King of the Load

Redmond, Wash.-based Genie Industries recognized an opportunity to design and market a trailer specifically targeted to rental operators through its well-established presence in the rental channel. A trailer encompassing features beneficial to the rental industry would result in increased productivity and safety for these operators. Working with its new division, Terex Load King, Elk Point, S.D., Genie began marketing the HFT 70RS dovetail trailer to the rental market earlier this year.

Terex Load King has been producing trailers since 1956, so it was natural for them to build this product for its fellow Terex subsidiary. But having a 48-foot-long, 102-inch-wide bed and 70,000 pounds of distributed capacity isn’t what sets the HFT 70RS apart from other trailers in its class. What makes this heavy hauler unique is the way it is put together.

Slight rounding at the hinge helps produce the HFT 70RS's 6° break-over angle.

One of the biggest headaches for most rental operators is the angle of the break-over found in the transition area between the rear and the main deck areas. This is most often a problem when loading low ground clearance equipment. Through a combination of design modifications, the angle on the HFT 70RS has been reduced to only 6°. This low break-over angle allows for machines with extremely low ground clearance, such as an electric scissor lift, to be loaded without high centering.

Terex Load King incorporated a number of features to achieve the low break-over angle. First, and most significantly, is the use of a longer rear tail and flip ramp. Second, the overall trailer height is lowered through the use of low profile perimeter beams. These shorter yet wider beams provide maximum ground clearance while maintaining a low deck height. Finally, there is an ever-so-slight rounding or beveling of the main and rear deck where they are hinged together. Utilizing 17.5-inch 235/75R tires keeps the deck low, but a larger 22.5-inch 255/70R tire package is available and delivers a loading angle of just under 10°.

Deck features

At the rear hydraulically raised deck, Terex uses a 1/4-inch steel plate topped with starburst decking. Twin tie rod-type 5-inch diameter cylinders can raise and carry up to 20,000 pounds on the rear hydraulic deck if it is evenly distributed. The rear main platform’s “lifting capacity” of 20,000 pounds, equally distributed, can be increased to 30,000 pounds distributed if the frame is properly blocked (refer to the instructions in the operator’s manual to do this). The rear main platform load capacity can deliver to dock heights up to 60 inches.

Moving forward, both literally and figuratively, to the 30'3" main deck, the surface is faced with a combination of knotless apitong wood and steel. The wood is found everywhere except for the 3/8-inch starburst-topped plate steel decking that finishes off the area over the wheel wells. The main deck allows a 10-foot concentrated load rating of an impressive 50,000 pounds. This is accomplished, in part, by alternating 10- and 8-inch cross I-beams on 12-inch centers.

Moving equipment from the main deck to the 9-foot upper gooseneck can be simplified by adding the optional 10-foot hydraulically raised ramp, which has a 10° break-over angle where it meets the upper deck and features an auto-lock system. Both the gooseneck ramp and the upper gooseneck deck area, which are topped with starburst decking over 1/4-inch steel plate, can carry up to 20,000 pounds.

Securing the load

A 12,000-pound winch is standard equipment, while an optional 20,000-pound winch and a work-around cable guiding winch system are available as options. The cable-guiding winch system threads the winch cable so it hugs the floor of the main and rear deck, beginning at the base of the gooseneck.

For chaining, the load combination stake pocket/key slots on 48-inch centers ring the deck and are joined by center-deck key slots. In total, 84 of these are spread over the trailer. In addition, you can add optional curved D-rings, which make it much easier to wrap a chain, subsequently reducing chain or binder wear.

One of my favorite features is the positive lock indicator light system, which consists of a pair of lights located near the front of the trailer that indicates if the dovetail is properly tucked away and securely locked into transport position. No more walking to the back of the trailer to visually verify that everything is properly stowed.

Keyhole slots and curved D-rings make securing a load properly much easier.

A dual trailer control option places a second control station on the opposite side of the gooseneck. Another really slick option is the wireless remote: In one configeration, the remote operates the winch and in another it adds the operation of both hydraulic decks to the winch operation.

Keeping it in service

Equipment transport trailers are subjected to more dirt and grime than the typical trailer. Besides the normal exposure to road grit, the added stress of going on and off jobsites in all types of climates and ground conditions really adds to the pressure. To help minimize these harsh circumstances, Terex Load King has incorporated a 20-micron high-pressure hydraulic filter system. Rubber-mounted and sealed LED lights not only reduce amperage flow and improve visibility, but they also eliminate the constant hassle of replacing burned out and/or vibration damaged filament bulbs.

Another nice touch is the self-relieving hydraulic pressure couplings. An air-ride suspension system and anti-lock brakes are also standard, as well as the in-line air filters in the brake lines. Everything is topped off with a polyurethane primer and paint finish. Other useful options include a tire pressure visibility kit and inflation system and a Right Weigh system to make sure you don’t get caught at the scales.

In standard dress, the Terex Load King HFT 70RS carries a $64,820 MSRP, but with so many productivity-enhancing optional features, you should plan on spending closer to $80,000 to take full advantage of this trailer. Having personally spent 15 years in the rental business, I can tell you that I appreciate anything that makes the delivery process more productive while at the same time doing so in a safer manner.

Lift & Access
November, 2007