BluEquip VFL-45 — V-Frame Loader. Three-axle trailer for the transport of large precast concrete elements and walls, payload 37 t.
This so-called V-Frame loader is designed for the transport of concrete elements and walls and is an alternative to an in-loader. Loading takes place — just like with an in-loader — between the wheels, but the load rests (unlike a genuine inloader) on a steel floor.
Thanks to this self-supporting construction, the tare weight of this BluEquip has remained below 8 tons, which is approximately four tons less than an inloader. The loading floor measures 970 x 124 cm and offers space for two to three elements (depending on the dimensions). The sides (see photo) are equipped with triangular stanchions; these serve both for load securing and for support when transporting large elements.
The BlueQuip V-Frame Loader is a Dutch invention. The engineering is handled by Trequip bv from Ee (NL-FR), and the construction takes place at Blue Workx bv in Venlo (NL-LB). The mastermind behind it is Fred Driessen, director of Driessen Speciaaltransport until 2021, which specializes in the transport of concrete elements.
Driessen: “This trailer is unique of its kind. High walls with a length of up to approximately 10 meters can be placed in the body. Longer elements (up to plus or minus 14 meters) can be loaded via the gooseneck. And extremely high walls (up to approx. 4.5 meters) can be placed diagonally in the body. Up to a height of 4.05 m, this is even possible without a permit. Another major advantage is that the VFL is suitable for unaccompanied ferry transport. And thanks to the independent wheel suspension, with air suspension, the driving characteristics are excellent.” Does this BluEquip also have disadvantages compared to an inloader? “Yes. You need a crane to load and unload.”
The VFL has a gvw of 45 tonnes, of which 27 tonnes is on the wheels and 18 tonnes on the fifth wheel. It can be towed with a 6×2 or (depending on the load) with a 4×2. The rear axle is liftable. Due to the simple construction and the galvanized/shot-blasted chassis, maintenance is minimal.
Following the introduction, the first units have now rolled off the production line, and European sales have started.
technical specifications *) BluEquip VFL-45 — V-Frame Loader
length 1263 cm
width 255 cm
internal length / load length approx. 1000 (in the low section) – approx. 1400 (over the neck) cm
loading floor width 124 cm
loading height 450 cm
gross vehicle weight 45000 kg
tare weight 7940 kg
payload 37060 kg
*) subject to change. Exact specifications can be obtained from the supplier.
