![BigMAXX[1].jpg](http://www.roadtransport.com/blogs/big-lorry-blog/BigMAXX%5B1%5D.jpg)
Biglorrylog is somewhat intrigued, if not a touch bemused to see that the Freight Transport Association is to meet the Department for Transport in a few days to discuss the possibilities for slightly longer and heavier semi-trailers on UK roads in the style of the current 14.9m long Kogel Big-MAXX trailer--300 of which are currently being trielld in Germany. (And I have Robin Dickeson's SMMT newsletter to thank for this). Apparently the move follows the DfT's decision to block any trials of 25.25m long LHVs. And given the fact there's a new Transport Secretary (one Geoff Hoon) I can't see him being in a hurry to change UK weights and dimensions. Indeed one wonders what more there is to say on the matter...
However, having kicked 25.25m combinations into touch the DfT's own report from TRL/Herriot Watt University did suggest that a 'modest' increase in artic length and weights (ala the 111cum Big-MAXX) could have worthwhile benefits. And Andy Mair, head of engineering policy, speaking at last week's FTA Fleet Engineer Conference in Warrington said the association would like more operators' views on possible 18.75m long artics, running either at 44 or 46 tonnes. "It would be very helpful if people would consider these options and let us know so that the evidence base the FTA presents to Government is as strong as possible." Hmmm....a 46-tonne, 18.75m long artic. Fancy one of those? let me know with a comment.
Well no doubt shippers would like the idea of longer trailers but whether a haulier would get any more for one is a debatable point. No doubt the rail lobby would grumble too--although Big-MAXX does have one killer green credential--it can be carried on a German railway flat car making it appropriate for piggy-back operations, something the greens go for.
Of course if we ARE going to push for longer artics Biglorryblog is tempted to suggest that there are better things of using the extra space than than simply pulling a longer trailer. And here's a picture clue for you.
Yep--why not have a bigger CAB for drivers? Now there's an idea. And it would also mean that BLB's favourite truck the Scania Longline (pictured behind yours truly) would finally come into its own....now click through here for a picture of the inside of a Longline and a great shot of a French-resgistered one from 'The Boss'.
Not bad for a cabover and that bed is going along the SIDE of the Scania cab...not across the back wall. ..easy enough when you add another 1.3m to the depth of the cab...
.
The headroom's pretty good too! Within those cupboard units on the right are a sink, fridge and all sorts of other goodies...put them all together and what have you got?
One hell of a truck. And I have 'The Boss' to thank for this shot of a French Longline. Too bad the Eurocrats couldn't see it. But if we ARE going to have longer artics...spare a thought for the driver eh? It's time he had some real 'living' room.
Comments (4)
Struth Brian, that Longline photo was taken some time ago, you had hair !!!!
Posted by Road Rat | October 10, 2008 4:22 PM
Posted on October 10, 2008 16:22
Brian,
Two problems with the Kogel Maxx, I think.
Just look at the extra rear overhang! It's tight enough now for some turns, can't you see an increase in the number of accidents with other vehicles, road furniture etc. caught by the tail swipe?
They might be fine for the likes of Stobbart, Wincanton etc who likely have the funds available to bring them into the fleet, but what about the smaller companies who are under increasing financial strain? Won't customers demand them to carry extra freight for the same price? Does anybody seriously think they will be able to raise rates by using them? It looks to me that the Kogel will only carry an extra 2 Euro pallets and just how often does that mean they will be running to full capacity? I suspect that small companies will be forced into investing in new equipment and then find it is very under utilised, particularly for folk using good old British size pallets for whom the extra length will make no difference at all.
Far better idea to put any extra length onto the driver's cab as you say, but I can't see much support for that.
Best wishes,
Roy.
Posted by Roy Larkin | October 11, 2008 10:51 AM
Posted on October 11, 2008 10:51
I think the extra rear overhang from the Kogel Maxx is be bad idea.
1. I expect a increase in the number of accidents. And that will harm the reputation of the haulage companies.
2. What about the weight distribution of this trailer? It looks like a British 6x2 tractor won't get enough weight on the fifth wheel.
3. In the LHV concept, you can use your existing trailers. The Maxx concept is more about shortening the economical life of your trailers.
Posted by BDV | October 11, 2008 5:58 PM
Posted on October 11, 2008 17:58
Hello all together!
I was very impressed about you talking about the Big-Maxx concept. I would like to support anyone who want´s to have any information.
We have a homepage "http://www.big-maxx.com/en", there you can get some ideas what we are talking about.
Of course I would be happy to answer any questions
directly to you. Just send an email to ruediger.eigelsbach@koegel.com and I will be get back to you.
Bye for now!
Your Ruediger Eigelsbach
Koegel GmbH
Posted by Ruediger Eigelsbach | November 4, 2008 2:53 PM
Posted on November 4, 2008 14:53