Chigoes Dutch to find technical innovations
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The Amsterdam Show, like all the major truck shows, was dominated by vehicle launches staged by the major manufacturers for maximum publicity; they appeared in CM last week. But away from the spotlight our technical team spotted a number of useful technical innovations...
• Dutch manufacturer D-Tec of Kesteren is seeking UK type-approval for a five-axled version of its Goosenek combi-skeletal trailer that accepts two 20ft containers or a single 40-footer. A sliding centre spine enables it to extend by 7150mm to accept a 45ft box, or the chassis can be separated into two and three-axle modules for delivering individual 20ft boxes. For extra manoeuvrability the centre axle lifts while the front pair self-steer or turn hydraulically.
si Kogel asked 500 local drivers to help fine-tune it new disc-braked Trucker-Trailer. The resultant changes included this simple curtain fastening system using hinged plates on the side rave, three per side and operated by fold-out levers. Each plate accepts six strap hooks. The system is said to tension or release the curtains effortlessly. Other improvements include a lift and push-in pallet box lid, double-jointed door hinges and simpler lift and slide-roof opening mechanism, • Chereciu's Dutch agent Hertoghs showed two longitudinally split multi-compartment reefers, both superbly made for urban deliveries. One features a laterally moving partition; this tandem-steer-axled model, built for ,1 Eversdijk of Goes, has a fixed inner wall. It uses a sealing tap flap and an insulated 1.5-tonne Dhollandia cantilever lift that seals within the rear frame. A small plug door on a clever lift, lower and slide mechanism with a step frame beneath it provides access for load picking.
• Mentor HVS (RO-R) now offers disc-braked trailer axles for 19.5in wheels, with a lightweight air suspension system to match. The new designs were launched at the Rid show following extensive trials. The 19.5in and 22.5in versions both feature six-bolt calliper mounting for ease of dismantling; using an offset rotor with a pre-packed hub is said to reduce the operating temperatures of the components, including the tyres. According to the manufacturer, brake pads can be changed in half the time needed to replace the brake shoes in conventional drums. Mentor's latest Flexlite trailing-arm air suspension is some 31kg lighter than the company's existing 1L9000 system, amounting to a saving of more than 90kg on a tri-axle trailer. The ride height can be adjusted between 200mm and 475mm.