Crane Trailers; Improving Safety and Job Efficiency
16 January 2019
Article copy from Lifting Matter magazine, Dec 2018 issue.
When purchasing a new crane, operators are faced with a familiar problem, how they transport crane ancillary equipment to site easily and cost-effectively, while optimising operator safety.
Generally, when a crane arrives on site, it has to be set up in a specific sequence i.e. outrigger pads, base plate, hook, followed by the required counterweights. For larger cranes, this could mean 5-10 loads with a standard float – traditionally a very time consuming and costly activity.
TRT have designed specific trailers to meet any crane set up procedures, safety requirements and operator requirements. Trailer types including semi-trailers, skeletal and decked in designs. All are manufactured by TRT and designed to be safe, operator friendly and transport maximum load.
Safety has played a large part of the TRT crane trailer designs. It is important that the equipment is able to be loaded or unloaded easily and safely. Specifically designed mounting modules help locate the weights, pads and hooks in place so they are then easily secured for transport.
Covered in decking and/or platforms are provided where operators are required to access the trailer for tying down or hooking up. Handrails are provided to all these decked areas to improve overall safety when moving around the trailers, helping to prevent slips and falls.
Operators not only have to get their equipment to the crane arriving to the site in the order of set up, but the loads need to be safe and legal.
Specifically designed mounting modules are provided to suit the equipment being loaded, whether it is counterweights, pads, or the jib. It also means the loading and unloading is completed quickly and easily.
Where the mounts are positioned is critical to the weight distribution and the crane trailer’s ability to legally, and safely transport the ancillary equipment. With a specialist trailer, an operator can load up without any concerns of being overweight or over dimension.
The trailers are made with high tensile steel, keeping the tare weight low without compromising overall strength. Tare weight is critical in meeting the requirements to carry 30t crane payload. This is achieved by managing the load under the mass management rule, allowing for a greater payload to be carried.
A number of operators throughout Australia have made the change to specialist trailers and are reaping the benefits with reduced setup and breakdown time, as well as improved process, all efficiencies that will mitigate safety risks and are showing a real return on investment.
TRT are able to provide a trailer solution for any brand or size of crane.
View the full range of crane trailers available from TRT.