Germany: A German heavy haulage provider has for the first time used a new heavy-duty drive unit that was launched earlier this year to transport a giant power transformer to Ibbenbüren power station.

The heavy-duty drive unit intends to combine the benefits of a towed module with those of a self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT) in terms of tractive force, speed, flexibility and economics, reports Heavy Lift.

Using the unit for the first time, Wasel initially transported the transformer onto a pontoon, which carried the cargo along the Rhine and Mittellandkanal to Recke, where it was carefully rolled off the barge.

In Recke, Wasel added four axles to the trailer before beginning its overland transport to a coal-fired power station in Ibbenbüren, equipped with just one towing tractor unit.

The new drive unit was used to help tackle steep gradients en route, with a second towing tractor only required once on an 800 m long slope with a gradient of over 8.5 percent.

Source: Heavy Lift