Neil and Peter Muller needed to move a lot dirt. Mindful of time and weather constraints, they decided to buy a unit from manufacturer Giltrap Engineering, located just around the corner.
Giltrap was able to make a bespoke unit to meet the Muller’s wishlist so the company got the order.
The recently delivered Construction series 22 trailer is built for a tough life. It has a body made of 6mm Hardox steel that helps reduce tare weight without compromising strength.
Notably, Giltrap Engineering is the only New Zealand farm machinery maker accredited by the Swedish steel supplier to use its ‘Hardox in My Body’ slogan.
The trailer measures 4.88m long x 2.9m wide and is rated 11 cu.m capacity, level filled, though in use a heaped load amounts to about 17 cu.m because of the slightly wider-than-normal configuration.
As well as capacity, the trailer was chosen for its rear steering axle set-up -- a heavy-duty ADR unit. This also has unique hydraulic suspension which has quickly become a positive talking point.
Mullers wanted to avoid leaf spring suspension because of its tendency to instability, especially when tipping.
The Construction 22 series uses four hydraulic suspension units and accumulators that give 240mm of travel for each wheel. This allows the operator to control ride height in paddock or road at the touch of a switch, and it allows adjustment of the rear axle to transfer more weight to the rear axle of the towing tractor.
A high degree of automation during tipping sees the steering ‘locking’ in the straight-ahead position as the trailer moves rearwards. As the body tips the front axle lifts – transferring load to the rear axle and reducing the risk of a vertical jackknife.
Coupled to the tractor with an 80mm ball and spoon hitch ahead of a swivelling hitch, the trailer pulls well. This is enhanced by 650-55R 26.5 flotation tyres that help reduce compaction and offer reduced rolling resistance especially in difficult conditions.
A high-clearance hydraulic tailgate gives unobstructed discharge and a four-way pivot at the base of the tipping ram deals with any misalignment. This and a dual hydraulic and air braking system (lights are LED) halts the trailer swiftly and safely.
