The heavy lifting and specialised transport company Mammoet and the SPMT and trailer manufacturer Scheuerle (member of the TII Group) have recently presented a new trailer system called Trailer Power Assist (TPA), designed to make heavy transport projects quicker and safer.
Manufactured by Scheuerle according to Mammoet’s specifications, the first TPA units were unveiled at a ceremony held at Scheuerle’s headquarters in Pfedelbach, Germany.
Each TPA trailer has a 1,000 horsepower diesel engine powering a hydraulic system, that results in a trailer with twice the pulling force of a convention prime mover unit but with no ballast requirements. According to the constructor the overall weight and length of transports will be reduced, thus lowering emissions and eliminating the need for multi-truck configurations.
“Trailer Power Assist is the most efficient, sustainable and cost-effective answer for the complex transport demands of large scale construction projects,” said Jan Kleijn, COO of Mammoet.
TPA transport solution is based on the self-propelled K25 modular platform vehicle which hydraulically drives four of the six axle lines by means of a Power Pack Unit (PPU). With a performance of 735 kW (1,000 hp) as well as a traction force of 400 kilonewtons, one vehicle in the version featuring a drive unit and a 6-axle platform trailer replaces two fully loaded heavy-duty truck tractors.
Designed for international transportation, the TPA has an assisted road speed up to 28km/h, which is up to 20 times faster than a self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT), as stated by Mammoet and Scheuerle. TPA’s hydraulic hub motors can be re-engaged to slow the load down hydrostatically, reducing wear and tear on its brakes, and provide the precision and control required to navigate narrow or winding sections of the route. According to the constructor, by reducing the overall weight of the transport – fewer trailers and less or no ballast – TPA improves fuel efficiency and, by reducing the overall length and number of powered units involved, TPA will reduce complexity, increase project safety and requires only one driver. TPA operates between -40C and +50C and is designed for transporting heavy modules to facilities in remote locations.
