Bolk Transport BV
from Almelo
Has taken 4 more pendle axle semi low loaders into service
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Bolk Transport BV
Bolk Transport BV from Almelo (NL) has recently put a new Broshuis PL2 3+7 semi low-loader into operation. The trailer is single extending, up to nine meters and is also equipped with a 5 meter coupling piece. The new Broshuis PL2 semi low-loader is part of a total order of four trailers.
Bolk Transport BV chose the Broshuis PL2 because it has several unique properties. This semi-trailer can be moved slowly in the lowest position, without the tires binding. Furthermore, the PL2 pendulum axle system, developed and produced in-house by Broshuis, ensures an optimum height stroke of 600 mm and has excellent manoeuvrability, even under the toughest conditions. Another unique feature of the Broshuis PL2 semi low-loader is its low weight of just 33 tonnes. In this configuration, it has a net payload of no less than 117 tonnes.
The semi low-loader can also be coupled between the neck and the dolly and between the dolly and the axle set, with which the trailer can be given the correct preload for heavy cargo. The new 3+7 semi low-loader is the first of this type in the Bolk fleet. An identical configuration and two double-extending 2+6 assemblies will follow. With these 4 new semi-lowloaders, Bolk are able to also assemble 4 pieces 9-axle semi-lowloaders, a unique concept!
Exceptional Transport
Bolk Transport BV has its own fleet of around 180 units, of which twenty tractors are engaged in the international transport of exceptional cargo. Bolk focuses on heavy transport in the broadest sense of the word, but the company specializes in the transport of wind turbines and the associated components. Various parts of wind turbines are stored at the extensive storage and transhipment site of Bolk in Almelo. Erik Maassen van den Brink of Bolk Transport: “The storage and transhipment of large and heavy parts and machines is one of our specialisms. We load these parts at the factory in Germany, after which we store them here. From here they are then transported to the final destination, as in this case to Northern Sweden''.
Up to more than 25 meters
The drivers of Bolk Transport were provided with extensive instruction about the operation of the new Broshuis. A semi low-loader with all kinds of hydraulic systems for the suspension and the neck requires some explanation. This also applies to coupling and uncoupling and to lifting axles if the load permits. The Bolk drivers, used to this type of special vehicles, ask specific questions that are answered by the people at Broshuis. The single extending semi low-loader measures 25.5 meters behind the neck when extended. With the coupling piece in between, another five meters is added. The coupling piece can be placed between the hydraulic neck and the dolly, as well as between the extension beam and the dolly. As a result, an ideal solution can always be found for the most diverse loads when it comes to the distribution of the axle loads.
Ideal for jacking work
The first load for the new Broshuis PL2 3+7 semi low-loader is a so-called 'nacelle'. That is the housing of the components of a wind turbine. This large streamlined box is placed on top of the tower and the head with the blades is mounted on this part. The nacelle alone weighs more than 90 tonnes, which is a nice first load for the new Broshuis, with its loading capacity of 117 tonnes. A number of these heavy pieces are placed on heavy supports on the Bolk site. Thanks to the steered axles, the Broshuis PL2 semi low-loader is accurately driven under the load in its lowest position. The 275 cm wide trailer lowers to 870 mm, so that it fits neatly under the load. Once in the correct position, the load is lifted from the supports by means of the hydraulic suspension until the Broshuis semi-trailer bears all the weight. The entire trailer, including the hydraulic suspension, is operated with a radio remote control so that Bolk's drivers can load the trailer safely and accurately. The enormous advantage of the pendle axles is that the lifting does not cause any change in the wheel position. This makes the PL2 ideal for jacking heavy pieces, as in this case.
By boat
The load is on anti-slip mats but that is not enough. The client demands that 14 heavy chains be installed to exclude any risk. Then the width marking is applied. The 750 hp Volvo FH16 8x4 tractor has no problem with the heavy load. The journey to Sweden goes via Rotterdam. The tender for the large wind farm in Sweden states that as few kilometers as possible must be traveled by road. For that reason, the trailer with the load goes by ship, the tractor drives solo to Northern Sweden to drive the load off the ship again, to its final destination.