Smart Machines: Oxin gains traction in the US
Marlborough-based agritech company Smart Machines has reached a significant milestone in its mission to revolutionise vineyard management.
Offering a heaped load volume of 14.5 cubic metres, the PD20 trailer is said to have a carrying capacity of around 20 tonnes, depending on material.
Unlike conventional tipping dump trailers, the PD20 is offloaded using a hydraulically operated moving-floor type headboard, with a push-off capacity of 28 tonnes, that pushes the load from the body once the upand- over tailgate has been raised.
By emptying the load this way, rather than vertically tipping, the trailer can be offloaded on slopes without the risk of overturning, while also allowing operation in areas with restricted height.
It is also said to make it easier to offload and spread a load while on the move. Once the trailer has been emptied and the tailgate closed, the operator can move off while the headboard is retracting, so avoiding the delay of waiting for the body to lower when using a tipping trailer.
The configuration, that removes the need for hydraulic tipping rams and hinge points, means the PD20 has a much lower centre of gravity the centre than a conventional dump trailer, while also offering a loading height of only 2.39m.
The floor of the trailer body is constructed from 8mm thick Hardox steel, while 6mm Hardox steel is used for the body sides.
The hydraulically sprung drawbar is equipped with a bolt-on swivel hitch, while the commercial grade 127mm section axles are fitted with 420×180 air/hydraulic brakes and 525/65 R20.5 173F tyres.
