Ballast tractor: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Heavy-haulage road vehicle}} |
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[[Image:Scammell Ballast Tractor - fairground livery.jpg|thumb|right|[[Scammell Lorries|Scammell]] ballast tractor at the [[Torbay Steam Fair]] in August 2007. Note the front [[drawbar (haulage)|drawbar]] connection coupling for pushing heavy loads]] |
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{{other uses|Ballast (disambiguation)}} |
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[[Image:Atkinson Ballast Tractor - fairground livery lookalike.jpg|thumb|right|[[Atkinson Vehicles Ltd|Atkinson]] ballast tractor at the [[Torbay Steam Fair]] in August 2007. Note the front drawbar connection coupling for pushing heavy loads]] |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}} |
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[[Image:Pickfords.jpg|thumb|right|[[Pickfords]] ballast tractor with exceptional load on specialist trailer. The tractor is a [[Scammell]], and is connected to the trailer via a drawbar. ''(Demonstration at the [[Great Dorset Steam Fair]])'']] |
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[[File:Hayes Arbegui 2010.JPG|thumb|[[Hayes Truck|Hayes]] WHDX 70-170 [[6×6]] tractor]] |
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[[Image:Rawcliffe Ballast Tractor & Trannsformer.jpg|thumb|right|[[JB Rawcliffe & Sons]] ballast tractor with 92,000kg transformer on [[Nicolas]] modular axles. The tractor is a [[MAN]], and is connected to the trailer via a drawbar.]] |
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A '''ballast tractor''' is a [[haulage|heavy haulage]] [[road vehicle]] designed to pull or push heavy or exceptionally large loads. Unlike the tractor unit from an [[Semi-trailer|articulated trailer]], the ballast tractor is designed or adapted to pull or push loads from a [[Drawbar (haulage)|drawbar]]. By contrast an articulated tractor unit pulls from a [[Fifth wheel coupling|"fifth wheel"]], and only pushes when reversing its load. |
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A '''ballast tractor''' is a specially weighted [[tractor unit]] of a [[heavy hauler]] combination. It is designed to utilize a [[drawbar (haulage)|drawbar]] to pull or push heavy or exceptionally large [[trailer (vehicle)|trailer]] loads which are loaded in a [[hydraulic modular trailer]]. When feasible, [[Lowboy (trailer)|lowboy]]-style [[semi-trailer]]s are used to minimize the height of a load's center of mass. Typical drivetrains are [[6x4 (drivetrain)|6×4]] and [[6×6]], but 8×6 and 8×8 are also available. Typical ballast tractor loads include oil rig modules, bridge sections, buildings, ship sections, and industrial machinery such as generators and turbines. |
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== Description == |
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The name ''ballast'' is derived from the nautical term (see [[sailing ballast]]) describing heavy material added to a vessel to improve stability. With a semi-trailer, the weight of the trailer presses down through the [[fifth wheel]] and adds ballast. In the case of a ballast tractor, the drawbar only transmits a horizontal force to the load, which is supported separately. Ballast is ''added'' over the driving wheels to increase the available [[tractive effort]]. The weight increases the friction between the tyres and the road surface. Without such ballast, the tractor would be unable to overcome the inertia of a heavy trailed load, and its wheels would rotate without generating forward motion. Ballast tractors tend to have high power engines and engines that provide lots of [[torque]], even at low speeds which is more important. Ballast tractors are often fitted with heavy duty hub reduction [[axle]]s, or high reductive gear boxes to increase torque at the wheel. Therefore heavy duty ballast tractors tend to have low maximum speeds. It is commonplace to find ballast tractors with a [[torque converter]] and extra coolers among other things.{{Citation needed|date=November 2008}} |
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Only a handful of manufacturers produce dedicated ballast tractors. Extra-heavy-duty chassis versions of mass-production tractor units are fitted with drawbar hitches and a separate ballast box as an alternative. These units are classified as N3 Category of [[large goods vehicle]]. Ballast tractors can be traced back to the 1940s when heavy haulers from the UK started employing purpose-built Scammell Showtracs, a short wheelbase 4×2 ballast tractor.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roll up, roll up... {{!}} 7th June 2012 {{!}} The Commercial Motor Archive |url=https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/7th-june-2012/36/roll-up-roll-up |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=archive.commercialmotor.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=No. 3 {{!}} Vehicles |url=https://www.carterssteamfair.co.uk/rides/number-3/ |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=Carters Steam Fair |language=en-GB}}</ref> |
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A ballast tractor can be either a modified tractor-unit, or the truck itself can be built from the ground up to be a ballast tractor. The tractor-unit variants tend to be heavy versions of readily available commercial models; such models have increased [[chassis]] strength to accommodate extra ballast and [[Drawbar (haulage)|drawbars]]. A ballast tractor that is built as a ballast tractor tends to be the heaviest class of on-highway trucks. In some cases, the chassis alone of these trucks can be even greater than their axle configuration legal [[GVW]], so require special permission to use the roads. |
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Increasingly, remote-controlled, [[self-propelled modular transporter]]s (SPMT) are being employed in traditional ballast tractor/trailer roles. |
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Ballast tractors tend to have their ballast located across their driving axle. The ballast on multi drive axle machines is designed such that the desired axle load per axle is achieved to avoid overloading a particular axle. Modern ballast trucks, which tend to be modified heavy duty versions of normal tractor-units, tend to have two or more driven axles (such as 8x4 configuration). Heavier ballast tractors tend to have all wheel drive. The heavier variants of ballast trucks, which tend to live their lives with permanent ballast (or high weights), have strong heavy chassis. Having a ballast truck with a high [[curb weight]] means that the truck may be already beyond the maximum permitted GVW and requires special permission even in this state. An advantage of such a machine allows ballast to be added when the demand is there (such as moving a heavier load). |
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== Etymology == |
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{{Refimprove section|date=March 2022}} |
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[[File:Rawcliffe Ballast Tractor & Trannsformer.jpg|thumb|right|[[MAN SE|MAN]] ballast tractor hooked via drawbar to {{cvt|92,000|kg|lb|abbr=on}} transformer on [[Nicolas Industrie|Nicolas]] modular axles]] |
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The ballast tractor's name derives from the nautical term “[[sailing ballast]]” describing heavy material added to a vessel to improve stability. For a ballast tractor, ballast is added over the driving wheels to maximize [[tractive effort|traction]]. The additional weight increases the friction between the tyres and the road surface, allowing the tractor to overcome the [[inertia]] and friction of moving a heavy trailed load. Without it, there would be unproductive [[wheelspin]].{{CN|date=October 2024}} |
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==Description== |
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A ballast tractor is somewhat limited in its use in modern day road freight because tractor-trailer combinations are more flexible and practical to move normal heavy loads. Heavy duty tractor units that are equipped with temporary ballast boxes can also often be used as a normal fifth wheel based tractor-unit, but its curb weight is often too high thus reducing the payload of the entire vehicle. A ballast tractor on its own is usually too heavy to be used for normal transport because the payload of the truck and its trailer are reduced considerably. |
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With a semi-trailer, ballast is added in the form of the weight of the attached trailer pressing down upon the tractor's [[fifth wheel]]. Since the load is separate from a ballast tractor, it provides no ballast: the drawbar only transmits a horizontal force.{{CN|date=October 2024}} |
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High inertia is encountered when starting to move a heavy load. To overcome this, ballast tractors tend to have high-powered, low geared engines that provide substantial [[torque]], especially at low speeds. Additionally, ballast tractors are often fitted with heavy-duty hub reduction [[axle]]s, a combination resulting in exceptionally low maximum speeds.{{CN|date=October 2024}} |
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The main use of ballast tractors has been that of moving heavy and abnormal loads. Ballast tractors tend to have high traction, which enables them to move a heavy load without losing power via [[wheelspin]]. Because ballast tractors tend to have reinforced chassis, they can be coupled together to increase power and traction. Normal trucks can not do this for heavy loads, as their chassis is being tugged from both sides hence likely resulting in a fracture.{{Citation needed|date=November 2008}} Another advantage of using ballast tractors with abnormal loads is that one can be used to push steer a trailer around a corner. A girder trailer for example is double articulated so the front tractor can pull the load around a corner whilst the rear tractor can push the rear end (at an angle) around the same corner.{{Citation needed|date=November 2008}} Therefore a push/pull combination can make an abnormal load more maneuverable than a rigid solution pulled by several tractors.{{Citation needed|date=November 2008}} |
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A strong [[chassis]] is required to both support the extra ballast weight and pulling forces transmitted by the drawbar. A reinforced chassis also allows multiple tractors to be coupled together to maximize power and traction. Heavy-duty versions of commercial tractor units may be fitted with a ballast box and suitable draw gear, or a ballast tractor may be purpose-built. Ballast is placed above the driving axle, or spread out over multiple driving axles to maximize traction on each and evenly distribute its load. Conversion from a regular tractor to a ballast tractor may require some modifications like chassis alteration, extra axle, larger tires, ballast box, and a heavy-duty gearbox so that it can handle the extra weight.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Extra heavy-duty trucks featuring Allison transmissions expand Megatranz fleet |url=https://allisontransmission.com/company/news-article/2016/09/07/extra-heavy-duty-trucks-featuring-allison-transmissions-expand-megatranz-fleet |access-date=2022-03-24 |website=ATI_InternetBlank |language=en}}</ref> The heavy-duty tractors which are usually converted into ballast tractors have 6x4, 8x6 axle configuration, hub reduction, better suspension and a powerful engine ranging from 300 to 1000hp.{{CN|date=October 2024}} |
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Another specialized use for ballast tractors is in showman vehicles. The ballast tractor used in this case may be a typical tractor unit fitted with a ballast box used to tow specialized trailers that contain rides which may not fit onto a standard fifth wheel connecting trailer, or is more convenient. The vehicle is used in the same manner as described above, but the overall weight is much less to comply with vehicle weight legislation, particularly axle loads. Sometimes, particularly on older machines when GVWs were lower, a generator set may act as the ballast. Today, generators can fit on the back of a tractor unit. Ballast tractors are not often seen in fairgrounds today.{{Citation needed|date=November 2008}} |
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A purpose built ballast tractor tends to be the heaviest class of on-road trucks. In some cases, its [[kerb weight]] can be greater than their axle configuration's legal [[Gross vehicle weight rating|Gross Vehicle Weight]] (GVW) permits, requiring special permission to use public roads. Some nations have categorized these tractors in a different category than conventional tractors because of higher GVW permits and HMT configuration.{{CN|date=October 2024}} |
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==Manufacturers== |
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There are few well-known manufactures that produce ballast tractors that are built as such. Most high-volume manufacturers offer heavy duty chassis versions of some of their tractors, which enable a ballast box to be fitted. In Europe, manufacturers tend to send some of their products to another company (owned by the parent) to be converted into a special heavy duty version.{{Citation needed|date=November 2008}} |
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Typical ballast tractor configurations employ an independent drawbar trailer, [[hydraulic modular trailer]], or [[dolly trailer]]. An advantage of using ballast tractors is the ability to push-steer a trailer around a corner. A girder trailer, for example, is double-articulated, so the front tractor can pull the load around a corner while the rear tractor pushes it through, thereby making the load more manoeuvrable than a simple towing configuration. Use of a following tractor also can increase control and brake force descending an incline.{{CN|date=October 2024}} |
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There are a few companies that do build built-to-order machines which tend to be the heaviest and most powerful machines designed for one company for a specific purpose. Nicolas Tractomas (France) for example, currently builds 8x8 and 10x10 ultra heavy duty tractors for Rotran in South Africa. |
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== Equipment == |
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Ballast tractors were more popular in the past in developed countries, due to a larger volume of heavy goods being produced for modernization schemes and expansions.{{Citation needed|date=November 2008}} |
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{{Unreferenced section|date=March 2022}} |
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[[File:Titan-Schwerlastturm.jpg|thumb|Titan Spezialfahrzeugbau GmbH ballast tractors with [[Mercedes-Benz Group|Mercedes-Benz]] Actros cabs]] |
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=== Ballast box === |
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The ballast box is a metal box installed on the rear chassis of the tractor instead of the fifth wheel coupling. Earlier heavy haulers unmounted the fifth wheel and used merely a piece or two of heavy [[Rock (geology)|rocks]], [[stones]] or concrete blocks which weighted enough to avoid wheel spin,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tractors Modified for Dual Purpose {{!}} 16th April 1948 {{!}} The Commercial Motor Archive |url=https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/16th-april-1948/45/tractors-modified-for-dual-purpose |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=archive.commercialmotor.com}}</ref> later builders and heavy haulers developed metal boxes of different designs to match the tractor layout. These boxes were filled with [[concrete]] or [[steel]] to increase the weight of the tractor. The problem with ballast tractors was the weight of ballast itself weighted over 10, 20 or even 40 tons in some scenarios. Other designs also included sleeping cabins in the ballast for the drivers and the [[crew]] for longer journeys and harsh weather conditions,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-02 |title=The importance of ballast! |url=https://heritagemachines.com/commercials/importance-of-ballast/ |access-date=2022-03-25 |website=Heritage Machines}}</ref> This made the height of the tractors increase significantly, these units are still used today in the [[Arab states of the Persian Gulf|gulf area]] due to extreme heat. Some units have factory fitted ballast box with appropriate weight to meet with the regional guidelines, these tractors units do not have fifth wheel and drive out from the factory with a ballast box. Heavy haul operators convert heavy-duty tractors to ballast tractors with an aftermarket ballast box built by a builder or by themselves.{{CN|date=October 2024}} |
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New age power boosters which are external engine an accessory of hydraulic modular trailer can also be mounted on the tractor chassis to act as a ballast, saving a lot of space on the trailer itself for the loads and most important avoid application of extra tractors. [[Mammoet]] and Scheuerle (Member of the [[Transporter Industry International|TII]] Group) have proved this configuration in 2019 on a difficult terrain in [[Norway]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mammoet uses new road solution to navigate dangerous route |url=https://www.projectcargojournal.com/equipment/2019/10/09/mammoet-uses-new-road-solution-to-navigate-dangerous-route/ |access-date=2022-03-25 |website=Project Cargo Journal |date=9 October 2019 |language=en-US}}</ref> Almost all HMT manufacturers have their own variant of power booster.{{CN|date=October 2024}} |
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===Canada=== |
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*[[Pacific Trucks|Pacific]] |
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===Drawbar coupling=== |
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Drawbar coupling is a special [[tow hitch]] mounted on the front end or rear end of the tractor, sometimes both, it connects the HMT to the ballast tractor. Earlier coupling consisted of in house made metal hitch which had loops to lock [[Drawbar eye|drawbar eyes]] with a pin. Later fifth wheel manufacturers like [[:de:Jost_Werke|Jost Rockinger]] and [[Ringfeder]] developed heavy-duty drawbar couplings with a 50 mm loop, drawbars and drawbar eyes which were built with higher quality and standards this increase the safety significantly. These couplings can be mounted on both ends of the tractor for push or pull applications. Some manufacturers also provide tractors with drawbar coupling fitted from the factory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Heavy metal in special transport |url=http://www.transportengineer.org.uk/transport-engineer-features/heavy-metal-in-special-transport/217019 |access-date=2022-03-25 |website=www.transportengineer.org.uk}}</ref> |
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==Manufacturers== |
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Only a handful of manufacturers produce dedicated ballast tractors. Most high-volume manufacturers offer heavy-duty chassis versions of certain tractor units, which enable a ballast box to be fitted. In Europe, manufacturers tend to send some of their products to another company (owned by the parent) to be converted into a special heavy-duty version.{{Citation needed|date=November 2008}} |
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;Belarus |
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*[[MZKT|Volat]] |
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;Belgium |
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*[[MOL Trucks|MOL]] |
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;Canada |
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*[[Hayes Manufacturing Company|Hayes]] |
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*[[Pacific Trucks|Pacific]] |
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;Czech Republic |
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*[[Tatra (company)|Tatra]] |
*[[Tatra (company)|Tatra]] |
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;France |
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*[[Nicolas Industrie|Nicolas Tractomas]] 8×8 and 10×10 ultra-heavy-duty tractors |
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*[[PRP (manufacturer)|PRP]] |
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* [[Willeme]] |
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*[[Willème]] |
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;Germany |
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* [[Faun GmbH]] |
* [[Tadano Faun GmbH]] |
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* [[MAN |
* [[MAN Truck & Bus|MAN]] / [[ÖAF]] |
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* [[Mercedes |
* [[Mercedes-Benz]] (Titan) |
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;India |
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===Netherlands=== |
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* [[Volvo Trucks India]]<ref>{{Cite press release |last=Trucks |first=Volvo |title=Volvo Trucks India launches next-generation trucks |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/volvo-trucks-india-launches-next-generation-trucks-885905897.html |access-date=2022-03-24 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}}</ref> |
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* [[Scania India]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scania R 580 6×4 truck receives on-road Puller certification from ARAI – Motorindia |url=https://www.motorindiaonline.in/scania-r-580-6x4-truck-receives-on-road-puller-certification-from-arai/ |access-date=2022-03-24 |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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;Italy |
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*[[Astra Veicoli Industriali|Astra-SIVI (Iveco)]] |
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;Netherlands |
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* [[DAF Trucks|DAF]] (GINAF) |
* [[DAF Trucks|DAF]] (GINAF) |
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;Russia (formerly Soviet Union) |
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===UK=== |
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* [[Minsk Automobile Plant|MAZ]] |
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*[[Atkinson Vehicles Ltd]] |
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* [[National Automotive Institute|NAMI]] |
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;Spain |
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*[[TBO Trabosa]] |
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*[[TMU (manufacturer)|TMU]] |
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;Switzerland |
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*[[Saurer|NAW]] |
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;UK |
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*[[Associated Equipment Company|AEC]] |
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*[[Seddon Atkinson|Atkinson Vehicles]] |
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*[[ERF (truck manufacturer)|ERF]] |
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*[[Foden Trucks]] |
*[[Foden Trucks]] |
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*[[Rotinoff Motors]] – 35 heavy haulage tractors were built by the company between 1952 and 1959, of which 11 are known to survive. |
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*[[Scammell Lorries]]<ref name="scammell">{{cite web |format=PDF |url=http://www.tsauction.co.uk/Sales_Vintage/Catalogue%20forwebsite.pdf |pages=16 |quote=This very smart tri axle [Scammell Junior Constructor] ballast tractor was one of six supplied new to Pickfords in 1958. |title=Thimbleby & Shorland - COMMERCIAL VEHICLES SPARES and ACCESSORIES MEMORABILIA, MODELS, LITERATURE PICTURES and PRINTS AUCTION SATURDAY 25th MARCH 2006 |format=pdf |date=2006-03-25 |accessdate=2007-09-14}}</ref> Many early examples, now used and seen as showman's vehicles, originally served with the army. |
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*[[Scammell]]<ref name="scammell">{{cite web|url=http://www.tsauction.co.uk/Sales_Vintage/Catalogue%20forwebsite.pdf |pages=16 |quote=This very smart tri axle [Scammell Junior Constructor] ballast tractor was one of six supplied new to Pickfords in 1958. |title=Thimbleby & Shorland - {{lc: COMMERCIAL VEHICLES SPARES and ACCESSORIES MEMORABILIA, MODELS, LITERATURE PICTURES and PRINTS AUCTION}} Saturday 25th March 2006 |date=2006-03-25 |accessdate=2007-09-14 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926091501/http://www.tsauction.co.uk/Sales_Vintage/Catalogue%2Bforwebsite.pdf |archivedate=26 September 2007 |url-status=live |df=dmy }}</ref> – Many early examples, now used and seen as showman's vehicles, originally served with the army. |
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*[[Thornycroft Antar|Thornycroft]] |
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*[[Thornycroft]] -such as [[Thornycroft Antar]] |
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*[[Unipower]] |
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*[[Universal Power Drives|Unipower]] |
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;USA |
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*[[Diamond T]] - Ex-army tank transports were popular post |
* [[Diamond T]] - Ex-army [[Diamond T 980|Diamond T M20]] tank transports were popular post World War II with heavy hauliers in the UK. |
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* [[Kenworth]] |
* [[Kenworth]] |
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* [[Mack Trucks|Mack]] |
* [[Mack Trucks|Mack]] |
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==Operators== |
==Operators== |
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[[ |
[[File:Rawcliffe Ballasted Outfit.JPG|thumb|right|Three ballast tractors from [[JB Rawcliffe & Sons]] (two [[MAN SE|MAN]] pulling and one [[Mercedes-Benz|Mercedes]] pushing) with {{convert|100,000|kg|lb|abbr=on}} transformer on [[Nicolas (manufacturer)|Nicolas]] modular-5 [[Greiner bed]] 5-axle trailer en route to a wind farm substation]] |
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Most heavy haulage and heavy lift engineering firms employ heavy duty tractor-unit models that can accommodate a ballast box. Countries where |
Most heavy haulage and heavy lift engineering firms employ heavy duty tractor-unit models that can accommodate a ballast box. Countries where modernization is taking place, such as regions of the Middle East and South Africa and Asia, operate larger number of ballast tractors due to the greater frequency of heavy loads (such as power station components) and infrastructure projects. |
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Apart from being used by fairgrounds as a direct replacement for the steam-powered [[showman's engine]], specialist moving and haulage companies use ballast tractors. These include: |
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===UK=== |
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*[[Alstom]] |
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{{Expand-section|date=June 2008}} |
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*[[Mammoet]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Heavy Haulage Move in Thornton |url=http://www.railpage.com.au/news/s/heavy-haulage-move-in-thornton |access-date=2022-03-24 |website=Railpage}}</ref> |
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Apart from being used by fairgrounds as a direct replacement for the steam-powered [[showman's engine]], specialist moving and haulage companies use ballast tractors. These include: |
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*[[Allely's Heavy Haulage]] - Specialist in moving railway engines and rolling stock by road. |
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*[[Abnormal Load Engineering]] (ALE)[http://www.ale-heavylift.com/] <!--Abnormal Load Engineering international website --> - specialist in moving transformers and turbines for power stations, from GEC at Stafford.<ref>High, Wide & Heavy by David Lee, Published by Round Oak, ISBN 1-871565-47-2</ref> |
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*[[Alstom]] - Successor to ALE |
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*[[Cadzow Heavy Haulage]] from [[Blantyre, South Lanarkshire|Blantyre]] in Scotland move [[Terex]] earthmovers from the factory; also oil field support equipment to the fabrication yards. |
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*[[Econofright]] |
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*[[G.C.S. Johnson Ltd]] - Oil industry fabrications from Teesside yard to the docks<!-- "and tanks " (Huh?)-->. |
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*[[Heanor Heavy Haulage]] |
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*[[Leicester Heavy Haulage]][http://www.leicesterheavyhaulage.co.uk/] |
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*[[Mammoet]][http://www.mammoet.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1480&language=nl-NL] <!--Mammoet international website--> |
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*[[Pickfords]]<ref name="scammell" /> |
*[[Pickfords]]<ref name="scammell" /> |
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*[[Sarens]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=DAF N 3300 NT 3326 DKX «Sarens» ballast tractor with crane, cab Magirus Deutz — Каталог К.В.Х. |url=http://uncle-vova.com/card/daf-n-3300-nt-3326-dkx-sarens-ballast-tractor-with-crane-cab-magirus-deutz/ |access-date=2022-03-24 |language=ru-RU}}</ref> |
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*[[JB Rawcliffe & Sons Ltd]][http://www.jbrawcliffe.com/] <!--JB Rawcliffe & Sons Ltd Website --> - heavy haulage, specialised transport & abnormal loads |
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*[[ |
*[[ALE (company)|ALE]] |
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*[[Lampson International]] |
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*[[Sunters]] |
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*[[CLP Group]] |
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*[[Omega Morgan]] |
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*[[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] |
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{{clear}} |
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== |
==Gallery== |
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<gallery class="center"> |
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With the increasing versatility of [[Self Propelled Modular Transporter]] (SPMT) and modular low loaders, pure ballast tractors are not as common, with most being a heavy duty tractor unit with a removable "Ballast" box fixed in place of the [[fifth wheel]] unit. Ultra heavy loads of 200 ton plus generally are only moved short distances and SPMT's are more manuverable. Items commonly moved include: oil rig modules, bridge sections, buildings, sections of ships, industrial machinery. |
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File:0133 2019-03 Goldhofer FTV 300.jpg|[[Mercedes-Benz SK]] Ballast Tractor pulling Goldhofer hydraulic modular trailer with FTV 300 blade lifter carrying a [[Windmill]] blade. |
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File:0145 2019-03 Goldhofer »FAKTOR« 5.jpg|Ballast Tractor Pushing Goldhofer hydraulic modular trailer with Faktor 5 girder bridge. |
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File:Pickfords.jpg|[[Scammell]] Contractor ballast tractor pulling specialist trailer at a fair |
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File:Atkinson Ballast Tractor - fairground livery lookalike.jpg|[[Atkinson Vehicles Ltd|Atkinson]] ballast tractor |
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File:Scammell Ballast Tractor - fairground livery.jpg|Scammell ballast tractor. Note the front [[drawbar (haulage)|drawbar]] coupling for pushing heavy loads |
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File:RotinofF5-2947.jpg|Three of the 11 surviving [[Rotinoff Motors|Rotinoff Atlantic]] ballast tractors |
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File:Scheuerle Fahrzeugfabrik Schwerlastmodul InterCombi.jpg|An [[MAN Truck & Bus|MAN]] and a [[Volvo Trucks|Volvo]] ballast tractor pulling load on [[Transporter Industry International|TII]] hydraulic modular trailer. |
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File:Rotran Set Nicolas Tractomas.jpg|[[Transporter Industry International|TII]] Nicolas Tractomas ballast tractor. |
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File:Abnormal Vehicle. Rotran Set headed by a Nicolas Tractomas Truck, 2 International Pacifics (Ex SAR) with a Girder Beam on two Multi Axle Nicolas Trailers (21442866448).jpg|[[Transporter Industry International|TII]] Nicolas Tractomas ballast tractors pulling a hydraulic modular trailer with girder bridge. |
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File:Oversize transport towards BASF.jpg|[[MAN Truck & Bus|MAN]] ballast tractor pushing hydraulic modular trailer with bolster configuration. |
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File:Abnormal Load 360 Tons. Ale Near Hendrina. (12035617625).jpg|ALE Faun custom ballast tractor. |
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File:ALE Abnormal load in Kincardine (4514127619).jpg|ALE Trojan ballast tractor pushing hydraulic modular trailer with girder bridge configuration. |
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File:MAN 41-603 tractor unit, Abnormal Load Engineering, London E5. 22 March 2009.jpg|ALE [[MAN Truck & Bus|MAN]] ballast tractor with drawbar connected to a hydraulic modular trailer. |
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File:Overweight load transport.JPEG|[[MAN Truck & Bus|MAN]] ballast tractor pulling hydraulic modular trailer. |
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</gallery> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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{{Portal|Transport}} |
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{{div col|colwidth=30em}} |
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*[[Heavy hauler]] |
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*[[Prime mover (tractor unit)|Prime mover]] |
*[[Prime mover (tractor unit)|Prime mover]] |
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* [[Ringfeder]] |
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*[[Traction engine#Road locomotive|Road locomotive]] – ''steam-powered fore-runner of the ballast tractor'' |
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*[[Toter]] |
*[[Toter]] |
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*[[Tractor unit]] |
*[[Tractor unit]] |
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*[[Sisu K-50SS]] |
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*[[Hydraulic modular trailer]] |
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{{div col end}} |
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==References== |
==References== |
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*[http://www.schwerlastinfo.de/ Extremely large collection of heavy haulage photos] {{in lang|de}} |
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*[http://www.schwerlastinfo.de/ Extremely large collection of heavy haulage photos] {{Language icon|de}} |
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Latest revision as of 23:09, 28 October 2024
A ballast tractor is a specially weighted tractor unit of a heavy hauler combination. It is designed to utilize a drawbar to pull or push heavy or exceptionally large trailer loads which are loaded in a hydraulic modular trailer. When feasible, lowboy-style semi-trailers are used to minimize the height of a load's center of mass. Typical drivetrains are 6×4 and 6×6, but 8×6 and 8×8 are also available. Typical ballast tractor loads include oil rig modules, bridge sections, buildings, ship sections, and industrial machinery such as generators and turbines.
Only a handful of manufacturers produce dedicated ballast tractors. Extra-heavy-duty chassis versions of mass-production tractor units are fitted with drawbar hitches and a separate ballast box as an alternative. These units are classified as N3 Category of large goods vehicle. Ballast tractors can be traced back to the 1940s when heavy haulers from the UK started employing purpose-built Scammell Showtracs, a short wheelbase 4×2 ballast tractor.[1][2]
Increasingly, remote-controlled, self-propelled modular transporters (SPMT) are being employed in traditional ballast tractor/trailer roles.
Etymology
[edit] | This section needs additional citations for verification. (March 2022) |
The ballast tractor's name derives from the nautical term “sailing ballast” describing heavy material added to a vessel to improve stability. For a ballast tractor, ballast is added over the driving wheels to maximize traction. The additional weight increases the friction between the tyres and the road surface, allowing the tractor to overcome the inertia and friction of moving a heavy trailed load. Without it, there would be unproductive wheelspin.[citation needed]
Description
[edit]With a semi-trailer, ballast is added in the form of the weight of the attached trailer pressing down upon the tractor's fifth wheel. Since the load is separate from a ballast tractor, it provides no ballast: the drawbar only transmits a horizontal force.[citation needed]
High inertia is encountered when starting to move a heavy load. To overcome this, ballast tractors tend to have high-powered, low geared engines that provide substantial torque, especially at low speeds. Additionally, ballast tractors are often fitted with heavy-duty hub reduction axles, a combination resulting in exceptionally low maximum speeds.[citation needed]
A strong chassis is required to both support the extra ballast weight and pulling forces transmitted by the drawbar. A reinforced chassis also allows multiple tractors to be coupled together to maximize power and traction. Heavy-duty versions of commercial tractor units may be fitted with a ballast box and suitable draw gear, or a ballast tractor may be purpose-built. Ballast is placed above the driving axle, or spread out over multiple driving axles to maximize traction on each and evenly distribute its load. Conversion from a regular tractor to a ballast tractor may require some modifications like chassis alteration, extra axle, larger tires, ballast box, and a heavy-duty gearbox so that it can handle the extra weight.[3] The heavy-duty tractors which are usually converted into ballast tractors have 6x4, 8x6 axle configuration, hub reduction, better suspension and a powerful engine ranging from 300 to 1000hp.[citation needed]
A purpose built ballast tractor tends to be the heaviest class of on-road trucks. In some cases, its kerb weight can be greater than their axle configuration's legal Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) permits, requiring special permission to use public roads. Some nations have categorized these tractors in a different category than conventional tractors because of higher GVW permits and HMT configuration.[citation needed]
Typical ballast tractor configurations employ an independent drawbar trailer, hydraulic modular trailer, or dolly trailer. An advantage of using ballast tractors is the ability to push-steer a trailer around a corner. A girder trailer, for example, is double-articulated, so the front tractor can pull the load around a corner while the rear tractor pushes it through, thereby making the load more manoeuvrable than a simple towing configuration. Use of a following tractor also can increase control and brake force descending an incline.[citation needed]
Equipment
[edit] |
Ballast box
[edit]The ballast box is a metal box installed on the rear chassis of the tractor instead of the fifth wheel coupling. Earlier heavy haulers unmounted the fifth wheel and used merely a piece or two of heavy rocks, stones or concrete blocks which weighted enough to avoid wheel spin,[4] later builders and heavy haulers developed metal boxes of different designs to match the tractor layout. These boxes were filled with concrete or steel to increase the weight of the tractor. The problem with ballast tractors was the weight of ballast itself weighted over 10, 20 or even 40 tons in some scenarios. Other designs also included sleeping cabins in the ballast for the drivers and the crew for longer journeys and harsh weather conditions,[5] This made the height of the tractors increase significantly, these units are still used today in the gulf area due to extreme heat. Some units have factory fitted ballast box with appropriate weight to meet with the regional guidelines, these tractors units do not have fifth wheel and drive out from the factory with a ballast box. Heavy haul operators convert heavy-duty tractors to ballast tractors with an aftermarket ballast box built by a builder or by themselves.[citation needed]
New age power boosters which are external engine an accessory of hydraulic modular trailer can also be mounted on the tractor chassis to act as a ballast, saving a lot of space on the trailer itself for the loads and most important avoid application of extra tractors. Mammoet and Scheuerle (Member of the TII Group) have proved this configuration in 2019 on a difficult terrain in Norway.[6] Almost all HMT manufacturers have their own variant of power booster.[citation needed]
Drawbar coupling
[edit]Drawbar coupling is a special tow hitch mounted on the front end or rear end of the tractor, sometimes both, it connects the HMT to the ballast tractor. Earlier coupling consisted of in house made metal hitch which had loops to lock drawbar eyes with a pin. Later fifth wheel manufacturers like Jost Rockinger and Ringfeder developed heavy-duty drawbar couplings with a 50 mm loop, drawbars and drawbar eyes which were built with higher quality and standards this increase the safety significantly. These couplings can be mounted on both ends of the tractor for push or pull applications. Some manufacturers also provide tractors with drawbar coupling fitted from the factory.[7]
Manufacturers
[edit]Only a handful of manufacturers produce dedicated ballast tractors. Most high-volume manufacturers offer heavy-duty chassis versions of certain tractor units, which enable a ballast box to be fitted. In Europe, manufacturers tend to send some of their products to another company (owned by the parent) to be converted into a special heavy-duty version.[citation needed]
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Canada
- Czech Republic
- France
- Nicolas Tractomas 8×8 and 10×10 ultra-heavy-duty tractors
- PRP
- Willème
- Germany
- Tadano Faun GmbH
- MAN / ÖAF
- Mercedes-Benz (Titan)
- India
- Italy
- Netherlands
- DAF (GINAF)
- Russia (formerly Soviet Union)
- Spain
- Switzerland
- UK
- AEC
- Atkinson Vehicles
- ERF
- Foden Trucks
- Rotinoff Motors – 35 heavy haulage tractors were built by the company between 1952 and 1959, of which 11 are known to survive.
- Scammell[10] – Many early examples, now used and seen as showman's vehicles, originally served with the army.
- Thornycroft -such as Thornycroft Antar
- Unipower
- USA
- Diamond T - Ex-army Diamond T M20 tank transports were popular post World War II with heavy hauliers in the UK.
- Kenworth
- Mack
- White
- Oshkosh Corporation
Operators
[edit]
Most heavy haulage and heavy lift engineering firms employ heavy duty tractor-unit models that can accommodate a ballast box. Countries where modernization is taking place, such as regions of the Middle East and South Africa and Asia, operate larger number of ballast tractors due to the greater frequency of heavy loads (such as power station components) and infrastructure projects.
Apart from being used by fairgrounds as a direct replacement for the steam-powered showman's engine, specialist moving and haulage companies use ballast tractors. These include:
- Alstom
- Mammoet[11]
- Pickfords[10]
- Sarens[12]
- ALE
- Lampson International
- CLP Group
- Omega Morgan
- Defence Research and Development Organisation
Gallery
[edit]-
Mercedes-Benz SK Ballast Tractor pulling Goldhofer hydraulic modular trailer with FTV 300 blade lifter carrying a Windmill blade. -
Ballast Tractor Pushing Goldhofer hydraulic modular trailer with Faktor 5 girder bridge. -
Scammell Contractor ballast tractor pulling specialist trailer at a fair -
Atkinson ballast tractor -
Scammell ballast tractor. Note the front drawbar coupling for pushing heavy loads -
Three of the 11 surviving Rotinoff Atlantic ballast tractors -
-
TII Nicolas Tractomas ballast tractor. -
TII Nicolas Tractomas ballast tractors pulling a hydraulic modular trailer with girder bridge. -
MAN ballast tractor pushing hydraulic modular trailer with bolster configuration. -
ALE Faun custom ballast tractor. -
ALE Trojan ballast tractor pushing hydraulic modular trailer with girder bridge configuration. -
ALE MAN ballast tractor with drawbar connected to a hydraulic modular trailer. -
MAN ballast tractor pulling hydraulic modular trailer.
_with_a_Girder_Beam_on_two_Multi_Axle_Nicolas_Trailers_(21442866448).jpg)
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See also
[edit]
- Heavy hauler
- Prime mover
- Ringfeder
- Road locomotive – steam-powered fore-runner of the ballast tractor
- Toter
- Tractor unit
- Sisu K-50SS
- Hydraulic modular trailer
References
[edit]- ^ "Roll up, roll up... | 7th June 2012 | The Commercial Motor Archive". archive.commercialmotor.com. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
- ^ "No. 3 | Vehicles". Carters Steam Fair. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
- ^ "Extra heavy-duty trucks featuring Allison transmissions expand Megatranz fleet". ATI_InternetBlank. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
- ^ "Tractors Modified for Dual Purpose | 16th April 1948 | The Commercial Motor Archive". archive.commercialmotor.com. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
- ^ "The importance of ballast!". Heritage Machines. 2 September 2021. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
- ^ "Mammoet uses new road solution to navigate dangerous route". Project Cargo Journal. 9 October 2019. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
- ^ "Heavy metal in special transport". www.transportengineer.org.uk. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
- ^ Trucks, Volvo. "Volvo Trucks India launches next-generation trucks". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved 24 March 2022.
- ^ "Scania R 580 6×4 truck receives on-road Puller certification from ARAI – Motorindia". Retrieved 24 March 2022.
- ^ a b "Thimbleby & Shorland - commercial vehicles spares and accessories memorabilia, models, literature pictures and prints auction Saturday 25th March 2006" (PDF). 25 March 2006. p. 16. Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 September 2007. Retrieved 2007-09-14.
This very smart tri axle [Scammell Junior Constructor] ballast tractor was one of six supplied new to Pickfords in 1958.
- ^ "Heavy Haulage Move in Thornton". Railpage. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
- ^ "DAF N 3300 NT 3326 DKX «Sarens» ballast tractor with crane, cab Magirus Deutz — Каталог К.В.Х." (in Russian). Retrieved 24 March 2022.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ballast tractors.