfortunately, Nene could hardly have faced stiffer competition in the guise of Andover Trailer's Superlow.
This contender was a superbly designed and built example of a one-to-four-axle range that can gross out from 20 to 73 tonnes.
Its quality is reflected in its sales: 291 are in service in what is a very tough market; many having replaced heavier low loaders with hydraulic necks.
Main features include a perimeter frame neck. With the landing legs fitted close to the neck this allows plenty of swing clearance combined with the maximum bed length for a given tractive unit.
There are plenty of tie down points, all under the edge of the outer rail, leaving the deck clear of obstacles that could foul on a dark night. Added strength comes from a four member main deck with the centre ones extending to the rear to form a bridge over the axles. This is a critical area when loading heavy plant items.
Beaver tail
At the rear its shallow angle beaver tail has reinforced toe ends for ease of loading. The 860mm high load bed can be dropped further by dumping the air suspension. Controls are near the tail but AT also offers remote controls for easy operation.
Safety features include an external group of test points for the hydraulics and good access for brakes and electrics. Routeing of air pipes and wiring is exemplary Most proprietary running gear can be adapted to the design; this example had a Hendrickson/ Granning combination.
The Superlow design can extend to both C&U or STGO modes, is produced to a very high overall build quality standard and has a sturdy structural look about it.
All the judges agreed that it deserved the top award in our Specialist category