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The new four-axle Pacton crane semi-trailer for Kant Transport from Nieuwegein, is light in weight. Martin Kant states that there are innumerable advantages due to the two liftable axles in the front and two steered axles at the rear, including the financial profit.
The general partnership of Kant Transport from Nieuwegein, consists of the brothers Martin and Arnold Kant. Father Marinus founded the company in 1962. The Kant brothers transport mainly wood and construction material to destinations in the Benelux, France and Germany. A new Pacton curtainsider trailer with a truck-mounted forklift has been acquired last year by the general partnership for Arnold. It is now the turn of Martin Kant to be geared up with a new Pacton crane semi-trailer, type TTL.451.C-B.
Lightweight
Martin Kant is actually on his way with the new Pacton crane semi-trailer when he relates that he has been using the semi-trailer for a week at that time, to his satisfaction. The new Pacton crane semi-trailer replaces an identical Kennis crane semi-trailer that has been bought 14 years ago. It has, once again been fitted with a new 14 tonnes/metre crane. As a matter of fact, Kant comments, it is the exact same semi-trailer and crane with only a slightly different steering system and as light in weight as could be realised. For this reason he opted among others, for a removable aluminium bulkhead, aluminium Kinnegrip stanchions, aluminium side drops and sidequards and aluminium rims. He explains that these options leave room for a larger loading capacity and that in combination with the liftable front and second axle, the semi-trailer is optimally equipped to carry part loads.
Financial choice
The crane semi-trailer for Kant Transport offers a coupling weight of 15,000 kg, a total axle weight of 36,000 kg and a gross vehicle weight of 51,000 kg. Contrary to the more common preference for a tri-axle semi-crane trailer, Kant made a well-thought-out decision to go for four axles. Not only has the loading capacity been taken into consideration, but also the financial consequences. He explains that a semi-trailer will outlast a truck. As a matter of fact, he argues that two trucks will have been used during the lifespan of a semi-trailer. With four axles on the trailer there is a need for only two axles on the truck instead of three. Choosing liftable axles on top of that, combines all advantages. The crane semi-trailer is supplied with six hinging and removable aluminium side panels on each side. Furthermore, the semi-trailer is equipped with a rear view camera, two stainless steel boxes (sprayed in colour), central lubrication system, aluminium sidequards for the tandem axle and two times 17 lashing rings in the side raves.
Manoeuvrability
Both of the rear axles on the Pacton crane semi-trailer are steered by using Tridec rod steering. Kant comments on this choice by saying that it prevents torsion and saves on fuel, but mostly for maximal manoeuvrability. Kant says that he often takes deliveries such as paving material or gravel to individuals on behalf of his customers. He admits that he often wonders what he is doing with such a huge combination in such narrow streets. That is what makes manoeuvrability so important. Adding to that, he says that it is pleasant to lift the first axle (under 30 km/h) to improve manoeuvrability when fully loaded.