New V-frame Loader developed for the precast industry

The company Blue Workx has been active in the production of transport and storage solutions for the precast industry since 2014. Fred Driessen – formerly the owner of Driessen Speciaaltransport, and now the owner of Blue Workx – has many years of experience in the transport of precast components. He was closely involved in the development of the new V-Frame Loader at Bluequip.

Since 2019, Trequip has been active as a specialist in vehicle technology. But this young company has developed on the basis of many years of knowledge and experience in the area of trailer and machine design and construction. Trequip offers a unique combination of theoretical knowledge and experience, resulting in efficient, safe and maintenance-friendly designs.

Development of its semi-trailer was based on a combination of know-how and performance and is regarded as ground-breaking in the precast industry. It applies the most advanced technologies for the materials used and for structural design.

The most important properties of the V-Frame Loader:

At an unloaded weight of
± 4 tons, the V-Frame Loader is lighter than conventional inloaders. In addition, and with its ingenious design, an optimal axle-load distribution was achieved both for its 4 x 2 tractor trucks and for its 6 x 2 tractor trucks. Since concrete walls cannot be sub-divided, this often means three instead of two walls per load and/or two instead of only one wall.

With a loading area height of only 280 mm, the trailer offers – according to the supplier – the unique characteristics of a loading width of 1,240 mm and a length of 9,700 mm. With the 4 x 2 version, a length of even 10,000 mm is possible while satisfying legal stipulations. Loading with overhang is no problem and, accordingly, walls up to 11,500 mm in length can be transported without special permission in Germany.

With a few items of simple supporting equipment, the trailer can be loaded in three different ways:

High walls in the trough, with maximum length of ± 10.0 m

Long walls with gooseneck, with maximum length ± 14.0 m

Extremely high walls up to 4.5 m are loaded inclined in the loading trough.

In this way, a wall 4.05-m high can be transported (in Germany) without special height permission.

Used with a lift axle, the V-Frame Loader is very maneuverable. A tire-pressure refill system (TPRS) ensures that the tires always have correct pressure, to meet strict requirements for operational safety. The autonomous, pneumatically suspended axles, together with a low center of gravity of the load, ensure extremely stable driving characteristics.

The V-Frame Loader is easy and safe to operate. Load securing in accordance with current standards is no problem. Its construction, moreover, keeps maintenance costs to a minimum. Robust treatment by painting and galvanization ensures that the trailer remains in optimal condition for many years. The V-Frame Loader is suitable for unaccompanied transport on ferries. Ferry eyelets can be optionally attached.

At Unbrako Precast Concrete Ltd in Langar (UK), two V-Frame Loaders are currently in use; the experience gained is very positive.

Blue Workx from Venlo in the Netherlands

Blue Workx is a manufacturer of transport and storage solutions for the precast industry. Blue Workx applies the most advanced production technologies: e.g., its own laser cutting machines, press brakes and welding robots. This ensures uniform high quality. The welding process performed by staff and robots is certified in accordance with EN ISO 6906-1. The company, based in Venlo in the Netherlands, currently employs a committed workforce of 27.

Company management consists of Rico Schinck and Fred Driessen. Rico Schinck has spent his entire working life as the owner of steel construction companies. Since 2003 Schinck has delivered transport solutions, including inloader pallets, to companies such as Driessen Speciaaltransport. Fred Driessen has worked for Blue Workx since 2014. Until 2021, he also managed the family enterprise Driessen Speciaaltransport. This shipping agent has many years of experience with the transport of precast elements. Its work has provided important input for the development of the new V-Frame-Loader. Technical innovation has always been one of Driessen’s motivating forces.