For people who are far from contact with trucks, the concepts of trailer and semi-trailer are not much different from each other. Many people think that a semi-trailer is just such a small trailer. In fact, these two types of equipment designed to transport goods have fundamental differences between them.
The trailer is an independent vehicle, not equipped with an engine, but capable of moving independently under the influence of mechanical force. The trailer is shown below:
A semi-trailer can be called a type of trailer that can only be moved by relying on a tractor. This is what a classic semi-trailer looks like:
The operational properties of the trailer and semi-trailer are also different. The trailer can be attached to any vehicle equipped with a tow hitch (tow hitch); to transport a semi-trailer, you need a special tractor equipped with a so-called “saddle” (such tractors are also called truck tractors). When driving with a trailer, you must be extra careful, as a trailer without a rigid hitch can behave unpredictably on the road. A vehicle with a semi-trailer is more manoeuvrable and easier to drive.
Trailers and semi-trailers are widely used for small cargo transportation. The use of these vehicles makes it possible to reduce the cost of transporting goods by reducing fuel costs.
Which is better trailer or semi-trailer?
A trailer is a vehicle that can be hitched to a tractor that has a standard hitch. With the help of this device, the traction from the tractor is transferred to the trailer. At the same time, the same tractor can work with different trailers, which are attached using the trailer loop and the tractor hook. 
A semi-trailer, unlike a trailer, is attached to the tractor using a traction device. This device helps to distribute part of the load of the semi-trailer to the tractor. The trailer is a self-contained vehicle with four wheels and is therefore difficult to steer when maneuvering on the road. The semi-trailer is part of a complex vehicle, and it is much more convenient to drive it on the road, since its maneuverability is much greater. In addition, road trains with semi-trailers allow you to develop higher speeds on the roads than trailer road trains.
The design of the semi-trailer is more complex and it is recommended to use semi-trailers with a cargo weight of more than 10 tons. With the same load capacity, a saddle road train has a lower total mass than a trailer road train.
How to choose a semi-trailer?
Before choosing a semi-trailer, it is necessary to decide on the type of cargo that will be transported in it. If these are products, then a semi-trailer - a refrigerator will do, if the cargo is intended for construction, then you need to choose a semi-trailer - a dump truck. For the transportation of general-purpose goods, a flatbed, curtain or tilt semi-trailer is selected.How to choose the right semi-trailer?
When choosing a semi-trailer for transportation, pay attention to the design and reliability of the body, semi-trailer suspensions. When buying such a complex device from a semi-trailer dealer, you need to understand that a cheap model can bring a lot of trouble to the owner in the future due to frequent breakdowns.
How to hitch a semi-trailer?
The coupling of a semi-trailer with a tractor is carried out as follows.How to unhook and hitch a semi-trailer
First, with the help of a support device, the semi-trailer is set in the desired position and secured with a parking brake.
The tractor in reverse moves slowly towards the semi-trailer in such a way that the king pin of the semi-trailer enters the saddle of the tractor. The coupling will happen automatically. Next, you need to secure the tractor with a parking brake and raise and secure the semi-trailer thrust device.
Connect the electrical cable and pneumatic drive hoses to the appropriate semi-trailer circuits. Release the parking brakes of the trailer and while driving, make sure that the hitch, brakes and electrical appliances of the semi-trailer are working properly.
For the transportation of various goods, manufacturers and transport companies often use this type of vehicle as a semi-trailer. This type of equipment differs from a conventional trailer in that the front part of its body is attached to the fifth wheel of the tractor, thereby transferring part of the weight of the load to the tractor. This design allows you to increase the weight of the cargo and reduce the number of flights. The following technical characteristics are important for a semi-trailer: its weight, carrying capacity, number of axles, length of the loading area and materials from which it is made.
Semi-trailers are used in various areas of cargo transportation. For each type of cargo, different types of semi-trailers are provided.
Flatbed semi-trailers do not have a roof and are used to deliver building materials that are unpretentious in terms of weather conditions (bricks, boards, fittings, pipes, etc.). It is convenient in that its carrying capacity reaches 29 tons, and it is also equipped with folding sides, which facilitates loading / unloading from the sides and from above.
Tilt semi-trailers are the most common (60% of all semi-trailers used in Russia). They transport equipment, pallets, furniture. The awning protects the cargo from the effects of weather conditions. Also, this type of semi-trailer can additionally be equipped with a removable frame and a sliding roof.
Curtain semi-trailers are a kind of tilt trailers. A distinctive feature of such semi-trailers is a steel frame and a sliding awning. It is also equipped with a fully or partially removable roof. Such characteristics allow you to load the semi-trailer from any convenient side. This type of transport is suitable for the transportation of large indivisible cargo.
Isothermal semi-trailers and refrigerated semi-trailers. This type of transport is designed to transport goods that require a certain temperature regime. Isothermal semi-trailers, due to their technical characteristics, are designed for transporting fruits, vegetables, chilled meat, fish, that is, for those products that do not require freezing. Walls made of special isothermal materials are able to maintain the temperature at the required level, but it is impossible to raise or lower the temperature. Refrigerators are equipped with refrigeration equipment, designed for the transportation of frozen products, flowers. Both semi-trailers are able to maintain the desired temperature inside the body, provided that the outside temperature is from -30 to +30 degrees.
Container semi-trailers are designed for settling and handling, transportation, loading/unloading of containers. They are equipped with a low frame and pneumatic retractable platforms. Lowbed semi-trailers, depending on the technical characteristics, transport one or two twenty-foot containers or one forty-foot container. The carrying capacity can reach 34 tons. There are also container semi-trailers with a standard frame, their carrying capacity is up to 31 tons.
Car transporter semi-trailers are engaged in the transportation of cars (double-deck) and trucks (single-deck) vehicles. For insurance against minor damage, they are equipped with sides, an awning, but can also be open. Carrying capacity - up to 25 tons. Car carriers are capable of moving up to 8 cars at the same time.
Heavy-duty semi-trailers (otherwise they are also called trawls) are designed to transport heavy large-sized equipment. Most often they are equipped with three or four axles, some of which (to reduce the load) are rotary.
Tipper semi-trailers are popular in agriculture. They are able to withstand a weight of up to 40 tons, and various types of unloading are also possible (one-, two- and three-way).
Modern semi-trailers can be divided into two types: American and European. Each type has its own distinctive technical characteristics. American semi-trailers are equipped with two (rarely three) axles with dual tires. Brakes - drum. During movement, all bridges work and are not lifting. European semi-trailers are most often equipped with three, very rarely four axles with single tires. Brakes - disc. Some bridges may be involved in traffic. Also, the European look has a palette for storing spare wheels, which is rare in American versions. Curtainsider semi-trailers of different types differ in the way and device of tilting, and some isothermal and refrigerated semi-trailers in the American version become low-bed, which increases their volume.
Semi-trailers can be used in many areas of activity. With the invention of new materials and the improvement of technologies, the model ranges of this type of trailer transport are constantly replenished.
SPECIFICATION
Specifications – Refrigerated semi-trailer
SPECIFICATIONS
Permissible gross weight, kg 38 000
axle unit, kg 27 000 SSU, kg 11 000SSU height, mm 1 150
Geometric volume of the superstructure, cubic meters82
Load capacity, kg 29 100
Own weight, kg 8 900
Overall length, mm 13 550
Overall width, mm 2 600
Overall height, mm 4 000
Body length inside, mm 13 254
Body width inside, mm 2 460
Body height inside, mm 2 495
Tires 385/65 R22.5
CHASSIS (MANUFACTURED GRUNWALD)
FRAME DESIGN
— The welded frame of the strengthened design is specially adapted for operation in difficult road conditions.
— Haakon European-made two-speed mechanical support device or equivalent.
— Kingpin SAF.
AXLE AND SUSPENSION
— Air suspension.
— lift valve and lowering platform H/S.
— Center distance 1 310 mm.
— 3 axles SAF (Holland) Custom Design load capacity 9 000 kg each with round beam. Integral suspension arms. Air cushions with a diameter of 350 mm co steel glass. Reinforced shock absorbers for heavy road conditions.
BRAKE SYSTEM
— Brake mechanisms of disk type.
— EBS Wabco compliant with ECE requirements.
— Semi-trailer rollover prevention system — RSS (Roll Stability System).
— Automatic brake adjustment.
- Pneumatic parking brake driven by energy accumulators on two axles.
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
— Two-wire system, operating voltage 24V, according to traffic regulations and ECE, 2 connecting sockets
— Rear lighting lamps (ERMAX) five-chamber with integrated triangular reflector.
— License plate lighting.
— Parking lights.
TIRES AND DISKS
— Single-sided busbar, number of wheels 6+1 spare.
— Tires KAMA, dimension 385/65 R22.5.
— Discs from high strength steel.
PAINTING
— Painting is done in According to ISO requirements for harsh environments.
— All steel parts are double shot blasted before painting.
— Frame color - black. Can be painted in any color according to the RAL system.
OTHER EQUIPMENT
— tool box
— shopping cart two spare wheels, holder for one spare wheel.
— 2 lock shoes with holder
— Retractable ladder for access to cargo area.
— plastic wings- 4 pcs., rear with mudguards - 2 pcs.
— Distinguishing plates- 2 pcs.
— Rear protective bar in According to UNECE Regulation No. 58.01.
— Vehicle marking in according to 48 ECE
BODY (PRODUCTION CTTM)
BODY TYPE
— Isothermal complies with the FRC certificate for the transport of food products up to -20C
DESIGN OF THE SUPERSTRUCTURE
- Hard heat - moisture-proof reinforced panels made of polyurethane foam.
— cladding inside and outside – galvanized steel 0.8 thick mm s synthetic coating.
— Strapping: outside rounded corner clad metal, inside - galvanized corner.
FRONT WALL, ROOF
- Reinforced front wall of the software 80 for the refrigeration unit.
— Reinforced HOW mortgages.
— Reflective tape.
— Side walls PO 60 reinforced.
— Roof PO 80 reinforced.
— Circulation, protective boxes on front wall, front wall protection made of aluminum profile
— Sloping air duct
GATES
— Double-leaf rear door software 87, 4 stainless hinges and two locking rods (imported stainless steel fittings) on each leaf.
— Rear portal frame of stainless steel.
— Rubber pads to protect the door behind the bottom.
— Handles that protect the rear gate after opening.
— Import seal.
FLOOR
— Sandwich constructions: aluminum welded trough, 250mm edging
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
— 24 v in accordance with ECE and ADR regulations.
— 3 recessed lamps.
PAINTING
— All steel elements are double shot blasted before painting.
— Painting in paint booths.
— Body color — white, RAL 9010
WARRANTY
−12 months without mileage limitation.
REFRIGERATION UNIT (MANUFACTURED BY THERMO KING)
Thermo King SLXi- 200 — 30
Temperature recorder Touch Print
Types of TSP brand semi-trailers are classified depending on the number of axles, loading height. Also, such technical characteristics of semi-trailers as the carrying capacity of the semi-trailer play an important role, the more axles, the more cargo the semi-trailer can carry, while the mass of the semi-trailer is minimal.
According to the type of semi-trailers and trailers produced, TSP equipment is divided into the following main types:
Heavy-duty trailer equipment manufactured by Politrans has a number of features and advantages:
Semitrailer frame
One of the most important elements of TSP technology is the semi-trailer frame. It bears the main load. Therefore, the requirements for its quality are increased. High quality imported metal is used for frames (especially if it is a frame of a semi-trailer with a sliding platform).
The assembly of the frame takes place in several stages:
First, the spars are assembled. The spars are assembled on a special assembly stand of Politrans' own design. This stand allows you to install and weld the elements of the spar with high accuracy without gaps. Another feature of this stand is its versatility. On it you can collect any standard sizes of products.
Further, the spars are assembled into a center beam - the main load-bearing structural element of the semi-trailer. The assembly is carried out on a universal fixture that allows you to fix the structural elements of the beam and maintain the specified dimensions.
The assembled semi-trailer frame is scalded in 4 positions. Welds are made in the "lower" position, which contributes to better penetration and the absence of sagging. Welding in a mixture of shielding gases (argon and carbon dioxide) makes it possible to reduce metal spatter and obtain a high-quality even and smooth weld with a smooth transition to the base metal.
Semi-trailer load capacity
The load capacity of semi-trailers depends on the number of axles and the type of semi-trailers. High-frame trailers and semi-trailers have a load capacity of up to 120 tons, low-frame trailers and semi-trailers with a number of axles from 2 to 7, including those with a sliding platform - up to 100 tons, flatbed semi-trailers - up to 50 tons, timber trailers and semi-trailers have a load capacity of up to 35 tons.
Technical characteristics of semi-trailers
Many technical characteristics of semi-trailers depend on the wishes of the client, all types of TSP semi-trailers can be equipped with pneumatic or dependent spring suspension (Germany), swivel self-aligning axles, lifting axle, tires can be either single or double. So, for example, the trawl has a carrying capacity of up to 110 tons, a loading height of 0.6 m to 0.92 m, the number of axles from 2 to 7. The load capacity of a high-frame semi-trailer is up to 100 tons, it has a loading height of 1.1 m to 1 .55 m, number of axles from 2 to 5.
Semitrailer dimensions
The dimensions of low-bed and high-bed semi-trailers are similar, especially since they are manufactured according to the technical requirements of the Customer, for example, standard dimensions of semi-trailers - the length of the working platform is from 7 to 21 m, and the width of the platform is from 2.5 to 3.5 m, while the trailer has a platform length up to 13 m.
Weight of semi-trailers
In order to increase the carrying capacity of a semi-trailer, it is necessary to reduce its curb weight. Specialists of the design department of the company "Polytrans" use some solutions to reduce the weight of semi-trailers at the design stage. Also, the weight of the semi-trailer can be reduced by using composite materials for frame superstructures and increasing the number of axles. To date, modern technologies come to the aid of manufacturers, which allow the use of high-strength imported metal, which, by reducing the geometric parameters, makes the frame structure lighter, and the curb weight of the semi-trailer is reduced many times over.
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