Learn Hydraulic Modular Trailers Specs & Designs
Learn Hydraulic Modular Trailers Specs & Designs
In this guide, we will explore the modular trailer, also known as hydraulic axle modular trailers or multi-axles trailer, which is a significant type of modular transporter as highlighted in our previous post, the SPMT ultimate guide.
Part 1: SPMT Ultimate Guide – Self-propelled modular transporter Design & Specs
This guide provides an overview of the primary uses, specifications, and designs of the hydraulic modular trailer. It also details the main components and various combination forms of this transporter.
By the end of the section, you will understand the outlook for modular transporters in China and the process of finding a reliable supplier. Let's start with the definition and description of a modular trailer.
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Chapter One: What Is A Hydraulic Modular Trailer?
A modular trailer consists of a series of specialized vehicles used to transport large, non-disassemblable cargos and over-length goods.
The primary applications of modular trailers span power stations, the chemical industry, the iron and steel industry, and the construction industry. They are also utilized in mining due to their excellent lateral stability.
A self-propelled modular transporter without a power pack unit closely resembles the hydraulic modular trailer. The main difference lies in their steering systems.
The modular trailer employs a mechanical steering system. It can also be combined using a gooseneck and a drawbar.
The vehicle loading platform remains balanced when transporting goods over rough terrains, thanks to its superior damping properties.
The brace kit ensures the uniform distribution of load across three or four brace points, preventing partial sets.
The hydraulic planar Pitman driver in the steering system allows the vehicle to achieve minimal turning diameters. The vehicle can also perform normal drives by adjusting the hydraulic steering system and using various pitman layouts.
The supporting assemblies feature a solid box-beam structure. High-performance welding steel constructs the main frame, longitudinal girder, bogie frame, steering arm, and platform.
Modular trailers have two major modes: full-trailer towing and semi-trailer towing. The full-trailer mode can reach a maximum speed of 40 km/h and is suitable for heavy-duty, low-speed transportation.
The semi-trailer mode, which has a maximum speed of 80 km/h, can reduce vehicle length and turning diameter, enhancing load capacity and speed.
Chapter Two: The Specs and Dimensions of Modular Trailers
Modular trailers are available in various units, including 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 axle models. The maximum load per axle reaches up to 40 tons, with higher axle lines indicating greater loading capacity.
Half Modular Unit
The framework of the half modular unit is comprised of left and right halves. These halves share the same technical parameters as the full modular unit when combined. Independently, they cannot be used; they must be combined with each other or with the full modular unit.
More specs and dimensions for reference:
Ultimate Modular Trailers Buying Guide
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Chapter Three: Illumination of Main Equipment
This chapter covers the main components of a modular trailer, outlining their structure and function. At the end of this chapter, you'll gain insights into additional accessories that accompany modular trailers.
3.1 Frame
The main girder of the frame features a box-type carrying beam constructed from high-performance welding steel for stability and reliability. The structure requires sand blasting and painting to meet national standards. Small parts should be zinc-plated.
The box-shaped center beam and stable crossbeams offer high rigidity, optimizing the frame's loading level. The steering system, air tank, and hydraulic oil tank are integrated into the bogie frame, protecting these parts from damage and corrosion.
The reinforced loading deck allows for extreme point loads, while the optimized bolt-plate coupling addresses any problems arising from longitudinal combinations.
3.2 Hydraulic Wheel Bogie
The hydraulic wheel bogie comprises the bogie frame, hydraulic cylinder, axle, tire, and rocker arm, providing strong load capacity.
If the road is uneven, the axle adjusts to compensate. The hydraulic lifting system adjusts the modular support system to ensure even load distribution across each support point.
3.3 The Mechanism of Steering
The steering mechanism consists of the steering central panel, steering orifice plate, steering cylinders, and rods. The steering orifice plate is welded to the bogie frame and features specific assembly holes for installing steering rods. The positions can be adjusted for different modular unit combinations.
The unit can achieve a minimum steering radius and a maximum turning angle of 55 degrees. It employs three major steering modes: all-wheel steering (for over five axle lines), diagonal steering, and front-wheel steering.
The hydro-mechanical all-wheel steering system has a two-circuit setup, ensuring functionality even if one circuit fails.
The hydraulic modular trailers employ two types of wheel bogie steering systems: ball bearing race rings and pivot bearings.
Ball Bearing Race Ring
This system is designed for off-road operations, carrying heavy loads within a site. The structure is engineered for safe and high-performance heavy-duty operations.
Pivot Bearing
This system is suitable for heavy-duty on-road transport operations. Reinforced frames handle axle loads effectively, making them ideal for in-plant operations.
Steering mechanism methods for axles:
Self-steering: The tractor or truck's drawbar or gooseneck signals the axles to start steering simultaneously.
A remote control or valve switch is used to manually control axle steering.
3.4 Hydraulic System
The modular transporter utilizes hydraulic techniques for speed control. Steering and suspension pumps use constant pressure controllers for quick responses when power is needed.
The large torque radial motor switches between driving and following. Anti-block valves in the hydraulic cylinders are crucial in case of pipeline breakage.
3.5 Brake System
The modular unit features a compressed air brake system with double brake chambers, relay valves, brake drums, and reservoirs. The system has two brake lines for service braking and parking braking.
3.6 Hydraulic Suspension
The hydraulic suspension connects to different support circuits to ensure equal axle loads. This helps maintain optimal leveling in both lengthwise and crosswise directions, even on uneven terrain, and regulates extreme crossfalls.
3.7 Lifting System
The total lifting length of the modular unit's platform is 600mm, offering ±300mm for axial load compensation. The suspension cylinder, located in the steer wheel bogie, is protected by joint bearings on each end.
The hydraulic accumulator provides cushioning when the modular transporter is unloaded.
3.8 Combination System
All modular units can be combined side-by-side or end-by-end. A hydraulic link-pin connects the units end-by-end. Fast coupling connectors are used for hydraulic and brake pipeline combinations, while heavy connectors ensure electric interface reliability.
3.9 Power Pack
The hydraulic power pack and controlling devices enable various functions, including steering, adjusting, and maintaining vehicle combinations.
The power pack differs from the PPU in terms of function and performance. It cannot provide the same high power as the PPU.
3.10 STZ-V Gooseneck
When the tractor truck steers, the STZ-V gooseneck signals the axles to steer simultaneously. The hydraulic gooseneck also adapts to cargo platform height.
The gooseneck and fifth wheel can bear part of the cargo weight, providing an alternative to drawbar equipment. Connecting front axle line cylinders with gooseneck cylinders allows load transfer, reducing the need for additional truck weight.
The gooseneck can fit most truck tractors on the market, featuring adjustable coupling height and clearance.
3.11 Beams
The concave beam, flat beam, and frame beam are designed for tanks and over-height and over-length goods. Flat beams come in dimensions of 4.5m and 6m, while concave beams are usually 10m long.
3.12 200 Ton Turntable
The 200-ton turntable is utilized for transporting over-length goods that cannot be handled by other modular transporter structures. Used in pairs on a modular combination trailer, it has a weight limit of 200 tons.
Modular transporters often feature front and rear turntables for long, heavy loads. The front turntable generally employs a mechanical system, while the rear uses a hydraulic self-tracking device.
Adjustable bearings can be tailored to requirements, and customized turntables are available for different trailer combinations.
3.13 Drawbar Equipment
The drawbar is a crucial accessory for modular transporters, available in dimensions like 2.5m, 3m, and 5m. It allows for high maneuverability, even in difficult situations, and simplifies operating a modular trailer.
Drawbar-equipped modular transporters can easily change driving directions and are preferred for trailers with more than 18 axle lines.
Drawbar trailers can be combined side-by-side to reduce axle loads, increase payloads, or improve bending moment usage.
3.14 Electric System
The modular trailer is equipped with a 24V power pack for electronic monitoring and control. An LCD color monitor displays various metrics, including speed, water temperature, braking system pressure, oil pressure, and engine speed. Lighting alarms and indicators are also featured.
3.15 Additional Accessories
Hydraulic modular transporters come with various accessories based on their configuration and combination form. Accessories may include goosenecks, radio controls, hydraulic bolt couplings, hydraulic power packs, steering heads, load spreaders, long-load turntables, and side-by-side devices.
Chapter Four: Combination Forms of a Modular Trailer
The modular hydraulic trailer can achieve three towing forms by connecting different combination accessories and auxiliary equipment. These include semi-trailer, trailer, and self-trailer forms.
Combination with Drawbar: This includes the drawbar, vehicle entity, and side steering frame.
Combination with STZ-V Gooseneck: This involves the STZ-V gooseneck and vehicle entity.
Self-Towing Combination: Achieved through the combination of PPU device, module unit, and self-propelled module unit for functions like hydraulic driving, air brake system, hydraulic lifting system, and hydraulic steering.
Modular trailers can replace traditional vehicles in specific transportation environments, especially for transporting overweight goods at speeds below 5 km/h.
4.1 Combination with Drawbar
Different series include 2-file, 3-file, and 4-file combinations with drawbar. The main difference lies in the accessories used.
2-file Combination with Drawbar: Consists of drawbar, power pack, modular unit, side steering frame, and combination accessories. You can select a modular unit up to 32 axle lines, along with other equipment suitable for your cargo type, such as a flat beam or low flat beam.
3-file Combination with Drawbar: Includes drawbar, power pack, side steering frame, modular unit, combination accessories, half modular unit, central steering frame 1, and central steering frame. It offers better components than the 2-file combination.
4-file Combination with Drawbar: Consists of drawbar, power pack, central steering frame, modular unit or half modular unit, side steering frame, and combination accessories. It can accommodate modular units up to 32 axle lines.
4.2 Combination Form of the Turntable
The turntable combination includes a drawbar, turntable, modular unit, power pack, side steering frame, and combination accessories. Turntables are used in pairs for over-length goods.
4.3 Combination with STZ-V Gooseneck
This combination features the STZ-V gooseneck, modular unit or half modular unit, power pack, and combination accessories. These units can have up to 16 axle lines and are not suitable for over-length goods. Additional equipment such as a flat beam can be added.
4.4 Pulling Work Model
In cases where the tractor truck lacks sufficient power to pull the modular trailer, a PPU is used to provide the necessary pulling force.
Chapter Five: The State of Modular Trailers in China
The transportation industry in China has advanced as manufacturers adopt the latest technology. This effort seeks to remain competitive with international manufacturers and dispel the notion that Chinese products are inferior. As you consider purchasing a modular transporter from China, it's crucial to understand the current industry landscape.
Rapid Industry Development: The demand for modular transporters from China has surged in recent years. Chinese manufacturers have invested in advanced technology to match the quality of international competitors, offering high-quality transporters at more affordable prices. They also provide timely services, outperforming foreign companies.
Numerous Suppliers: The increasing demand for modular trailers has led to more suppliers entering the industry, giving buyers diverse options. While some suppliers still produce outdated models, brands like ANSTER offer modern designs with superior performance and efficiency.
ANSTER's High Capacity: ANSTER's latest models offer a high loading capacity of 48 tons per axle, compatible with foreign brands. The high axle load technology enhances vehicle structural strength, hydraulic system hoisting capacity, and running gear axle and tire bearing capacity. German parts are used in the engine and hydraulic system, ensuring compatibility with top global brands like Goldhofer.
The knowledge of the specifications and functionality of modular trailers will help you select the best model for your company. However, you also need to consider the quality standards, prices, factory strength, and technology of different suppliers.
China remains one of the best markets to buy a modular trailer. You can get models of modular transporters that are compatible with other international brands.
If you choose the right manufacturer like ANSTER, you will get a modular transporter with a firm structure and a high loading capacity.
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