Hydraulic Modular Trailer

A modular trailer constitutes a series of specialized vehicles designed mainly for transporting large, difficult-to-dismantle cargo. Additionally, these trailers are employed for carrying oversized goods.

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These trailers have significant applications in power plants, chemical processes, the iron and steel industries, as well as construction projects. Thanks to their exceptional lateral stability, modular trailers are also crucial in mining operations.

A self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT) sans the power pack unit closely resembles a hydraulic modular trailer. The key distinction between these vehicles lies in their steering systems.

While modular trailers utilize a mechanical steering system, they can be integrated using both a gooseneck and a drawbar.

The modular trailer’s loading platform maintains balance when traversing rough terrains, showcasing excellent damping capabilities.

The vehicle's brace kit can be configured for three or four brace points to help distribute the load evenly and prevent partial detachment.

The trailer's steering system employs a hydraulic planar pitman driver, allowing it to achieve a minimal turning diameter and standard drive conditions by adjusting the hydraulic system and utilizing different pitman layouts.

The trailer's structural components, including the main frame’s longitudinal girder, bogie frame, steering arm, and platform, are constructed from high-performance welded steel within a solid box beam architecture.

Modular trailers come in different series such as the 2-file, 3-file, and 4-file combinations with a drawbar. The primary differences across these combinations lie in their accessory types, as summarized below.

This 16-panel Hydraulic Platform Transporter Reference Card, developed by Marco J. van Daal, applies to every modern hydraulic platform transporter, be it pull type or self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs).

The card provides an overview of the standard 3-point and 4-point suspension settings, detailing each hydraulic suspension valve and line, and offers an easy-to-understand diagram showing oil flow and operational effects. Additional information includes definitions, principle workings, and terminology essential for any hydraulic platform transporter.

Modular Trailers: Understanding Their Uses and Features

Also known as multi-axle or hydraulic platform trailers, modular trailers facilitate long-distance transportation of oversized and unusual cargo.

Modern manufacturing relies on sophisticated, often bulky, equipment. Moving such equipment, which can weigh up to 5,000 tons, poses a significant challenge that typical trucks and semi-trailers cannot handle.

Heavy transport modular trailers are essential for moving these substantial loads, and self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) offer a solution for safely lifting and moving heavy machinery.

• Why Choose a Modular Trailer?

Modular trailers are designed to manage large-scale weight efficiently. Built with axles running lengthwise and crosswise on the main loading frame, these axles are computer-controlled, forming an axle line capable of handling immense loads.

The number of axle lines varies between models, with some trailers featuring up to 300 axle lines.

1. Advantages of Modular Trailers

Modular trailers outperform conventional trailers in their functionalities. These trailers incorporate various apparatus, including a platform attached to a frame of specific dimensions and transportation conveyances reaching the ground surface on opposite sides of the main frame.

They may also feature a towing arm with a bed element connected to a tow element, coupled with a frame for secure attachment to tow vehicles using different hitch types.

These advanced features make modular trailers invaluable for transporting large, long, and heavy items in industries such as construction, chemical, metallurgy, and logistics.

The hydraulic loading platform maintains balance even on rough terrains due to superior damping properties, ensuring a smooth transit for the cargo.

The brace kit evenly distributes loads across multiple points, and the hydraulic planar pitman-controlled steering system allows for normal driving conditions and minimal turning diameters.

Constructed with a solid box beam framework, the trailer’s key components are made from high-performance welded steel.

Modular trailers offer dual towing modes: full-trailer and semi-trailer. Under full-trailer towing, maximum speeds can reach 40Kph, providing the greatest tractive force, ideal for low-speed heavy-duty transport. For semi-trailer towing, the vehicle length is reduced, enhancing effective load capacity and speed, reaching up to 80Kph.

2. Types of Modular Trailer Bogies

To meet varied demands, modular trailers come with two bogie structures:

• Ball Bearing Type: This type boasts the highest load capacity, handling up to 45 tons per axle, even with a steering angle of only 55°. It is ideal for off-road operations and safely manages heavy loads within a site.

• Pivot Bearing Type: With a larger steering angle of up to 60°, this type is suited for heavy-duty on-road applications, bolstered with reinforced frames for adequate axle load support within industrial facilities.

Two distinct steering approaches are used for controlling the axles:

Self-Steering: The gooseneck or drawbar’s signal enables axle steering during truck or tractor maneuvers.

A valve switch or remote control might also be used for manual axle steering adjustments.

3. Modular Trailer Use Across Various Industries

Modular trailer configurations cater to a diverse range of applications. These trailers are typically towed by tractors, cars, trucks, or all-terrain vehicles.

While most trailers are designed for even road usage, some are built for off-road terrains, considering specific cargo dimensions and weight requirements.

• Shipbuilding Industry

Transporting massive ship sections to assembly halls and finally to the sea requires modular trailers. Certain large ships need trailers with over 200 axle lines, arranged side-by-side for carrying extensive ship sections.

• Construction Industry

Modular trailers are crucial for moving large bridge segments and concrete beams from construction sites. Some feature robotic crane arms to relocate these segments directly from the transporter.

• Wind Energy Industry

Tapping wind energy involves using large equipment positioned in mountainous areas. Stable, off-road modular trailers ensure secure transport, with axle management to maintain balance on tricky terrains.

• Chemical Industry

Transporting sizeable chemical tanks demands the stability provided by modular trailers, preventing potential hazards during transit.

• Electrical Industry

Electricity generators require modular trailers for moving heavy transformers from assembly halls to remote power stations. These stations demand robust modular trailers for relocating transformers weighing thousands of tons.

• Offshore Industry

The offshore industry relies heavily on modular trailers for transporting massive structures. Often, multiple trailers are connected to handle single large structures, ensuring safe and efficient relocations.

Modular trailers, depending on their design, suit specific scenarios, making thoughtful buying or renting decisions crucial based on workload and usage frequency.

Conclusion

As detailed, modular trailers serve various purposes across numerous industries. Understanding their capabilities helps in selecting the right type for specific needs. They are the optimal choice for transporting heavy and bulky equipment due to their sturdiness and impressive load capacity.

Opting for top-quality brands is advisable, whether buying or renting, to ensure reliability and efficiency, making it a worthwhile investment.