A perfect Swiss match

62 tonnes of weight, 4.3 metres in diameter, around 200 kilometres of transport route, and finally narrow access roads via secondary streets leading to the construction site. From its very first assignment, the new VarioMAX at heavy haulage specialist Emil Egger was put to the test. As the first user, the Swiss company relies on a VarioMAX lowbed trailer with a six-axle rear bogie on 17.5" pendle-axles – and the debut immediately demonstrated why this concept is so convincing.

The requirements for the configuration were clearly defined: the vehicle had to be as light as possible. „That was the decisive factor“, explains Thomas Schmitz, sales representative at Faymonville and long-standing contact for the customer. The company had already gained very positive experience with a 17.5" GigaMAX lowbed trailer in a 2+5 configuration. At the same time, the new combination had to remain as compact as possible despite its high performance – a key advantage on demanding routes.

First test run to the wind farm

Barely delivered, the new VarioMAX faced its first real-world challenge. For its maiden voyage, Emil Egger transported a tower section of an Enercon E-115 wind turbine from the port of Birsfelden near Basel to the Vaud Jura close to Vallorbe. The cargo weighed 62 tonnes and measured 4.3 metres in diameter. On top of that came the challenges of the route itself. „For this job, we needed a transport solution that was as short and compact as possible to reach the construction site via secondary roads“, explains Managing Director Michael Egger. Other solutions quickly reached their limits. A tower adapter combination was ruled out due to its length, while a multi-axle semi-trailer would not have achieved the required loading height. The 3+6 VarioMAX, however, combined all requirements in a single vehicle.

Pulled by a Mercedes-Benz SLT 8x6 tractor unit, the combination handled the route with confidence. Whether passing through villages, navigating narrow roads, or tackling mountainous terrain – the 600 millimetre pendle-axle stroke ensured safe performance across a wide range of topographical challenges. „As always, we have been very satisfied with the vehicle right from the very first transport“, concludes Michael Egger.

Vario-Z-9(3+6)HH-V-KBX-A_Egger_CH_Ch. 40804 (3)

Further focus on rail vehicles

In addition to construction and industrial applications, the transport of rail vehicles represents another key field of use for the VarioMAX. Here, the low bed with its outer beams demonstrates its strengths. „These can be mounted in different widths, allowing track gauges from 1,440 to 1,020 millimetres in 60-millimetre increments. Whether locomotives, trams, or mountain railways – a wide variety of rail vehicles can be safely loaded and transported“, explains Thomas Schmitz. The concept is further enhanced by a set of extension beams, providing additional flexibility for varying load lengths. A true Swiss success story – from the very first journey.