Four DOLL panthers for Bolk Transport in the Netherlands
Dutch company Bolk Transport B.V. has expanded its fleet with four DOLL panther®s from the T2E-S3FS18 series. The model designation refers to extendable 2-axle low-bed trailers with panther® chassis technology (split axles with hydraulic suspension), hydraulic positive steering and detachable gooseneck with external main frame.
“With the new trailers, we drive predominantly machine parts all over Europe in transport boxes up to four metres high. We therefore needed a low-bed with a very low loading height,” explains Emiel Leushuis, senior project manager at Bolk Transport. The possibilities have not yet been exhausted by any means: when fitted with outriggers, excavator troughs, removable and rear-loading ramps, it is also possible to transport a huge range of construction and forestry machinery with the 2-axle panther® semi-trailers. Thanks to the welded hooks, it is also possible to transport items under tarpaulin with ease. Driver can store the necessary chains, lashing straps and other load-securing aids in a robust, approx. 850 l steel toolbox on the trailer platform. What’s more, there are also pluggable locking adapters on board for 20, 30 or 40-foot containers.
“After just a short amount of time, the drivers were able to deal very well with the new trailer,” emphasises Emiel Leushuis. In addition to the high degree of manoeuvrability with a steering angle of up to 55°, the drivers also really appreciate the innovative DOLL tronic® control system. With this, all trailer functions can be controlled via separate keypads at the rear and on the gooseneck or using wireless operation. Using the display on the remote control, the drivers can check numerous settings from any position (e.g. steering, track adjustment and driving level), thereby saving time when loading and unloading and meaning that they have to get in and out of the truck less often. The computer-assisted control concept, which is based on CAN bus, also supports permanent monitoring of all positions. Driving levels can even be adjusted during travel. There is also an integrated “spirit level function” for a consistent driving level on terrain that slopes away steeply to the side.
With the exclusive EEP (position-independent electronic track adjustment) assistance system, the new DOLL panther® ticks more boxes for the Bolk drivers. This means that the track of the trailer can be adjusted after the steering operation without having to pull the traction unit straight ahead first. Instead, the system automatically determines the correct steering angle of the chassis axles by comparing the ramp angle between the truck and trailer – a solution for drivers that is safe and convenient in equal measure.