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Abnormal load carrier
Page 15
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• Econofreight, the worldrecord-breaking heavy haulage company, has launched a revolutionary 23 million transport system for special-type loads. The FLY-SPEC (Hydraulic, SelfPowered, Electronically Controlled) units are manufactured to Econofreight's specification by the French company Nicolas. They are fourand six-axle heavy haulage trailers with a power-pack which hydraulically drives alternate axles, removing the need for a tractive unit. The non-driving axles provide braking.
Two large castors each carry a pair of wheels, and can be steered through 360° while providing drive or braking power. The entire configuration can turn in its own length, moving backwards, forwards, crabbing or turning on an arc.
One power-pack can move a load of up to 1,113 tonnes on 36 axles, in any combination of fouror six-axle modules. The power-pack is a 336kW (450hp) Deutz vee-12 engine which drives five hydraulic pumps; two provide drive, two steering and one suspension.
An air compressor for the braking system, and an alternator to power lighting, are also fitted.
The heart of the control system is a computer installed in the power pack, which allows the system to cope with varying numbers of modules and the differential steering required to manoeuvre loads into position. "We could move across the Sahara with three separate units connected only by the computer linking wires and they will end up in the same relative position," says managing director Tom Llewellyn.
To "drive" the system, the operator uses a remote console which allows him to move and Steer the vehicle in any direc tion, and also to tilt it from side to side or end to end. A spirit-level type indicator helps to keep tall loads upright. A modular cab is also included.
Econofreight has ordered eight six-axle line modules and six four-axle, along with four power-packs and two cab units. The system's first road-going outing is scheduled for April.