Trailer manufacturer Martin Trailer Company has constructed a trailer designed to meet the specific requirements of mechanical maintenance company 
Concor Plant, and to transport a variety of equipment to sites throughout the country at a substantially lower cost than conventional 
trailers.

The company reports that the 75-t design capacity trailer has a 3,2-m-wide deck and has several unique features developed by Martin Trailer Company to increase operator efficiency, while reducing operating costs.

The rig is made up of a four-axle trailer and a two-axle dolly in a configuration that is 4 t lighter than conventional trailers, giving it a legal payload of 75 t. Martin Trailer Company MD Patrick Gore explains that this weight saving results in lower operating costs of between R2/km and R3/km in permit fees, which, over a year, can equate to over R100 000 in savings.

Concor Plant transport manager Bertus Jordaan notes that, although the Martin trailer is not the cheapest, it is competitively priced, and the long-term cost benefits will more than offset the initial cost. He adds that, despite the trailer being lighter, it is, nevertheless, of robust design and manufacture. 

At Concor’s request, Martin Trailer Com-pany fitted extra beams to the normally open midsection of the deck to allow the company to transport smooth drum rollers and smaller
equipment.


Jordaan explains that, before taking delivery 
of the trailer, the company had to rely on subcontractors to transport loads of between 65 t 
and 75 t, which was more expensive and not always convenient for Concor. 
Transport for such loads is not always 
readily available at the required times and rates. 
However, the demand has grown and so has the need to transport these loads.

“With the combining of Murray & Roberts’ and Concor’s plant fleets, we needed a reliable 75-t capacity lowbed trailer, and the Martin trailer will ensure we get equipment to site quickly and safely,” says Jordaan.

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