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What Are Self-Propelled Modular Transporters And How Do We Use Them?
At JB Rawcliffe & Sons Ltd, we’re experts in transporting heavy cargo for several sectors and perform tasks with the use of a wide range of heavy equipment that possess extreme load capacity.
The heavy loads we deal with are transported around the UK with heavy haulage trucks and a variety of specialist equipment. One such piece of equipment is a self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT).
What is a self-propelled modular transporter?
A self-propelled modular transporter is a platform vehicle that features a large number of wheels and consists of different modules with an axle line count of four, five, six or eight.
Each module has its own engine and steering control system. A self-propelled modular transporter is perfect for transporting massive objects like oil refining sections, motors, large sections of bridges, and other items that are too big for a truck.
How do we use self-propelled modular transporters?
At JB Rawcliffe & Sons Ltd, we’re able to call upon 28 lines of SPMTs, that offer a capacity of over 1000 tonnes, for the movement of even the heaviest cargo.
Our SPMTs are ideally suited for a variety of trailer lengths and can be adapted to multiple widths to transport wide loads. This depends on the load capacity, dimensions and the scale of the project and, as a result, these adjustments make SPMTs perfect for operation in severe conditions.
Some of our SPMTs also feature a reduced height and compact design which makes them easier to operate in small spaces.
Arguably the best thing about SPMTs is that they can be coupled side to side and end to end, which enables us to carry even more cargo.
We can also operate remote units as single transporters. These mechanical steering trailers are controlled by electro-hydraulic motors and offer exceptional control, even in the tightest spaces.
Features of SPMTs
SPMTs have the highest load capacities in the world and can transport huge cargo. For this reason, they have transformed the construction of bridges. There are several other interesting features that SPMTs boast, such as:
- SPMTs can drive automatically without the tractor’s traction
- They can be customised in length and width to fit transportation requirements
- Each axle line is controlled independently
- Engineers control SPMTs via a computer or handheld device, while some have a driver cabin
What’s the difference between an SPMT and a modular trailer?
A modular trailer is a special platform trailer that features swing axles, steerable axles, and hydraulic suspensions. They’re used to transport oversized loads that are difficult to disassemble, but they are different to self-propelled modular transporters.
An SPMT is a platform vehicle that consists of wheels that drive and turn independently. It’s used on-site to transport huge, bulky items.
The main difference between an SPMT and a modular trailer is that the former is self-contained and the latter requires a tractor unit.
Why you should hire an SPMT from JB Rawcliffe & Sons Ltd
At JB Rawcliffe and Sons Ltd, we believe we’re one of the best and most dedicated companies at hauling large and heavy objects for all of our clients. For this reason alone, we think you should hire an SPMT from us.
However, there are plenty more reasons.
For a start, we’re capable of offering state-of-the-art equipment for all types of business transportation needs for clients throughout the UK, especially our self-propelled transporters.
Available in a wide range of width configurations to suit an especially large load, we can supply machinery to suit the scale of your company’s projects and your load dimensions, while ensuring the maximum possible safety and efficiency throughout.
We also pride ourselves on offering a friendly, supportive and professional service to everybody who hires our equipment.
We work with a number of sectors to provide expert road transportation of fully-loaded haulage equipment so we’re confident that we’ll be able to help you with whatever your cargo needs are.
We’ll always take into account your needs before we offer a suitable solution for your high-load transportation needs.
Contact JB Rawcliffe & Sons Ltd to hire a self-propelled modular transporter
If you feel like your business needs the support of our heavy haulage self-propelled modular transporters, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Discuss your requirements with our specialists by calling us on 01695 737 880. Alternatively, drop us an email at enquiries@jbrawcliffe.com, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
High Profile : Safe : On Time
JB Rawcliffe & Sons Ltd have completed successfully a high profile move of a 166,000kg generator transformer from an oil fired power station to a nuclear power station. The project involved the skidding, utilising our hydraulic skid system of the transformer from inside a building, out of the building and into the roadway where it was loaded to a girder trailer.
The transformer then travelled at night down the West coast of Scotland under full police escort. The transformer was offloaded to a storage plinth as a spare for the nuclear power station. The complicated project was a complete success and completed well within project parameters.
450Ton Total GTW
We successfully transported two 305,000kg castings from Sheffield Forgemasters International. The mill housings, 13m long, 4.7m wide and 2m high are destined for Venezuela and were transported from Sheffield to the Port of Goole where they were loaded to a barge and shipped to Duisburg Germany. We planned the route, organised the special orders, police and council liaison, street furniture removal and bridging of structures to successfully transport the castings without incident and on schedule.
20Rows of Nicolas MDED axles, specifically designed spreader mats, and two MAN 8×4 ballasted units were utilised for the moves which were conducted during the hours of darkness with complex contra-flows on the motorway network en route to the Port of Goole.
Gas Powered
JB Rawcliffe & Sons Ltd have successfully removed over 1000tonne of gas turbine generator equipment in Scotland. The two lines that each were made up of a gearbox (45,000kg), turbine (240,000kg) and generator (224,000kg) were all removed from there working positions using and combination of the hydraulic lift system, jacking & skidding and modular trailers and placed on stools ready for transport down to the port for shipping.
The complex high profile project that was time sensitive, was completed well within the scope with the least disruption to other works continuing within the power station and without incident. Due to site restrictions, a neck 10 modular trailer was used to transport the pieces to the storage area on site, this trailer was also utilised to help the customer with the movement of other pieces within power station whilst on site. With our in-house resources of specialised equipment and experienced hard working employees, the project was a complete success.