Talbert introduces new double Schnabel trailer

Talbert Manufacturing recently introduced its newly designed 75-ton capacity double Schnabel trailer. The company said the new trailer is engineered to deliver greater safety, stability and ease of transport to the wind energy industry. It also can be converted (with optional components) for use in heavy haul construction transport. Units are also available in single and multiple combinations for wind towers. Most importantly the company says the Talbert Double Schnabel Trailer is self-sustaining and self-loading with hydraulic-lift capabilities that eliminate the need for cranes during load or unload.

The new unit features a 13-axle hauling configuration designed for two hauling applications - either an 80-meter wind tower base, or a wind tower mid-section. The main upper-front and rear goosenecks are standard HRG style, and pinned in place on a column-style hydraulic Schnabel tower. The lower rear of the tower is equipped with two removable banana-style flange adapter plates for two tower sections. Units are equipped with both mechanical and remote rear steer capability. With the optional HRG base sections and a 30-foot deck, the unit can be converted to haul construction and industrial equipment loads up to 75 tons.

"Versus conventional alternatives, our Double Schnabel Trailers provide enhanced safety and stability during transport due to a wider (8-foot) interface area for the load at the top. Traditional units offer a significantly smaller interface area which may lead to potential damage to the tower," says Talbert engineer Clarence Schubach. He says the interface area on the Talbert trailer is covered with a UHMW (an ultra-high molecular weight plastic) material which will prevent abrasion resistance against the tower.

For ease of operator use and added safety, the upper Talbert "power tower" is equipped with removable and adjustable upper guide tubes which minimize any rolling of the tower section during transport; and all Talbert Schnabel and power tower main hydraulic and air operated controls are on the side of the gooseneck. The operator does not have to climb on the unit to engage lock pins.

The front Talbert Schnabel gooseneck is attached to a 3-axle jeep dolly with a 60-inch sliding 5th wheel to assist with the proper load distribution.The rear Talbert Schnabel gooseneck is attached to a 6-axle rear steer dolly that is rated for a 120,000 pound load. This steer dolly is extremely versatile and can be used in alternate trailer configurations depending on load requirements. For example, on the Schnabel, it comes equipped with a hydraulic power tower that provides an additional 10-inches of lift. For other configurations, it can be fitted with an optional pin-on bolster platform, attached to the top of the power tower, for hauling bridge beams.

All 6 axles on the Talbert steer dolly are 10-feet-0-inches wide for increased roll stability and safety, the company said. The front 3 axles are fixed and non steerable. The rear 3 axles are designed for progressive steering as axle #6 will steer the maximum of 30 degrees. The unit can also be adjusted to steer faster or slower depending on the length of tower section being transported.