MANCHESTER, Iowa (April 11, 2016) – XL Specialized Trailers, a market-leading manufacturer of custom-engineered heavy haul trailers, has introduced the brand-new XL 90 Blademate trailer to their lineup. Anticipating continued growth for the wind market, XL committed to providing a premium solution for hauling wind turbine blades safely and efficiently, resulting in the new trailer.
The longer the trailer, the more difficult it can be to control the rear of it, which makes it difficult for hauling wind blades due to their length. The XL Blademate features a unique self-steering system in which the axles automatically rotate to keep the trailer behind the truck at all times. The kingpin also rotates and prompts the axles to track with it using hydraulic cylinders. An override remote allows drivers to take full control as needed.
The trailer is prepped for deck inserts, which enable a length of over 200 feet overall. Adjustable rolling and non-rolling bunks are situated on the main deck and are customizable to the customer’s needs. The 24-inch long bunks can be moved across 40 feet of the main beam, providing adjustable loading areas based on the size and shape of the wind turbine blade. The non-rolling bunks are moved with a forklift while the rolling bunks slide smoothly and quickly into position on rollers. 20-inch steel loading platforms at both the front and rear of the trailer provide tie-down areas.
XL has taken safety into consideration in a variety of ways on the Blademate. A beacon located on the side toolbox of the trailers illuminates when the axles turn out of alignment 3 degrees or more, which is useful for alerting other vehicles that the trailer is making a turn. It also allows the driver and pilot car to monitor any unplanned axle rotation, therefore helping to prevent accidents. Furthermore, three red/green indicator lights signal to both the driver and pilot car if the power unit is on or off. A large work light on the gooseneck shines 1200 lumens rearward, right where users will need it to load, unload or check the load in the dark.
“Our goal is always to provide a solution that makes drivers’ jobs easier and safer,” says Rodney Crim, vice president of sales for XL Specialized Trailers. “We are excited to provide this advanced hauling solution for the wind industry with the new XL Blademate.”
