Tr-axles in Al shape
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THE FIRST of five new tri-axle semi-trailers designed for 38 tonne gcw operations are being supplied to the Lucozade-liveried fleet of the Beecham Group subsidiary, Products Distribution Services, by Al International Motor Engineering of Maldon, Essex.
They suit 2+3 operation and, with Tiltec Loadfast curtainsided bodywork, each 12m (39ft 6in) trailer weighs 6,760kg.
Al has built sufficient swanneck strength to allow a 12tonne plated kingpin rating for future 3+3 work, and running gear is located to be compatible with all current three-axled 38 tonne tractive unit configurations.
To guard against axle overloads in the 38 tonne 2+3 mode, the Beecham group has specified folding doors which partition off the front 1.14m (45in) of load space. Fully laden pallets of drinks distributed by PDS are side loaded to the rear of the partition doors, while ahead of the doors, empty pallets or other lightweight materials are carried.
With the uplift of permitted gross weight PDS is able to stack its laden pallets to a higher level inside the new Al curtain-. siders. Accordingly, floor strength has been increased.
Underfloor cross-members are spaded more closely, at 18in (457mm) centres.