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Part and parcel
Page 59
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Trailer launches might be in short supply, but there will be plenty going on among the trailer component suppliers.
This year the theme in the trailer market is saving weight where possible and updating ranges. A number of manufacturers are also introducing senior management to the industry.
The leading supplier of trailers in the domestic market, Schmitz Cargobull, will be unveiling curtainsiders and reefers incorporating new designs. The firm's new UK managing director will be the stand he is Andreas Schmitz, great, great grandson of company founder Melchior Schmitz.
Irish trailer manufacturer Chieftain will be at the show for the first time with new tipping trailer models. It launched a galvanised range earlier this year and claims to be the only firm of its kind to use robotic welding.
While there won't be an abundance of new launches there's plenty going or among the trailer component suppliers. Perhaps the biggest innovation will prove to be a slow burner; look out for the launch of the automated Multi Function Coupling (MFC) tool by VBG (CM 22 March). Drawbars aren't too common in the UK, but the automated process, certainly where health and safety is concerned, could revolutionise the market and tempt operators to switch, or upgrade.
The MFC is currently undergoing operational trials in Sweden and might not break cover in commercial form for another 18 months or so, but it's worth checking out.
Braking manufacturer Knorr-Bremse will have its next generation products on its stand with trailer EBS (TEBS G2) and a trailer information module (TIMs G2). There will also be a new diagnostics system and diagnostic tools for CV electronic braking systems, as well as a trailer handbook.
After seven years BPW is launching the second-generation ECOPlus 2 axle. It has redesigned the hub, brake anchor plate and show arrangement to save 9kg. Its 120-offset version for disc brakes has also been revamped, saving 23kg per axle.