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ON THE ROAD CM recently gained first-hand experience with an

5th November 2009
Page 44
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Page 44, 5th November 2009 — ON THE ROAD CM recently gained first-hand experience with an
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

LST, when we drove the 18m Stralis/Big-MAXX combination at the Millbrook test track.

In normal operating conditions, we've no doubt that LSTs will be traffic compatible, not withstanding the odd adjustment to lane markings in RDCs and trailer parks.

We had no trouble taking the Stralis/ Big-MAXX combination through the regulation 12.5/5.3m EU artic turning corridor marked out with cones. And as the trailer's tri-axle bogie is effectively in the same position as a conventional 13.6m semi, you don't notice any difference in tracking through corners or roundabouts.

However, there are some obvious caveats. First, you need to pull the trailer further forward when reversing to tuck the longer overhang back in. Second, and perhaps more important, when turning sharply in either direction, the trailer cut-out is noticeable when observed from the rear. And being on the blindside, it's impossible to see the extra long tail as it swings out. Drivers will clearly need to bear this in mind, not least when exiting a narrow side road or in a left-hand filter lane alongside other traffic at lights — especially if the junction is a tight one.

The extra-long rear overhang could also prove a problem on ferry ramps. Around one particularly tight, and negatively-cambered bend on Millbrook's Alpine circuit, we ended up scraping the bottom of the Big-MA)0('s under-run bar. However, its Continental-spec 445/45R tyres and 19.5in wheels certainly didn't do it any favours in terms of ground clearance, especially when coupled to the normal height RHO tractor. With 385/65/R22.5 tyres it would be far less of an issue.

Finally, a second set of landing legs behind the trailer bogie (as fitted to our test trailer) would also reduce chassis flexing when a fully-laden forklift runs on and off that extended rear end a point worth bearing in mind if an LST is to be used for both weight and volume-sensitive loads.

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Organisations: European Union

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