InfraStructures - October 2012 - Safely Lift a Heavy Duty Trailer Independent of the Tractor

Safely Lift a Heavy Duty Trailer Independent of the Tractor

When heavy duty vehicle techs need to lift a trailer that is detached from the tractor, the logistics and safety requirements can be anything but routine, even for the most experienced fleet operators.

Enter Stertil-Koni’s custom-designed Kingpin Cross Beam, which engages the trailer at the fifth wheel. This product can be essential to safely lifting trailers when independent of the tractor. After all, the majority of trailers are serviced and inspected outside – detached from the cab. Further, in contrast to the more straightforward requirement of lifting a full rig – which can be accomplished with a range of options including mobile column lifts, axle engaging scissor lifts, platform lifts or in-ground piston lifts – lifting a trailer on its own presents a number of unique structural demands.

According to Technical Sales Support manager for Stertil-Koni, Peter Bowers, “In this instance, the objective is to pick up and support the chassis of the trailer in the same manner as it is normally supported when on the road and supported by the fifth wheel.” The challenge is to properly support the trailer frame that is normally hooked to the tractor. The solution, according to Stertil-Koni, is to use 4, heavy duty mobile column lifts – 2 at the wheels and 2 utilizing the company’s custom-designed Kingpin Cross Beam that engages the trailer at the fifth wheel.

Safety, of course, is always first and foremost. “Before you begin, always lift on a firm foundation. Lift on level ground; and, be cognizant of wind loads. Next, bring in mobile lifting columns to the rear-most axle and maneuver the cross beam into place – locating it properly under the kingpin. At that point, the service technician can engage mobile lifting columns to the cross beams,” noted Mr. Bowers.

Continued Bowers, “Stertil-Koni recommends using battery powered, wireless mobile lifting columns. In this way, an external power source is not required and thus it eliminates the possibility of operator tripping due to messy wires or cables.” Lifting experts also point to Stertil-Koni’s unique height memory system, which allows lifting of a broad range of trailers while providing the highest safety standards. The company’s wireless control system allows operation of up to 8 columns in a set and each control box permits full operation in either group, paired or individual mode. “Our synchronization tolerance starts at 5/8’’, which is the tightest and safest in the industry,” concluded Mr. Bowers.

Source: Stertil-Koni USA, Inc.