Irish Push-Off Trailer Built For Speed

Irish Push-Off Trailer Built For Speed WAGONS/TRAILERS Miscellaneous A prototype “push-off” trailer built in Ireland is loaded with features not found on any other trailer on the market according to the manufacturer Stealth Engineering The Kompactor 40 travels at highway speeds unloads quickly and carries 60 percent more forage than similar size trailers The push-off design is safer more economical and more versatile than conventional hydraulic hoist “tipping” trailers What’s more the box can be quickly removed so the trailer frame can be used for more than one job “Half the cost of a trailer is below the body so why have it sit unused most of the year?” asks John Kennedy Stealth Engineering “When silage harvest is over replace the box with a flat bed tanker or other body and keep using it ” Kennedy understands the cost of single purpose equipment An ag contractor he does custom work throughout the summer including grass silage harvest “Most farmers have 3 or 4 silage trailers sitting around all winter as well as specialized trucks ” says Kennedy “Why not have a multi-purpose trailer that can be used all year long?” After developing the prototype he put it to the test this past summer and is now fine-tuning the design before going into production “I overbuilt the prototype and though it was not heavy at about 13 000 lbs the production models will be reduced by nearly 1 000 lbs ” says Kennedy “We are also replacing the 2-ft mesh edge at the top of the box with solid sides for hauling grain and other non-forage materials ” The secret to the quick unloading and the greater capacity is the push-off design The push plate serves as compactor when the trailer is being loaded in the field Hydraulically-controlled sliding bogie axles increase stability turning radius and weight transfer Normally the bogie axles are pulled forward for balanced load and faster response in turns When more weight is needed on the tractor rear axle for increased traction the bogie axle can be moved up to 2-ft to the rear As the load is pushed off the bogies also slide to the rear carrying the load as it moves Other features include free moving steering axles load sensing air brakes a hydraulic tailgate and weigh cells The steering axle allows better trailing when traveling forward When backing up the axle hydraulically locks in non-steering mode Another attractive safety feature is the routing of all hydraulic hoses and wiring through the drawbar Kennedy will be offering his trailer in 18 20 and 22-ft body lengths The drawbar adds 5 ft to trailer length regardless of body size Standard push-off bodies will be 8 ft wide with 7 1/2-ft sides The heavy-duty truck axles are sized to carry wide tires up to 25 in wide for greater load capacity and a smoother ride Combined with the lighter than conventional trailer weight the wide tires should also reduce field compaction “Fully loaded the Kompactor 40 should carry 27 to 28 tons ” says Kennedy “It’s built for the Irish market with its smaller fields grass silage and hills However with its truck axles for road speed transit and versatility we are getting a lot of interest outside the country ” Prices on the new trailers will start at about $54 000 Initially available in Ireland Kennedy is open to export interest To see a video of the Kompactor 40 in action go to www farmshow com Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Stealth Engineering Lissyleamy Ballyphillip Nenagh Co Tipperary Ireland ph 011 353 86 246 3813; johnkennedystealth@gmail com; www stealth ie

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