May. 06, 2024
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Tiiger four-axle HMT module at Transporter Industry International headquarters in Haryana, India
A hydraulic modular trailer (HMT) is a specialized platform trailer unit featuring swing axles, hydraulic suspension, independently steerable axles, and multiple axle rows. These units are engineered to join longitudinally and laterally, utilizing a power pack unit (PPU) to steer and adjust the height. These trailers are indispensable for transporting oversized, heavy loads that are difficult to disassemble, such as oil rig modules, bridge sections, buildings, ship segments, and industrial machinery like generators and turbines. Manufactured from high tensile steel, these trailers bear immense loads, aided by one or more ballast tractors that push and pull them via drawbar or gooseneck configurations, collectively termed as heavy haulers.
Typical applications of HMTs also include military tank transportation. Due to their specialized nature, only a handful of manufacturers produce these heavy-duty trailers. Additionally, when ballast tractors are unsuitable due to spatial constraints, self-propelled modular trailers (SPMTs) are used.
The evolution of hydraulic modular trailers dates back to 1962 when Cranes Trailers Limited from Dereham developed two four-axle, 32-wheel modules for London's heavy haulage company, Pickfords. Each module could handle a combined payload capacity of 160 tons across eight axles and 64 wheels, incorporating hydraulic suspensions and mechanical steering systems, and varying their operational height from 2.9 to 3.11 feet.
In 1963, Goldhofer in Europe designed modular trailers specifically for heavy haulers, followed by Cometto with a 300-ton capacity module in a 14-axle, seven-row configuration. Scheuerle later showcased its innovations in the 1980s, and subsequently, King Truck Equipment Ltd. secured exclusive manufacturing rights to produce Scheuerle’s trailers in the UK, reflecting the expanding development of HMT technology.
By 1971, King Truck Equipment Ltd. had custom-built two units for Pickfords, each capable of carrying 150 tons on six axle rows and 48 wheels, utilizing Petter twin-cylinder diesel engines for independent suspension and steering capabilities. The same year saw Robert Wynn and Sons Ltd. of Shaftesbury enhancing their fleet with two ten-axle row HMTs from Nicolas Industrie, capable of a gross capacity of 600 tons when coupled with a gooseneck. This period marked growing interest among manufacturers in developing HMTs due to the limitations of conventional low loaders, furthering the industry's pursuit of enhanced safety and payload distribution through hydraulic suspensions and high-tensile steel constructions.
The variety of configurations in HMTs accommodates two-, three-, four-, five-, six-, and eight-axle units. These units can be coupled longitudinally and laterally, enabling them to transport heavier loads. Each axle boasts a lifting capacity ranging from 18 to 45 tons, with steering capabilities between 50 to 60 degrees. Operator-controlled steering and height adjustments are managed via a modular controller mounted at the trailer's front or rear, with expansive systems having dedicated operator cabins.
The hydraulic systems in HMTs play crucial roles in both steering and suspension. Each axle is equipped with an individual suspension cylinder and steering rod, controlled centrally from the trailer’s front end, ensuring synchronous steering across all axles. Hydraulic fluid, cycled through hoses from an adjacent hydraulic tank, powers these components, with the PPU generating around 18 to 25 hp, available in diesel or petrol variants from brands like Kohler, Yanmar, and Hatz.
Interconnection of multiple HMT units is achieved longitudinally through pinned couplings and laterally by bolted sidewall mounts. Gooseneck and drawbar systems serve as primary coupling means with ballast tractors, catering to various coupling needs and configurations. Among these, goosenecks provide ease of use with conventional tractors but face limitations in two-file or push-pull setups. On the other hand, drawbar systems excel in economical cost and versatility despite requiring specialized ballast tractors.
Manufacturers of hydraulic modular trailers include various specialized companies known for high-quality production standards. Visit Haiheyuan for detailed product listings and specifications.
Major operators of hydraulic modular trailers include industrial and military organizations requiring robust equipment for transporting heavy and oversized loads. The United States Army, for example, employs the five-axle M1000 HMT module by Leonardo DRS, coupled with an Oshkosh M1070 tractor, for essential logistics.
Windmill tower section being transported using tower adapter configuration
DOLL self steering blade transporter dolly
Goldhofer FTV blade lifter being pulled by a Mercedes-Benz SK 3553 tractor
ALE girder bridge with trojan tractors in push and pull configuration
Volvo tractor with drop deck configuration moving oversize load
MAN tractors with vessel deck configuration
Explore more about hydraulic modular trailers, visit our detailed guide on Hydraulic Modular Trailer for in-depth insights.
Understanding the specifications and functionalities of modular trailers is crucial in selecting the right model for your logistics needs. Evaluating quality standards, pricing, factory capabilities, and technological advancements is equally important. The Chinese market offers competitive modular trailer models compatible with international brands. Choosing the right manufacturer ensures you get trailers with robust structures and high loading capacities. For reliable options and further information, consider Haiheyuan.
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