P TRAILERS
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Krone's aerodynamic EcoLiner saves on both fuel costs and Loading times
By Dylan Gray CiERMAN TRAILER-MAKER Krone has started production of a new aerodynamic curtainsider, which, it claims, can save up to 7% in fuel as well as cut down on loading time due to new sheeting equipment.
Side cladding and under-chassis protection weighing approximately 250kg are fitted to the trailer, thereby reducing its drag coefficient.
The fuel-saving claims of up to 7% are backed up by a week-long trial on an oval track in Papenburg (Mercedes' test track), where the EcoLiner was compared to a standard curtainsider. This particular aero package can be fitted to all Krone curtainsiders.
The head of marketing, Dr Frank Albers, says: "We want to offer our customers solutions to enable them to lower fuel costs.
"Previously, aerodynamic wind deflectors were commonly only on tractor units, now we also have such modules for the semi-trailer." As well as noticeable fuel savings, the EcoLiner trailer also promises quicker loading times — a 70% reduction in time handling the curtain to be precise — thanks largely to its new sheeting equipment.
The side sheet is equipped with a pneumatic central lock, meaning the driver only needs to activate four locking positions on each side, instead of 25.
With the curtain in place, the driver activates the central lock from the front of the vehicle, thereby reducing the risk of injury.