Talbert Manufacturing announced its newly designed 75-ton Double Schnabel Trailer, which the company said is engineered to deliver greater safety, stability and ease of transport to the wind energy industry, and can also be converted (with optional components) for use in heavy haul construction transport. Units are also available in single and multiple combinations for wind towers. Importantly, Talbert Double Schnabel Trailers are self-sustaining and self-loading with hydraulic-lift capabilities that eliminate the need for cranes during load or unload, the company said.
The trailers feature a 13-axle hauling configuration designed for two hauling applications – either an 80-meter wind tower base, or a wind tower mid-section. The main upper-front and rear goosenecks are standard HRG style, and are pinned in place on a column-style hydraulic Schnabel tower. The lower rear of the tower is equipped with two removable banana-style flange adapter plates for two tower sections. Units are equipped with both mechanical and remote rear steer capability. With optional HRG base sections and a 30-ft. deck, the unit can be converted to haul construction and industrial equipment loads up to 75 tons, according to the company.
“Versus conventional alternatives, our Double Schnabel Trailers provide enhanced safety and stability during transport due to a wider (8-ft.) Interface area for the load at the top. Traditional units offer a significantly smaller interface area which may lead to potential damage to the tower,” says Talbert engineer Clarence Schubach, who also explains that the interface area on the Talbert trailer is covered with a UHMW (an ultra-high molecular weight plastic) material, which will prevent abrasion resistance against the tower.
For ease of operator use and added safety, the upper Talbert “power tower” is equipped with removable and adjustable upper guide tubes that minimize any rolling of the tower section during transport; and all Talbert Schnabel and power tower main hydraulic and air operated controls are on the side of the gooseneck. The operator does not have to climb on the unit to engage lock pins, the company said.
The front Talbert Schnabel gooseneck is attached to a 3-axle jeep dolly with a 60-in. sliding 5th wheel to assist with the proper load distribution. The rear Talbert Schnabel gooseneck is attached to a 6-axle rear steer dolly that is rated for a 120,000 lb. load. This steer dolly is extremely versatile and can be used in alternate trailer configurations depending on load requirements. For example, on the Schnabel, it comes equipped with a hydraulic power tower that provides an additional 10 in. of lift. For other configurations, it can be fitted with an optional pin-on bolster platform, attached to the top of the power tower, for hauling bridge beams, Talbert said.
“With the major growth of the wind energy market throughout the U.S. and Canada, our newly-designed Double Schnabel Trailers will enable haulers to cost-effectively serve the industry. Our dealers and seasoned sales and engineering professionals are available to assist haulers in entering the wind energy transportation sector,” said Greg D. Smith, vice president of sales and marketing for Talbert Manufacturing.
