Decker handles maximum cube
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/ The European Truck & Trailer Company of Stone, Staffs has launched a versatile multidecked trailer that allows operators to make optimum use of available cube while complying with the safe handling legislation that comes into force on 1 January 1993.
The trailer is designed to suit single or multi-drop work. It can be built into new or existing rigid pantechnicons or van/trailer combinations to carry a variety of loads from white goods to furniture or foam blocks. A series of moving floors can be built to any length with a rated lift of up to 2.5 tonnes.
A 13.6m example with a 3.2m inner height for Christie Tyler of South Wales has seven separate moving platforms as well as the main floor; it tares out at 7.5 tonnes.
Sprocket and chain mechanisms raise the extra floor sections, powered by an electromechanical 110V or 24V powerpack under the rear of the trailer.
Plug-in wanderleads take power to each moving floor. When a loaded platform is powered upwards it is supported by automatic locking bars with ratchet devices.
The system is attracting interest from fleets already using double-decked trailers. ET&T managing director Mark Adams says: "This design does everything that a heavier twin-decker can do and without the complication of the integral tail-lift".