Specialist heavy haulage trailer manufacturer Goldhofer has developed a new heavy-duty expandable semi-trailer designed for demanding transport operations with a variety of payloads.

Available in the UK and Ireland from Goldhofer's partner, Andover Trailers, the STZ-H8 is a new concept in trailer technology which sees the trailer expanded by simply adding or removing axles for an extensive range of haulage requirements.

Operators uncouple the extension tubes, unhook the gooseneck and after disconnecting the electrical and hydraulic systems, remove or add bogies with either a crane or fork-lift. Bogies can be stored as they are supported by steady legs.

Ivan Collins, Sales Director at Andover Trailers, explained: "Goldhofer has once again raised the bar with an innovative semi-trailer that is unique in the market for offering a flexible concept that can be adapted to meet a range of requirements and budgets.

"In terms of user-friendliness, the STZ-H8 is aimed at heavy haulage operations with routine transport requirements. Not only does it meet this demand as an eight-axle semi-trailer, but by simply expanding the trailer with an additional axle, it can operate at higher payload capacities."


The STZ-H8 low loader incorporates a hydraulic raise / lower gooseneck to keep the bogie level, offering a load length of 12,300 mm, which can be extended by a further 8,600mm, allowing it to transport machinery up to 20,900 mm long.

With eight axles in place, the new Goldhofer STZ-H8 has a gross weight of 115.6 tonnes and can operate at 80km/h with a payload of 89 tonnes, but with the ninth axle in position, this increases to 98 tonnes.

"The STZ-H8 not only facilitates the transport of heavy goods and equipment, but it will also help to deliver savings for heavy haulage specialists across Europe where in some countries transit fees are calculated by axle load, which in turn will mean that transport companies will save money through operating this model," added Collins.

To maximise and enhance the range of capabilities offered by the STZ-H8, options include side extensions and auxiliary steering featuring Goldhofer’s easyCONTROL remote control system, for use when the vehicle is negotiating urban areas or locations with restricted access, and a range of 50m for operation by an individual following the trailer.

For information on the heavy haulage and specialist transport solutions provided by Andover Trailers, contact Ivan Collins at Andover Trailers Ltd, Unit 75, Columbus Way, Walworth Industrial Estate, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 5NP. Tel: 01264 358 944 or e-mail: sales@andovertrailers.co.uk Website: www.andovertrailers.co.uk