Hydraulic platform trailers

New guy here but not new to heavy hauling.

I was wondering if anybody has had any dealings with hydralic platform trailers like a Goldhofer? We rutinely move loads 250,000lb+. Usually it's only a couple of miles from the nearest rail siding to the delivery point.

I'm looking at maybe 10-12 lines.

 

We've been hiring out the loads and have been paying out a boatload of money for it. We also have been running into some pretty tight spots at the delivery point where I think the platform trailer will really pay off.

The main problem is I've never really been around them much. I'd assume they would be pretty maintenance intensive. With 10 lines your talking about 80 tires and 40 sets of brakes, not to mention all other stuff required to make it work (hydraulics, electronics, steering, etc).

I've already got a truck that I think will work for a prime mover. Mack RD822, E9 500hp v8 mack engine, 12 speed trans, 20K front, 65K rears, and double frame. I've also got a 4 speed Spicer auxiliary lying in the floor that I'm thinking of putting between the trans and the rears.

 

I'm currently looking at a 10 line Nicolas. They seem to be quite a but cheaper than the Goldhofer but I do understand they they aren't built quite as heavy as the Goldhofer.

Another thing I'm thinking about is a neck. It doesn't make sense to me to add a bunch of counterweight to the prime mover ( increasing the gross) with a towbar when you can have a neck that will take part of the load and transfer it to the prime mover. Most you see use the towbar though, why is that?

Cnsper, I've seen those pics on the net and do have a little concern about the stability of the system.

 

Yes, in a way they do. The neck is hydraulic and it is tied into the hydraulic suspension. It will maintain a certain weight on the 5th wheel, regardless of suspension height or ground conditions. It also controls the steering somehow. Mind you I've never actually seen a neck in person but this is what the manufacturers tell.

You are right about there being a lot of trade secrets in this line of work. That's why I was hesitant to even join up and start this thread. There are certain people that try to squash anybody trying to enter the field.