A compact semi with six axles, perfectly capable of turning on a dime. And those are some sturdy crane outriggers at the back. The short stakes are also noticeable. By all means, this is dedicated equipment for placing and collecting steel road and trench plates at construction sites and such.
The Vogelzang tridem axle flatbed semi-trailer is only 11.17 m (36’8”) long. Typically, the overall length of a standard Euro semi-trailer is 13.60 m (44’7”). But when you’re hauling those weighty steel road plates, you don’t need a long bed. That would only be a nuisance.
The crane, with a vertically liftable cab, is a Palfinger Epsilon S290Z-HPLS (in case you want to look up its specs). Such cranes are also common in the logging business.
Now hang in there! (photo courtesy of the Pladdet company)
Come on let’s twist again, like we did last summer. A straightforward yet effective Bulthuis cable-controlled steering system in full swing.
Vogelzang, Bulthuis and D-Tec (another Dutch semi-trailer manufacturer) are all operating under the umbrella of the Vlastuin Group B.V.
A Volvo FH 6×2/4 tractor is in charge of things. The tank behind the cab contains the hydraulic fluid, so the Volvo is also perfectly capable of towing an end dump semi-trailer, given the field the owner is working in.
Remote control is likely part of the deal, which means the trucker can still drive the Volvo while working as a crane operator.
An oversized Claw Machine for us older kids, though I think it needs better prizes that a large plate of steel.
Although I know next to nothing about big trucks I’m always fascinated at what you find to show us, Johannes. It makes me look more carefully when I’m out and about. Around here it’s usually just timber trucks and tankers, or seasonal loads of hay or wool. Sometimes I wonder what interesting details I might find if they were stationary.
Thanks Peter. The bottom line in heavy-duty trucking over here is how to get to the national 50 tons/110,000 lbs weight limit with a package that is as steerable and tight as possible (“able to turn on a dime”). This article’s combination is clearly no exception to that rule.
Consequently, there’s a lively domestic industry of semi-trailer manufacturers and specialists in aftermarket truck chassis modifications. In many cases, the standardized products of the big, mainstream Euro truck and semi-trailer manufacturers don’t float our boat, so to speak.
How common are remote control cranes in Europe. When we had roof shingles delivered (via crane to the roof) the operator used a radio control unit so he had the best possible visibility of the load and landing spot.
In this specific line of business, it’s more about the tractor (or truck). Some action: