Engineering machinery transport specialist AET Transport has taken delivery of two bespoke tri-axle step frame forklift trailers supplied by Andover Trailers.

The FKCL 36 trailers will be used to transport engineering machinery including lathes, automated CNC milling machines, heavy gauge metal presses and tools from its base in Poole to customers around the UK and Europe.

The 13.6m-long trailers supplied by Andover Trailers to AET Transport will operate in conjunction with MAN 6x4 tractor units, covering 60,000 miles a year for the next seven years.

The AET Transport specification includes the fitment of a curtain sided body with swing out rear pillars and a specialist TSE sliding roof system, sourced from Germany. The TSE roof is an all steel system which was specifically chosen by Andover Trailers for its sheer strength and durability, which allows it to withstand buffeting when travelling with the roof open.

Andrew Trotter, AET Transport Managing Director, said: "All of our equipment is fairly unusual and off-specification to enable us to move a range of heavy and odd-sized loads – along with our own high mast materials handling equipment. Andover Trailers was the only manufacturer which could design and build the trailer we required to our budget and timeframe.

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"We have had a long relationship with Andover, going back more than 20 years and have found that the seven trailers we have purchased are reliable and last a long time."

The FKWB36 design incorporates a low profile neck, double crank beavertail

and additional cross members designed for concentrated loads, giving a payload of 25 tonnes. An SAF air suspension and axle package with raise and lower control, together with a single section full height hydraulic ramp and remote control, offers a shallow angle of approach for high mast materials handling equipment. Additional features include a hardwood floor with expamet coverings over the ramps and two-speed push-pull leg gear, a 24-volt power pack, LED interior lights and 12 lashing points for additional load security.

The step frame design also includes an on-board Knorr-Bremse Trailer Information Module (TIM) as standard. The TIM is an easy-to-use trailer mountable or hand-held reading device that is able to provide valuable information for the operator / driver on axle group load, odometer and trip distance, voltage, air pressures and wheel sensor information as well as EBS diagnostics without the need of a PC.

For information on the heavy haulage and specialist transport solutions provided by Andover Trailers, contact Ivan Collins at Andover Trailers Ltd, Unit 75, Columbus Way, Walworth Industrial Estate, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 5NP. Tel: 01264 358 944 or e-mail: [email protected] or visit: www.andovertrailers.co.uk

(CD/KMcA)