Accurate and targeted product evolutions lead to concepts, which US companies need to advance their heavy haul business. The 12-axle HighwayMAX Booster single drop highway trailer is such a product that became a key player within the fleet of customer 5J Transportation Group.
Thanks to the 3-axle pin-on nitro-booster coupled to the back of the combination, the legal payload of this unique transport system is pushed towards 205,000 lbs at 20,000 lbs per axle. By using the booster, the number of axles is increased over which the weight is distributed, thanks to well thought-out pressure transfer.
This tool is in action for 5J Transportation Group when a 10 feet wide, 15 feet-6 inch high and 125 feet-2 inch long freight must be transported through Texas from Midland to Mentone.
“Faymonville was the only option”
"The transported item was to use for a new gas processing plant being built”, says Jamie Nettles, Vice-President of Operations. The job with a gross weight of 225,000 lbs makes it necessary to rely on vehicle technology like that of the HighwayMAX Booster.
Jamie Nettles is happy to have a reliable and versatile solution. “The site needed to find a way to have a steerable trailer deliver into a tight area. The Faymonville was the only option for delivering this piece to a very tight foundation.”
Automatic levelling system
In order to take on extremely compact payloads when extended and with the booster coupled, the chassis has been made even stronger. Further developments for a pioneering vehicle concept. An automatic levelling system is part of the booster control system providing constant axle loads.
“As for the Faymonville products in general, a special focus has been put on the easy and user-friendly handling”, Product Manager Rainer Noe explains an important fact. And when the project is successfully finished such as this job for 5J Transportation Group, the booster can just be uncoupled and loaded onto the main vehicle. “The mobilization is faster than with any other vehicle in this payload class. You save time and money.”
Lift up the booster!
In the closed state and with the booster decked, the truck-and-trailer length remains below 90 feet allowing to travel without escort in the most states. Rainer Noe highlights another practical point: “When reversing, the booster can simply be lifted up hydraulically.
Consequently, the main vehicle was designed for the temporary bearing of the total payload by targeted engineering. This is also particularly advantageous for the driver when maneuvering through winding segments or twisty access roads.”