CF's trailer for the 80s
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by Trevor Longcroft
TRAILERS compatible with today's operation yet designed to comply with anticipated increases to vehicle gross weights are announced this week by Crane Fruehauf.
Called the PB80, the new range covers flats, psk, skeletals and TIR models and it is offered, with a number of new features, at the same price as current models, As an option Crane Fruehauf has a redesigned plastics rear end for the mounting of the lights and other equipment.
In designing the PB80 Crane Fruehauf has aimed at the highest possible anticipated gross weight without increasing unladen weight beyond that necessary for efficient operation at 32.5 tonnes (32 tons) gcw. Unladen weight of the 12.2m (40ft) flat platform is quoted at around 4.6 tonnes (4.5 tons) and subject to the tractive unit used and the nature of any regulation changes the trailer can be used at weights up to 38 tonnes (37.4 tons) gcw.
Compared to current CF designs gross trailer weight of the PB80 has been increased from 29.5 tonnes (29 tons) to 31.5 tonnes (31 tons)-11.1 tonnes (11 tons) through the pin and 20.3 tonnes (20 tons) through the standard tandem bogie.
To ensure compatability with increased weights and threeaxle tractive units that may be required for operation at higher limits the PB80 is specified with an ISO profile neck with the landing legs set at 2.5m (8.2ft) from the pin. A 250mm (10in) deep neck is specified as standard though for operators requiring maximum body height within the European 4m (13.1ft) overall height limit a 180mm (7in) neck is available.
The tandem-bogie is equipped with 10-ton axles regardless of axle-spread required by the operator. For instance, an operator may require a shorter spread for 32-ton operation and he has the option of stretching the spread to cater for increased bogie capacity without changing axles. The suspension will, however, have to be modified to match the spread.
Greater brake lining service life is achieved by fitting larger brakes to the trailer. The current 420mm (16.5in) x 180mm (7in) brakes have been replaced on the PB80 by 420mm (16.5in) x 220mm (8.7in) units.
Slightly reduced brake response times and easier maintenance has resulted from fitting nylon rather than Bundy brake lines. The nylon pipes are clipped to the deck support members and are coloured for easy identification.
A Code of Practice (COP) headboard is fitted as a standard safety feature. It has a flush platform-side face permitting loading with a fork-lift full up to the headboard.
Designed to progressively collapse during impact, the square-section under-run bumper complies with EEC requirements.
The inclusion of slim-section side raves on the PB80 provides for an increased 15.9mm (0.6in) deck width and replaces the angled rave previously used on the skeletals. The previous rave section was too wide and containers would not fit squarely on the trailer decking. The optional rear panel is made from high density, white polyethylene and when fitted it gives the trailer a distinctive appearance. The panel is claimed to be resilient to everyday knocks; it flexes on impact and then springs back to the "home " position once the obstruction is removed. The panel is non-corrosive and • because it is rubber mounted and isolated from vibration improved bulb life is expected.