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International Transport company J.Th. van Dinteren ltd. from Deest has recently deployed a new Pacton curtainsider trailer. An explicit choice has been made for sustainability, exemplary lighting and stowing and securing options, complementing the already richly executed semi-trailer. A remarkable choice to add a rail in the floor of the semi-trailer has been made to place the forklift in the best position at the back of the semi-trailer. The Van Dinteren company is absolutely convinced of the advantages of this method of operation.
The modern fleet enables J.TH. van Dinteren ltd. to deliver construction material to just about every location. The 12 employees have a fleet if ten trucks and 12 semi-trailers to their disposal, including open semi-trailers with loading cranes and curtainsider trailers with forklift adaptions. Jan van Dinteren has founded the company in 1988. In the meantime, the second generation, his son Dirk, has become active in the company. The Pacton curtainsider trailers are nothing new to the Van Dinteren company, which already has two similar semi-trailers (from 2017 and 2019) from the Pacton plant in its possession. The latest semi-trailer, however, has been equipped with some extras such as pneumatical operable securing construction for the forklift.
Theo van Dinteren, the financial administrator of the company, says that this was the first time that they picked this option. He adds that he doesn’t exclude the possibility of them also having it installed on their other semi-trailers. He explains that it makes a huge difference not having to crawl underneath the forklift repeatedly if one has many stops during the day. Likewise, the aluminium Alcoa Durabright rims are extras on the new semi-trailer which their two other Pacton semi-trailers don’t have. Van Dinteren explains that they fancy appealing executions. He continues to say that as a relatively small family-owned business, they are known for their splendid, representable red, white and blue combinations.
Moffet at the back or inside
As mentioned before, the new semi-trailer has been equipped with a pneumatical operable construction at the back for one of the two new Moffet M4 forklifts that have been picked up at the same time. The floor of the semi-trailer has been executed with a special recessed rail stretching over the last 4,1 m, to ensure stability and safety when driving with a partial load or an empty semi-trailer. When the forklift is not carried at the back of the semi-trailer, it slides into the semi-trailer in a small lorry that can be positioned in such a way that it optimises weight distribution with more load on the kingpin.
Van Dinteren mentions that they were the first to apply this system on a Floor semi-trailer in 1986. He says that they transport a great deal of construction material to Germany and that it rarely comprises a full load. When they drive to the southern Netherlands or Hamburg, the forklift is always carried at the back and exposed to the weather elements, with all the disadvantages that come with that. The forklift, however, might only be used once in two days. That is when they put the forklift inside of the semi-trailer for the optimal weight distribution. Not only does one not drive with such heavy machinery at the back, but it also enhances aerodynamics. Furthermore, the semi-trailer has a lot to endure with the forklift swinging at the back. One saves not only on the fuel cost, but also on maintenance. Another advantage is that the turning radius is much smaller without the forklift at the back, which otherwise sweeps everything off the sidewalk. The final, but nevertheless important advantage that Van Dinteren mentions, is the improved controllability of the combination. It feels like the semi-trailer is taking off with the truck when it is carried at the back. With the weight above the axles, however, driving is much more comfortable. He summarises it as being more convenient as well as safer.
Small turning radius
The semi-trailer has a widespread axle bogie for 30 tonnes axle load on the license plate and a total of 45 tonnes. The triaxial Pacton curtainsider (type TBD.342.T-EDKP1) has a rear steered axle and the front axle has been fitted with an axle lift, which can be operated from within the cabin. Van Dinteren explains that due to the widespread bogie, they still have a smaller turning radius on this Pacton curtainsider with only one steered axle and that it is comparable with semi-trailers of other brands with two steered axles.
Besides the already mentioned aluminium rims, the semi-trailer also has aluminium air reservoirs, sideguards and a stainless steel toolbox. The side raves have been equipped with 30 lashing rings on each side. Stake pockets have been placed in the loading floor to place a partition. Three side posts with shelve carriers have been fitted on both sides with fixed positions in the side raves for the placing of planks. The sliding roof of the new Pacton semi-trailer can be opened both to the front and to the back and is shut with a Kevlar aramide roof tarpaulin. The semi-trailer, with central lubrication, is abundantly fitted with LED lighting and work lamps. It is furthermore delivered with a Ladungssicherung certificate type XL for 27,000 kg. For this purpose, the semi-trailer has been executed with a reinforced carrosserie (bulkhead, rear portal, rear doors, stakes), additional horizontal tightening straps in the sliding sheets and a reinforced roof tarpaulin.
Van Dinteren expresses that all newly purchased semi-trailers are custom made according to their specifications, which are formed by the work that it will be used for. These specifications include the placing of the axles, weight distribution and the turning radius. According to him there is no need to make one’s daily activities more difficult by using unsuitable material.