Adapted from TRT In Gear Magazine Feb Mar 21 Issue.
TRT trailer manufacturing started with a strong year in 2020, with large numbers of forward orders. Then, like most in our industry, we were directly impacted by Covid-19. Here's how TRT got on with it - through innovation!
As lockdowns continued (and continue still) in NZ and Australia, companies delayed investment in equipment. This did not deter the team at TRT from meeting the challenge head-on, creating some of the most innovative trailers, with some very forward-thinking operators during 2020.
Trailers were manufactured equally for both sides of the Tasman. We have continued to grow crane support trailers with solutions for 100-300t cranes. More than 15 left TRT in 2020. Max Cranes also put their new TRT modular platform trailer (4x8 + 4x8+ 2x8 dolly), with the lattice extension, to the test. It is designed to carry the boom of a 1200t Mobile Crane - the largest in the southern hemisphere.
Starting in late 2020, TRT began manufacturing a mammoth, multi-configurable, 12-Line Modular Platform Trailer for Pollock Cranes, using this same ESS and modular technology. This trailer will revolutionise haulage capability across infrastructure projects in NZ. (Keep an eye out for the TRT inside scoop coming soon.)
Quads continue to dominate. As well as NZ’s Campbell Infrastructure’s Quad Axle Widener, these trailers have also been popular in Australia. Deliveries included T&C Excavation and JPD Contracting, and JCH Contracting, based in Tasmania, has had a Quad Deck Widener delivered. We have also completed several HIAB truck crane fit-outs for customers in QLD and NZ as the HIAB brand continues to gain traction.
With 4 years of design and testing, in collaboration with Longveld Engineering, another Hamilton-based engineering company, we have manufactured and tested a very unique prototype for a liquid food grade tanker, keep a lookout for this one on the roads in 2021.
We continued to advance the manufacturing work with NZ and Australian Defence, with more than 30 high spec General Service trailers, used in deployment applications for New Zealand. Work with the prime contractor, Rheinmetall Australia, for Australian Defence continues.
Based in NZ, The well-publicised Prestige Building Removal’s ESS Modular House Trailer system (two units, both with interchangeable axle modules), has been put through its paces. With a number of ESS House trailers already in use in Australia and NZ and with a number on order for 2021, this world-class patented technology looks to be a new must-have in every House Trailer fleet.
2021 is shaping up to be a great response to the challenges of 2020. TRT has seen increases in orders and activity. This is especially noticeable from NZ operators who are choosing to invest in quality trailers and equipment, with increasing confidence in the market. Even more importantly, they are choosing to buy local, with 100% local ownership.
