Could someone, who knows, explain how these trailers widen? I was told that they have to be moving forward to widen. Otherwise, the friction would ruin the wheels, tires...etc. If so, would the same be true when they return the trailer to original width? Then how do the axles work? Are axles under each wing with the appropriate number of wheels? Final question, in this video posted above, they still took off the bucket. Why would that be required? These trucks/trailers are unbelievable, as is the models. I don't want one because I would never see one in the good old South. Same reason I don't buy European trucks, even though I love the heck out of them. CAW

Double post, sorry.

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I think I'm your man for this question.

When I worked at NHH(National heavy haulage) I was based with that 12 row in he video.
You have 2 options for widening the modules. Depending on the driver.

Option 1:
Release trailer breaks, Jack the trailer up slightly, drop block stand(pictured) under neath the spine at the rear of the trailer, release the locking pins, then widen to the desired width, lock pins, Jack trailer and position block stand back where it lives.


Option 2:
Release air locks, creep forward and back while widening to desired width, lock pins back in, and load.

As for in the video, Mactrans is Based in Brisbane Qld, and Qld has riduculous permit requirements, there are 2 reasons for stick and bucket being removed.
A) total weight would have breached permit.
B) would have breached hieght limits leaving Brisbane.(which would be why the machine was loaded back with boom sitting down over the back of the trailer.

Thanks Robert. That explains how they widen them. But on the bucket and stick, how much weight do they comprise when you are looking at a trailer that appears that it can carry New Zealand!!!. what is limit on that trailer. What is the foremost advantage of these trailers, width extension, hauling capacity, ease of loading, function...etc?

I've seen a PC1250(as videoed) on a 5x8 combo without counterweight and weighed about 85-90t.
Here in New South Wales where I live. It can be done like that.
Qld don't recognize 5x8 combo. So onto a platform it goes.

With stick and bucket on, and folded up for transport, he would still be over permit hieght.
Which would be why the my are taken off.

And all depends on who passes the travel permit.

The 12 line with dolly I sure move is good for around 300t.
On road. Here where I live, late say 180t.(L1850 biggest I've seen.)

In WA where Rare SS lives, what ever they can get.

Here's afew WA shifts.. fully dressed WA1200 on 16 lines



Fully dressed 830E haul truck on 11 rows of 8 + dolly



Dressed 730E on 11 rows of 8, no dolly

As stated, depends on state for weights.

Here in NSW. Can get around 16t per axle line.

So 6t on steer, 18.5t(overload permit) on bogie drive.
32t on a 2x8 dolly @4.2m.
So say on a 10 line.
10x16=160t.

So we work it out.
14.5t for truck(heavy spec T909)
6.5t for dolly.
Roughly 50t for the 10line.
24.5+32+160=216.5t gross.

216.5-14.5-6.5-50=145.5t payload.

Sorry about the math.

I was the rear pilot, my job was to widen, load, guide under trucks, watch the tyres when turning around kurbs.

It's all full on when working with these trailers. And can't wait to start again on Monday.

It's so much better when you get he chance to work with them.