Mammoet and Scheuerle, part of the TII Group, have launched the Trailer Power Assist (TPA) system, designed to improve transport efficiency and lower the carbon footprint of major projects.
.jpg)
Manufactured by Scheuerle, according to Mammoet’s specifications, the first TPA units were unveiled at a ceremony held at Scheuerle’s headquarters in Pfedelbach, Germany.
Each TPA trailer has a 1,000 horsepower diesel engine, designed to provide twice the pulling force of a conventional prime mover unit, with no ballast requirements. The system is also compatible with existing K25 modular trailers.
According to Mammoet and Scheuerle, the overall weight and length of transports will be greatly reduced when using the TPA units, while eliminating the need for multi-truck configurations.
“TPA is the most efficient, sustainable and cost-effective answer for the complex transport demands of large scale construction projects,” said Jan Kleijn, chief operating officer at Mammoet.
The TPA transport solution is based on the self-propelled K25 modular platform vehicle, which hydraulically drives four of the six axle lines by means of a Power Pack Unit (PPU). One TPA, featuring a drive unit and a six-axle platform trailer, can replace two fully loaded heavy-duty prime movers.
The TPA has an assisted road speed up to 28 km/h – which is up to 20 times faster than a SPMT solution, said Mammoet and Scheuerle.
Above 28km/h, the TPA will switch to freewheel mode, leaving the prime movers to haul the load at up to highway speeds. TPA’s hydraulic hub motors can be re-engaged to slow the load down hydrostatically, reducing wear and tear on its brakes, and provide the precision and control required to navigate narrow or winding sections of the route.
By reducing the overall weight of the transport – fewer trailers and less or no ballast – TPA improves fuel efficiency, said Mammoet and Scheuerle. By reducing the overall length and number of powered units involved in a transport, TPA also reduces complexity, boosts project safety and requires only one driver.
