Heavy Transportation

Self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) are multi-axle trailers designed for the transportation of large and heavy cargos. 4 axle or 6 axle modules can be coupled side-to-side and end-to-end to suit the weight or dimensions of the proposed cargo.

A Diesel driven Power Pack (PPU) is attached to the end of the SPMT group to supply hydraulic power to the drive and suspension systems.

The capacity of each axle line is 32 Tonne Net (36 Tonne Gross incl SPMT self weight).

The load is transferred through the chassis to 2 hydraulic suspension rams per axle line. Each ram is attached to a hinged elbow supported by 2 tyres.

The Hydraulic Rams are interconnected in groups (Normally three) to provide a stable 3-point suspension system. Hydraulic fluid is free to flow between the rams in each suspension group thus allowing the wheels to negotiate uneven ground during transport whilst maintaining uniform load in all axles within that group.

By supplying additional hydraulic fluid to each suspension group from the PPU the SPMT bed can be raised (or lowered) to maintain the bed level on hills or adverse cambers or alternatively to lift/lower the trailer bed to self load or offload the cargo from supports.

The SPMT bed can be varied by +/- 300mm from the nominal 1500mm travelling height.

The PPU also supplies hydraulic power to the integral hydraulic drive motors on selected axles via flow regulators to provide forward/reverse travel which can vary from 0 to 10km/hr depending upon Load, No of axles, inclination of route and No of PPU units.

The Steering of each suspension unit is individually controlled and monitored by a computerised control system and each suspension can rotate independently 260o to provide 9 different steering programmes i.e. normal forward/reverse left and right, diagonal and transverse drives, circular and others. Two electronic steering controls can be used for two or more separate SPMT’s groups to steer and act as one integral unit.

The SPMT’s are equipped with an electro-hydraulic braking system on selected wheel hubs. In the event of PPU or other control equipment failure the brakes are automatically applied by a spring system until the fault can be rectified.

The control of all functions is from a single hand operated remote consul.

All units are both CE and TUV certified and are provided with identification plates that allow them to be driven on public roads.